Going against a general rule of thumb I have on playing bowl games this early especially these days with all the unknowns, opt outs, transfers, etc....
But.....
Putting an investment in now (can't believe I could've got the ML at +$$$) that I would be surprised if I couldn't buy back a chunk of it or all of it later on this month. There are still 2 giant unknowns at a minimum in #5 Karlaftis and #3 Bell (whom have already announced they aren't coming back) even playing in this game.
Vibes are great in West Lafayette in general and in the direction of the program (finally) but this game is a tall order and step up in class for this defense against an offense that Purdue really has only seen one offense better than this year.
I do admit I only have vibes/notes/insight into one side of this. If anyone has nuggets to share on vibes in Nashville please do. I'm banking on either way being able to play back on the other side if I need to.
Karlaftis is the big one to watch and I don't have a crystal ball but if I'm a top 3-5 draft pick I don't see what I'd have to prove or gain in this game. If big #5 is out (and I kind of think he will be) this defensive line takes a major major step back as he requires so much attention.
Bell is a little different. He easily could've sat out this year after the concussion but came back anyway. He's got a bit more to gain if he were to have a big showing on New Years Eve-Eve but we shall see. I do think Purdue's offense should be able to produce with or without as they are a bit more matchup proof now that O'Connell has hit a groove.
I'll post any nuggets or changes in thought process as we go along and know I'm unlikely to have this amount riding on game day but for now this is the investment....
5* Tennessee -3 EV
But.....
Putting an investment in now (can't believe I could've got the ML at +$$$) that I would be surprised if I couldn't buy back a chunk of it or all of it later on this month. There are still 2 giant unknowns at a minimum in #5 Karlaftis and #3 Bell (whom have already announced they aren't coming back) even playing in this game.
Vibes are great in West Lafayette in general and in the direction of the program (finally) but this game is a tall order and step up in class for this defense against an offense that Purdue really has only seen one offense better than this year.
I do admit I only have vibes/notes/insight into one side of this. If anyone has nuggets to share on vibes in Nashville please do. I'm banking on either way being able to play back on the other side if I need to.
Karlaftis is the big one to watch and I don't have a crystal ball but if I'm a top 3-5 draft pick I don't see what I'd have to prove or gain in this game. If big #5 is out (and I kind of think he will be) this defensive line takes a major major step back as he requires so much attention.
Bell is a little different. He easily could've sat out this year after the concussion but came back anyway. He's got a bit more to gain if he were to have a big showing on New Years Eve-Eve but we shall see. I do think Purdue's offense should be able to produce with or without as they are a bit more matchup proof now that O'Connell has hit a groove.
I'll post any nuggets or changes in thought process as we go along and know I'm unlikely to have this amount riding on game day but for now this is the investment....
5* Tennessee -3 EV