Small card last week so I'll go over some quick thoughts and we'll move on -- and you'll love what I ended up playing live on our Rutgers fade...
USC with a 9am start was capped well by many of us -- too early. The offense did get going later in the game and they even took the lead. The bottom line though, the defense is still the same ole Trojans/Lincoln Riley below-average defense. Altmeyer was excellent and the Illini grabbed a much needed win after last week's trashing at Indy. Live TT's and the HT number for USC cashed easily. Illinois at +7 was a very sharp bet by many of you!
The Rutgers and Minnesota game was interesting early. The Scarlet Knights came out hot and grabbed a 14-0 lead. Minnesota settled in and and came back to win the game. So, we talked about Minnesota TT's all week long. I waited because I wanted to see how the game started. To be honest, this was a perfect start in order to grab some value. I was 'en route' and pulled over on the road trying to grab a 'live' TT at 20.5 when the score was 14-0. Well, that number locked up and I didn't get the bet in. I kept refreshing and suddenly the score is 14-14. WTF. Now, the TT was still available at 29.5 but on my live market I spotted a Full Game o43.5 -220. Yes, juicy, but I had to take this as we still had 36+ minutes to play! Anyways, Dr Chalk made an appearance and that cashed before the 4th quarter.
I played that one OSU tt pregame and knew after one quarter it wasn't happening. I never forced any other bets on this game. Solid road win, very no-descript game to be honest.
Oregon and Penn State was an absolute grinder for one half. You could see the Ducks starting to show some offense and things opened up in the 3rd. Frankly, that comeback was surprising to me. I thought PSU might grab a late score but that was it. This Oregon team has a nice defense! Dante is showing his high 4 star play now and fitting in nicely. Lanning was all coked out, but whatever works, right? Penn State first real game and they were not up to it till late. This isn't a championship team. At some point they need to have the James Franklin conversation. Maybe they are happy with where they are at?
Iowa fought hard vs the Hoosiers but without much of an offense, they simply didn't have enough. Nice road win for Indy. This was always going to be a 4th quarter game looking back on it. Coming off that game vs Illinois and playing a tough, physical team. Excellent job hanging in there.
Alright, ONWARD!!
Washington @ Maryland (+6 and 52.5)
This is a game where I'll be looking for a live 'over' at some point. I'm not sure what fashion but I see how this one will go. I'd even think about full game over but would like to see a few possessions first. The Terps are a live dog here methinks.
Wisconsin @ Michigan (-16.5 and 42.5)
Michigan with a much needed bye week last time out. I say that because of the injuries. Hopefully they are starting to get some guys back. USC is on deck and having everyone ready would be big. This week is another week to work on that offense and letting Bryce grab more confidence. The OL is growing very nicely. Injuries have honestly helped to reshape the line, for the better. We'll see how they shuffle the WR's as this continues to be a problem area. Catch the damn ball! Haynes and Marshall should continue to cook. I don't have much to say about the Badgers other than this team isn't that good. Perfect weather as of now! Michigan TT may very well be in play here -- still capping that.
Minnesota @ Ohio State (-24 and 44.5)
Pretty low total and that reflects what should be a tough day for the Gophers offense. Minny had an average rushing day last week and now face a real defense. They'll be airing it out early and often which should lead to some turnovers. This should be a routine game for OSU and maybe a situational play here but I doubt I'll be looking at this game too much.
Michigan State @ Nebraska (-11 and 51)
Big game here both ways in my opinion. The Huskers lost a measuring stick game last time out and need to make sure they are winning these games vs less talented teams. Conversely, Michigan State needs to steal a road game somewhere if they truly want to exceed expectations. They play hard and play to the final whistle. Unfortunately, their trenches are not good and the lack of running back talent is evident. This game will be telling both ways.
Penn State @ UCLA (+25.5 and 50)
Game 2 of a new Bruins era vs a pissed of Nittany Lions teams. Ruh-roe. On the flipside, this could also be a hangover game for UCLA. Different team this year but the Bruins played Penn St quite hard last year. I remember, I lost money on the game.
Illinois @ Purdue (+9 and 57)
I'm going to use the terminology -- I am -- trap game! Come on, this is the definition of a trappy situation. Illinois off a big upset at home heads into sleepy West Lafayette the week before hosting #1 Ohio State. You know damn well they have their attention on next week. The confidence is up after the USC game. I am not saying to bet Purdue, I am saying to be careful laying this number.
Alright, let's chat and come up with some winners!!
USC with a 9am start was capped well by many of us -- too early. The offense did get going later in the game and they even took the lead. The bottom line though, the defense is still the same ole Trojans/Lincoln Riley below-average defense. Altmeyer was excellent and the Illini grabbed a much needed win after last week's trashing at Indy. Live TT's and the HT number for USC cashed easily. Illinois at +7 was a very sharp bet by many of you!
The Rutgers and Minnesota game was interesting early. The Scarlet Knights came out hot and grabbed a 14-0 lead. Minnesota settled in and and came back to win the game. So, we talked about Minnesota TT's all week long. I waited because I wanted to see how the game started. To be honest, this was a perfect start in order to grab some value. I was 'en route' and pulled over on the road trying to grab a 'live' TT at 20.5 when the score was 14-0. Well, that number locked up and I didn't get the bet in. I kept refreshing and suddenly the score is 14-14. WTF. Now, the TT was still available at 29.5 but on my live market I spotted a Full Game o43.5 -220. Yes, juicy, but I had to take this as we still had 36+ minutes to play! Anyways, Dr Chalk made an appearance and that cashed before the 4th quarter.
I played that one OSU tt pregame and knew after one quarter it wasn't happening. I never forced any other bets on this game. Solid road win, very no-descript game to be honest.
Oregon and Penn State was an absolute grinder for one half. You could see the Ducks starting to show some offense and things opened up in the 3rd. Frankly, that comeback was surprising to me. I thought PSU might grab a late score but that was it. This Oregon team has a nice defense! Dante is showing his high 4 star play now and fitting in nicely. Lanning was all coked out, but whatever works, right? Penn State first real game and they were not up to it till late. This isn't a championship team. At some point they need to have the James Franklin conversation. Maybe they are happy with where they are at?
Iowa fought hard vs the Hoosiers but without much of an offense, they simply didn't have enough. Nice road win for Indy. This was always going to be a 4th quarter game looking back on it. Coming off that game vs Illinois and playing a tough, physical team. Excellent job hanging in there.
Alright, ONWARD!!
Washington @ Maryland (+6 and 52.5)
This is a game where I'll be looking for a live 'over' at some point. I'm not sure what fashion but I see how this one will go. I'd even think about full game over but would like to see a few possessions first. The Terps are a live dog here methinks.
Wisconsin @ Michigan (-16.5 and 42.5)
Michigan with a much needed bye week last time out. I say that because of the injuries. Hopefully they are starting to get some guys back. USC is on deck and having everyone ready would be big. This week is another week to work on that offense and letting Bryce grab more confidence. The OL is growing very nicely. Injuries have honestly helped to reshape the line, for the better. We'll see how they shuffle the WR's as this continues to be a problem area. Catch the damn ball! Haynes and Marshall should continue to cook. I don't have much to say about the Badgers other than this team isn't that good. Perfect weather as of now! Michigan TT may very well be in play here -- still capping that.
Minnesota @ Ohio State (-24 and 44.5)
Pretty low total and that reflects what should be a tough day for the Gophers offense. Minny had an average rushing day last week and now face a real defense. They'll be airing it out early and often which should lead to some turnovers. This should be a routine game for OSU and maybe a situational play here but I doubt I'll be looking at this game too much.
Michigan State @ Nebraska (-11 and 51)
Big game here both ways in my opinion. The Huskers lost a measuring stick game last time out and need to make sure they are winning these games vs less talented teams. Conversely, Michigan State needs to steal a road game somewhere if they truly want to exceed expectations. They play hard and play to the final whistle. Unfortunately, their trenches are not good and the lack of running back talent is evident. This game will be telling both ways.
Penn State @ UCLA (+25.5 and 50)
Game 2 of a new Bruins era vs a pissed of Nittany Lions teams. Ruh-roe. On the flipside, this could also be a hangover game for UCLA. Different team this year but the Bruins played Penn St quite hard last year. I remember, I lost money on the game.
Illinois @ Purdue (+9 and 57)
I'm going to use the terminology -- I am -- trap game! Come on, this is the definition of a trappy situation. Illinois off a big upset at home heads into sleepy West Lafayette the week before hosting #1 Ohio State. You know damn well they have their attention on next week. The confidence is up after the USC game. I am not saying to bet Purdue, I am saying to be careful laying this number.
Alright, let's chat and come up with some winners!!
