Ad Disclosure
If there’s anything America needs besides two shows based on Sheldon Cooper, it’s another political ad. Good old electronic mudslinging to denounce one’s opponent as a better-dressed version of the regional serial killer.
In an effort to whip up a fervor of blind support, I pledge to you the American Betting Public that I will remain undefeated (if you remove the 17 losses on my record) and once again vanquish the number put forth by the bookmaking elite (see previous comment in parenthesis). These numbers are mere formalities on a way to making us all better bettors and better people (if you remove language used in contests when taking Ohio State minus the points). What have my constituents done (probably amassed a better record ATS) but forgotten you the American bettor in a time of need (degree of neediness dependent upon how many games of mine you took as advice)? Time to work towards a more well-informed gambler, and that begins with my march towards perfection (1-2 is most likely, 2-1 a blessing, 3-0 a godsent, 0-3 a cold hard reality.)
To the action and time to make America (Ferrara) great again!
(All lines taken from mybookie.ag)
Author’s note: Lines may have shifted from when I pulled the number for the column. Lighten up gang.
Ohio State -4 vs. Michigan State o/u 52
The play: Ohio State
Illogical reasoning: I don’t like anything about Ohio State the last few weeks. Substandard running game, likelihood of giving up the big play, unrest about head coach Urban Meyer’s future. However, I have even less faith in Michigan State. Quarterback Brian Lewerke is supposed to play, which means more for Ohio State’s chances to cover the points on the road than any sort of salvation for the Spartans.
The ineptitude of Nebraska’s defense made them a tantalizing opponent for Ohio State to effort a running game against. That’s why the Buckeyes attempted 40 rushes last weekend. The task is more difficult this week against a Michigan State team that yields only 71.6 yards per game on the ground. The number forces Ohio State to take more chances through the air and the Buckeyes cover on the merits of the passing game.
Illinois +17 @ Nebraska o/u 67.5
The play: Over
Illogical Reasoning: The amount of ugly from these two defenses warrants a closed casket. Nebraska has the 114-ranked pass defense and 81-ranked rush defense. Illinois is the stylization of consistency on defense, ranked 122 nationally against both the pass and the run.
Nebraska hung 31 points on Ohio State on the road last week, Illinois is 11th in the nation in rushing yards per game. Expect some high scores as both teams try to make the most of substandard defensive units.
Northwestern +10 vs. Iowa o/u 45.5
The play: Iowa
Illogical reasoning: The possibility of a 4-loss Northwestern team representing the B1G in the conference championship gives the secondary ticket market enough angina to investigate the benefits of a more reputable gig in the field of personal injury law.
Northwestern had their big on-campus moment last week versus Notre Dame. The primetime game allowed the Wildcats to play spoiler and upset the irrelevant playoff rankings set forth by the College Football Playoff Committee. The last time Northwestern hosted such a high-stakes game was 2013 when Ohio State came into Evanston for a Saturday night game. Northwestern lost 40-30 and dove head-first into what became a seven-game losing streak where the gave up 30 points in their next game.
It’s assinine to compare a team from five years ago to today when it comes to detecting trends, but Northwestern put so much enthusiasm into both contests the comedown from the last one spanned two months. I’m leaning on a little more explosiveness from Iowa as they try to deliver a second B1G loss to Northwestern and then hope for some sort of 1 vs. 16 magic as the Wildcats end with Minnesota and Illinois. Northwestern will struggle to find the endzone against an Iowa team with a sparkling record against the number at home.
Overall record: 11-17-2
Main event status: Nonexistent. I can’t even get clearance from the athletic commissions in over 34 states to be able to participate. Time to get healthy and seek the sort of redemption Barry Horowitz chased his entire career.
Nick is a writer for saturdaytradition.com. Your overuse of GIFs forced him away from Twitter. He removed himself from consideration in the Vanderbilt heading coaching search.