Fourth and Inches
by Doc
Our Big Ten Game of the Year came up short, as Iowa beat Penn State, 6-4. In talks with a defensive coach from Penn State, he assured me that they would keep this Hawkeye team under ten points. No questioning his prediction, however the Penn State offense completely sputtered. We had numerous opportunities, but the offense single handedly lost the game via interceptions and fumbles.
This defeat was a bitter one to swallow. What makes this even worse was that our four other selections in the Big Ten won. Although our profit was very marginal, in part because of our GOY going down, we did continue our streak of not having a losing week in college football.
Looking at the college schedule, this is the time of the year when one should be searching for teams that have thrown in the towel and just want the season to be over. One of the teams that fits this category has to be Washington. The Huskies have been getting cold clocked each week and the future doesn't look any better. What makes it worse for this 'once powerhouse' of the PAC 10 is that most teams want revenge for all the years Washington pounded them. Another factor with this team, and others that fit this category, is that coaches will probably be fired so loyalty does not exist. Keep your eye out for this type of team, especially as the season comes to an end.
The Big Ten Conference looks to be tough picking this week. Three of the teams in the conference are laying sizeable numbers on the road. Indiana may be one of the teams giving up the ship. The Hoosiers have really unraveled since their opening win at Oregon.
The big game in the conference this week has to be state rivals, Michigan and Michigan State. I think this game has some merit and we will be on the winning side. As of this writing, the over/under has yet to be posted. As it seems every week, a couple of the unders will look attractive.
I'm sure there is a lot of grumbling in Lincoln about the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Nebraska gave up 45 points to a rebuilding Kansas State team. This week they are at home against a good Missouri team. If they lose this game, the Huskers will go in the tank. Back on the road, Iowa State will get them good. Another team to keep an eye on. Let's see haw fast the oddsmakers adjust.
One game this week I wouldn't touch is the Penn State/Ohio State game. The oddsmaker has made the Buckeyes a 5½-point favorite. If that line isn't a trap, I've never seen one. Let me see, Penn State got four points last week against an overrated Iowa team. Could they possibly get eight this week. I can't imagine being on the Nittany Lion side, however, about the time one jumps, Penn State will perform a miracle offensive display. The interesting line will be the over/under. Could this one be the lowest in college football ever? No matter how Penn State fares from here on out, it's time for Papa Joe to step down. If you sense a little bitterness in this writing, you're right. A traditional homer. . . holding its opponent to two field goals . . . can't cover as a 3-point favorite. . . one deserves to be a little bitter.
The biggest match up in college football this week has to be the Oklahoma/Oklahoma State game. The Sooners roasted the Cowboys last year. No question the revenge factor is there, however, one wonders if Oklahoma State has enough to pull it off. Whatever the results, it will be a great game to watch.
It didn't take long for Florida to give Ron Zook his walking papers. No question the university's top priority is to win. In pro sports I can see firing someone in the middle of the season, but college? There's more to this than what's visible. I'm sure Florida already knows who the next head coach will be. Rumors are that Steve Spurrier may return. I'm sure that decision will be made based on how well the hiring crew like Spurrier. The Gators are at home this week against Georgia. A seven-point underdog, one has to think the Gators will go all out to win one for Zook. However, if their efforts fail in this one, the remainder of the season will be worse.
If Spurrier returns to Florida, he will join Johnny Majors (returned to Pittsburgh) and John Robinson (returned to Southern Cal) as the third person in college football to return to the school's head coaching job. No question the alums want Spurrier back and I think it's already in place.
This past weekend we had the privilege of having some of the Bodog crew in town for the Wisconsin/Northwestern game. What a fabulous operation this offshore has put together. If you're looking for an offshore, Bodog certainly should be checked out. Recently Bodog has added poker. If poker is your game, check this site out. Different size games for different players. My question to the crew was, "How do you keep the game straight?" Believe me, they have several different methods and it's amazing how fast they catch someone who is trying to beat the game by being crooked. It's Bodog's job and they get it done. Want to have a little fun some rainy evening? Try their poker. Bodog Poker.
As the weeks pass by, I'm always looking ahead to what the next week can and will produce. As I look ahead to Saturday, Nov. 6, I see some outstanding plays in college football. I see two match ups that have the possibility of being 6-unit plays. A few games to seriously take a look at may be Minnesota at Wisconsin, Oklahoma State at Texas, Colorado at Kansas, Purdue at Iowa, Pittsburgh at Syracuse, and trying to creep out of the basement will be Indiana at Illinois. Again as I look at this week, I think the schedule is in our favor and we should make some big money.
One of the games I will be looking at in pro football, will be Detroit at Dallas. The 'Tuna' wasn't very happy with his Cowboy's performance at Green Bay. I certainly wouldn't want to be at their practice this week, and this is one coach that can get the players' attention when things aren't going well.
As we mention quite often, we are always looking for good information. If a team that you follow has injuries or morale problems, please call our sports office and share the information with us.
That's it for this week!
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