| 1) Okay, 59 can still be had at -115 at matchbook, the exchange backed by WSEX.
Went ahead and grabbed it up. Both these defenses looked stronger past the 1st quarter of their repective games last week.
Michigan is a lot more physical than Pittsburgh, and will make plays and not miss the kind of tackles the Panthers did. The Michigan D struggled with mobile QB's like Troy Smith and Vince Young, but this won't be as much a problem with Brady Quinn who is a classic drop back passer.
On the other side, Michigan has some nice weapons with Hart, Avant, and Breaston, but Carr is still a stubborn guy who likes to establish the run. These two offenses are more ball control than meets the eye. I believe the Irish will hit, and hold their own against this offense. Weis has stressed they cut down on the penalties though.
My projected total looks closer to 48, I see some of these drives being stalled and both teams having to settle for field goal attempts a handful of times.
I give Michigan a slight edge here, but can't take the 7 at the Big House. Don't see ND pulling off the SU win.
Regular play: Michigan/Notre Dame UNDER 59
2) Top Play: Iowa -8 1/2 over Iowa State
DEFENSE
That's the difference here, namely Iowa's defense. Just don't see this Cyclones club being able to establish much of a run game, and I know their QB Meyer can't pass this team to victory in this spot.
I am usually wary of laying almost double digits on the road, especially in a rivalry game. But, the talent gap has grown between this two teams compared to previous years. Ferentz has turned this program into one of the most talented in the country. Yeah, they get overhyped at times, but that's because they take care of teams in these situations.
Even though Iowa State is a Big 12 North contender, they aren't close to being one of the best teams in that conference. Iowa, on the other hand, is among the elite in likely the toughest conference in the NCAA's.
Drew Tate is the real deal at QB, and he's even more dangerous now that he's got healthy running backs to help shoulder the load. I expect the Iowa O-Line to knock the Iowa St defense off the ball all day long.
Give me the better team on both sides of the ball, the more efficent quarterback, better special teams, and better coach. I see very little that impresses me about Iowa State here, except they do play hard for McCarney.
They'll have to make this an ugly defensive battle to stay close, because they certainly don't have the firepower to move up and down the field against this defense. Doubtful.
Top Play: Iowa -8 1/2
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