The following teams do not have odds or over/under bets listed:
- Michigan State (bye)
- Minnesota vs Indiana State
- Northwestern vs Illinois State
- Rutgers vs Howard
Illinois vs North Carolina
UNC -7.5, Over/Under 58
In my Illinois preview I projected the score as 28-17. I love that mark. Illinois’s defense is good enough to keep this competitive but the Heels pull away a little bit late. Tar Heels and Under, por favor.
Indiana vs Ball State
IU -17, O/U 61
56, 54, and 48…why are these numbers important? Those are the number of points given up by the rebuilding Cardinals in their losses to Texas A&M, Western Michigan, and Bowling Green last year. All three of those teams all have strong offensive attacks. Indiana has a strong offensive attack, too. I’ll lay the points and take the over.
Iowa vs Iowa State
UI -15, O/U 51
My Iowa preview said 28-20. Am I backing off after the Cyclones’ loss to Northern Iowa in week one? Hell no, if anything that makes them more dangerous. I always prepare for the worst when my Hawks face the boys from Ames. Take the points and the under.
Maryland at Florida International
UM -10.5, O/U 56.5
Maryland looked very sharp putting up 52 on Howard. The Bison scored 13 but it was very, very late. Feel good about the Terps covering, but I don’t really like that over/under. I’m going to stay away from it, and just stick to Maryland winning by enough.
Michigan vs UCF
UM -35.5, O/U 53.5
The Knights shut out their FCS opener and the offense was vastly improved. In a 0-12 season last year they lost four games by more than 35. Michigan only covered this big a spread once last year. That seems to point to taking the points. 42-14 sounds like a decent score, gimme that over while I’m at it.
Nebraska vs Wyoming
NU -24.5, O/U 58
Wyoming put up a balanced 245 yards through the air and 243 on the ground to win in overtime 40-34. Wyoming having a little bit of an offense and zero defense looks like a great way for that over to be splashed. Fun fact, Nebraska would have only covered 24.5 points once a year ago. I’m sure they win, but I’m not ready to declare them four touchdown winners.
Ohio State vs Tulsa
OSU -29, O/U 73.5
Not only did we see the Buckeyes put up 77 last week but Tulsa also has a solid air raid attack. That over looks toast. The Hurricanes were not defeated by this big a mark a season ago and are a decent looking C-USA club. I think they can hang around just enough to cover. Bucks win in that 24 point range, I think.
Penn State at Pittsburgh
Pitt -5, O/U 47.5
The two teams combined for 35 points (Pitt vs Villanova) and 46 (PSU vs Kent State) in their openers. Those defenses will keep this thing tight and low scoring. I have Pitt winning by a field goal in my mind so I’ll take the points too. Why not?
Purdue vs Cincinnati
UC -6.5, O/U 59.5
UT Martin had a great game plan to shorten their game with Cincy by holding the ball for 37 minutes so the game turned out close enough to have some doubt creep in for some fans, I’m sure. I’m still willing to give those points. Until I see Purdue actually knock off a team, I’ll be skeptical. Going to take the over, too. PU allowed EKU to score 24 on em.
Wisconsin vs Akron
UW -23.5, O/U 47.5
Zips were a team relying heavily on seniors a year ago to make a bowl. With all that youth in Madison and size advantages it seems like Wisconsin is poised to pull away as the game goes on. Taking the under though, Badger defense is too strong.
Lightning Round for Non Readers:
Illinois/UNC – UNC, Under
Indiana/Ball State – UI, Over
Iowa/Iowa State – Points, Under
Maryland/FIU – UM
Michigan/UCF – Points, Over
Nebraska/Wyoming – Points, Over
Ohio State/Tulsa – Points, Over
Penn State/Pittsburgh – Points, Under
Purdue/Cincinnati – UC, Over
Wisconsin/Akron – UW, Under
Big Ten and Counting 