Tenn. game looking iffy. Purdue QB has done a great job with a young WR group.
2* CMU +7 Two teams that are playing in a bowl game that was not originally scheduled. CMU is the one MAC team that I feel is the most well- rounded, although Miami OH won their bowl game. CMU has a very good OL, with 2 NFL prospects. Their run game was the best of the conference led by Lew Nichols, a guy that will be playing on Sundays. The QB, Richardson, has a nice touch on long passes, good mobility in the pocket, not really a runner, and rarely gets sacked or throws a pick. The defense was first in run defense, 3rd overall. Kind of hard to play a MAC team, but CMU's run game will allow them some long drives, keeping the ball away from WSU's offense.
For Wazzu, at least Mike Leach isn't there to sabotage it. But they are in the PAC 12, which has been crap in recent years in bowl games. Wazzu would be more excited to play Miami. They are missing both OTs, and their best guard, who transferred to Boise. Also out will be Max Borghi, their top RB. Backups are decent, but Borghi was a gamer. On defense, only missing a starting CB. Still, Wazzu is coming off an emotionally draining season with coaches fired, a big win over the Huskies in the Apple Cup, and a change in bowl opponent. I like their QB de Laura, but I think CMU can keep him a bit limited with his rebuilt OL. WSU really depended on turnovers for a couple of wins. If that happens here, CMU could be in trouble.
2* CMU +7 Two teams that are playing in a bowl game that was not originally scheduled. CMU is the one MAC team that I feel is the most well- rounded, although Miami OH won their bowl game. CMU has a very good OL, with 2 NFL prospects. Their run game was the best of the conference led by Lew Nichols, a guy that will be playing on Sundays. The QB, Richardson, has a nice touch on long passes, good mobility in the pocket, not really a runner, and rarely gets sacked or throws a pick. The defense was first in run defense, 3rd overall. Kind of hard to play a MAC team, but CMU's run game will allow them some long drives, keeping the ball away from WSU's offense.
For Wazzu, at least Mike Leach isn't there to sabotage it. But they are in the PAC 12, which has been crap in recent years in bowl games. Wazzu would be more excited to play Miami. They are missing both OTs, and their best guard, who transferred to Boise. Also out will be Max Borghi, their top RB. Backups are decent, but Borghi was a gamer. On defense, only missing a starting CB. Still, Wazzu is coming off an emotionally draining season with coaches fired, a big win over the Huskies in the Apple Cup, and a change in bowl opponent. I like their QB de Laura, but I think CMU can keep him a bit limited with his rebuilt OL. WSU really depended on turnovers for a couple of wins. If that happens here, CMU could be in trouble.
1* UC +14 Alabama did knock off a great Georgia team, but looking at their whole season, they are more vulnerable than past Bama teams. Just have to ride the dog here as I saw UC give Georgia a very close game last season in their bowl matchup. UC has a secondary that can at least cover some man to man, and not overcommit too many guys to coverage. The question is whether Ridder can play his best game vs. Alabama's defense. Part of this play is just hoping UC pulls the upset, so less than a full unit.
1.5* Georgia/ Michigan - under 45.5 Michigan is a great running team, but probably that won't be the case tomorrow. I can't imagine their offense depending on the pass as much as they'll need to. They don't have Bryce Young back there, although Cade McNamara is no slouch. This is gonna be an epic battle in the trenches, and part of the reason I see the score staying low is that both coaching staffs know how much they will have to play it a bit safe to avoid turnovers. A turnover or two by either side could decide the game. Field goals will matter more than in your usual college game. Georgia has faced some decent defenses in the SEC, but perhaps Michigan's is better than any of those. Both will run and short pass it, two great Ds. 20-13 type of score.
I guess taking Wisconsin at -6 a day early paid off. Lost 2+ units yesterday. Should have listened to some posters here and gone with SC +20 on my teaser. Wake might cover a teaser, but -17, maybe not. CMU line also looking good at +7, not where it is now. Tenn. almost...Purdue QB was fantastic.
Michigan play: Everyone knows, ad nauseam, all about these two, so I won't go into details there. But we are so ingrained with SEC superiority that we forget that teams like Clemson and Ohio State and others have had some success in these playoff games. Michigan's beating of Ohio State, with its truly great offense, was impressive. Their crushing of Iowa 42-3. with its strong D, impressive. And if you saw Michigan's only loss to MSU, the Wolverines were the better team. Michigan played better at the end of the season than earlier. Michigan is this year's Clemson or OSU. I also really think Georgia's easier schedule covered up some of its flaws. They will struggle to move the ball on this UM defense. Then there's the Big 10's success at bowls. Makes you appreciate how difficult Michigan's path to this point was.
For bowl season, at 17-9, + about 12.5 units. Playing with house money, let's up Michigan to 4*.
You're welcome. Just here to help guys make their own decisions.
2* Oklahoma St. 1H Even
1* Okie St. Even Mike Gundy has always been a very good bowl coach. This is his kind of team, especially with a defense that is far better than what he's had for many years. Gundy will have some unexpected offensive plays/ sets for the 1H, which is why I'm going larger there. In past bowls, even when his team was overmatched, they played well 1H and had the lead. Okie St. doesn't have any key opt outs, and their RB Jaylen Warren is 100%, or close to it. ND lost HC Kelly, although I don't know if that will make much of a difference. His team had to be disappointed that he left before it was decided if they were in the playoff. But losing their star safety and RB will make a difference. Both were team leaders and captains. Both were exceptional on the field. Jack Can is a decent QB, but ND faced a lot of bad defenses this year, and when facing VT, Wisconsin and UC, his production was down quite a bit. This game could be a nail biter at the end, but got to ride Gundy and the Cowboys 1H.
1* Kentucky -3 Going against the Big 10 here, but without Tyler Goodson, how is Iowa going to move the ball? Their QB situation is bad, and considering that Kentucky's defense is pretty good, I expect it won't improve at the Citrus Bowl. Kentucky will be missing their starting TE to injury, and a WR, but so far, they all look available, including WR Wandale Robinson. Mark Stoops is on a 3-0 bowl run, and before that only a 1 point loss to a good NW team. It tells you that he preps well for bowls and feels it's important to the team to win it. Will Levis has also impressed me, since last year I thought he was a semi-bum. Gutsy, a solid leader on the field, and a better passer than expected.
1.5* Ohio State -4.5 My first inclination was to take the points and a spunky, good defensive team like Utah. Kyle Whittingham has done well as a bowl coach. However, Utah is decimated by injuries at DB, and their secondary guys are not nearly on level with the missing starters. CJ Stroud will be missing his two great WRs( although Olave is practicing with them to show his support), but there is some speculation that he, not Bryce Young, will be the first QB taken in the 2023 draft. I also think OSU's RBs will be instrumental here. They have good depth at WR. Ohio State has some opt outs on defense, but some of those guys weren't all that great anyways. Maybe the young backups will play harder, with more passion. Still like Ryan Day as coach, and expect he'll prep his team well to win.
Utah mowed through Oregon twice, but we can now see how overrated the Ducks were. I am also not sold on their QB Cameron Rising. He is spotty as an accurate passer. I just wonder if Utah will be able to constantly covert 3rd and longs. His mobility is his best suit. OSU's OL is better than any that Utah has seen in the PAC 12. Big 10 vs. PAC 12. Maybe the -4.5 is a steal. Probably not, but I think Ohio State just played much better competition all season.
Utah mowed through Oregon twice, but we can now see how overrated the Ducks were. I am also not sold on their QB Cameron Rising. He is spotty as an accurate passer. I just wonder if Utah will be able to constantly covert 3rd and longs. His mobility is his best suit. OSU's OL is better than any that Utah has seen in the PAC 12. Big 10 vs. PAC 12. Maybe the -4.5 is a steal. Probably not, but I think Ohio State just played much better competition all season.
I guess some of us, like me, have a better understanding of how truly good the top SEC teams are. Michigan was a no-show, which still surprises me. Still... only lost about 2 units for the day.
Upping:
Kentucky to 1.5*
Okie State 1H to 2.5*
Oh, and Happy 2022. Omicron looks like it will be more of a cold or flu, not a trip to the ICU.
Good write ups.
Yes have to wonder about Utah beating Oregon 2x, big, IMO it was not real, the Oregon kids knew their coach was leaving... to me the question is how bad the opt outs for Ohio State affects them.
And does OSU want to be there?
Utah sure does.
Big 10 vs Pac 12.
Lean to OSU, here.
Yes have to wonder about Utah beating Oregon 2x, big, IMO it was not real, the Oregon kids knew their coach was leaving... to me the question is how bad the opt outs for Ohio State affects them.
And does OSU want to be there?
Utah sure does.
Big 10 vs Pac 12.
Lean to OSU, here.
