Record YTD 2-0
I don't typically like to bet a team that is entering its first game of the season (especially on the road) versus an opponent with a game already under its belt. However, I'll make an exception here.
Yes, Nebraska throttled Western Illinois last week 56-17. I'm not impressed. This week they'll face an enormous step up in competition against the Golden Eagles who, much like Fresno State last week, is undervalued in this spot.
I like gritty teams that play hard schedules and usually stay competitive in every game they play. Southern Mississippi fits the mold. Year in and out their nonconference schedule includes Alabama and at least two other solid opponents (last year California and Nebraska).
Southern Mississippi has 9 starters returning on offense and should be much more polished at moving the ball, albeit in a methodical manner. On defense, SM returns only 4 starters. Normally I would question this significant of personnel loss but not with SM. Every year this team is solid on defense and the predictions this year are no different. Defense is the priorty with this team and they've proven their consistency in the last several years.
Meanwhile, Nebraska has moved into an entirely new offensive scheme and showed well last week. That's where the value lies in this game. Nebraska is a fan favorite and this line is way inflated for that reason and their big win in game one. Nebraska will struggle against legitimate opponents and they'll get their first test with Southern Miss.
The Golden Eagles always play a difficult schedule and have been in more hostile environments than Lincoln. They'll do just fine. Don't be fooled by Nebraska's first game results. This team is going to have problems this season and they start today. I don't expect SM to get the win but it wouldn't surprise me if it's a nail biter to the end. With that said, getting 14.5 points is like Christmas. Take SM plus the points.
I don't typically like to bet a team that is entering its first game of the season (especially on the road) versus an opponent with a game already under its belt. However, I'll make an exception here.
Yes, Nebraska throttled Western Illinois last week 56-17. I'm not impressed. This week they'll face an enormous step up in competition against the Golden Eagles who, much like Fresno State last week, is undervalued in this spot.
I like gritty teams that play hard schedules and usually stay competitive in every game they play. Southern Mississippi fits the mold. Year in and out their nonconference schedule includes Alabama and at least two other solid opponents (last year California and Nebraska).
Southern Mississippi has 9 starters returning on offense and should be much more polished at moving the ball, albeit in a methodical manner. On defense, SM returns only 4 starters. Normally I would question this significant of personnel loss but not with SM. Every year this team is solid on defense and the predictions this year are no different. Defense is the priorty with this team and they've proven their consistency in the last several years.
Meanwhile, Nebraska has moved into an entirely new offensive scheme and showed well last week. That's where the value lies in this game. Nebraska is a fan favorite and this line is way inflated for that reason and their big win in game one. Nebraska will struggle against legitimate opponents and they'll get their first test with Southern Miss.
The Golden Eagles always play a difficult schedule and have been in more hostile environments than Lincoln. They'll do just fine. Don't be fooled by Nebraska's first game results. This team is going to have problems this season and they start today. I don't expect SM to get the win but it wouldn't surprise me if it's a nail biter to the end. With that said, getting 14.5 points is like Christmas. Take SM plus the points.
