Illinois vs Wisconsin under 43 / Wake Forest +7 vs Florida State / Texas Tech +8 vs Kansas State
Illinois vs. Wisconsin — under 43
Illinois and Wisconsin are “under” teams. These teams prefer to run the ball and don’t mind letting the clock run between plays. Illinois ranks 73rd in seconds per play while Wisconsin ranks 119th. And of course, both teams play a callous, swarming brand of defense. Illinois brings in the 9th best D in the nation based on yards allowed per game, with Wisconsin coming in at 37th, a ranking that would be far higher had they not faced the Ohio State juggernaut offense last week. In four games, Illinois has not played to a total higher than 44. Expect a lot of running, a quick-moving clock, and offenses that have to scrap for every yard. It’ll be a rock fight in Madison on Saturday as we also get the benefit of the sleepy 11:00a local start. Grab under 43 with our friends at Bovada now as this number is already ticking down in most spots.
Wake Forest (+7) vs. Florida State
Florida State is back, we think. We’re pretty sure. We’re about to find out. Florida State returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown against Boston College and never looked back on their way to a 44-14 win. Meanwhile, Wake Forest was in an overtime battle against Clemson which they ultimately lost, 51-45. This line opened with FSU being favored by 6 and it has been bet up to seven by folks that are clearly convinced that Wake Forest is in a prime hangover situation – and they are. We actually don’t disagree that FSU should be favored in this game, but we make them two or three-point favorites at best. With all respect to Malik Cunningham, Sam Hartman is the best QB Florida State will see this year. This one feels like a toss-up, and we’ll take the points in what should be a shootout in Tallahassee. Check out BetOnline to play this one now.
Texas Tech (+8) vs. Kansas State
Kansas State just has Oklahoma’s number. In three of the last four years, they’ve upset the Sooners, this year taking them down 41-34. Tech also comes in off a huge upset win over in-state rival Texas. Both teams need a few aspirins and some water as they are both on hangover watch. We view this similarly to the Wake – FSU game in that we can accept Kansas State as favorites, but far closer to a field goal. Remember, prior to their coming-out party against Oklahoma, they were beaten at home by Tulane. Until last week, Adrian Martinez had yet to pass for more than 150 yards as a Wildcat. Texas Tech on the other hand has a solid win over Houston and went to NC State and outgained the Wolfpack but was undone by turnovers. This Tech team plays defense and has found a dual threat weapon in QB Donovan Smith. Tech has a real chance to win this one outright but we’ll take the generous eight points – which you can currently find at BetUS.
