CFB Handicapping: Bobcats vs Aggies
Ohio had a nice season this year, again, but couldn’t close the deal in the MAC Championship game against Northern Illinois.
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Ohio Bobcats (9-4) vs Utah State Aggies (7-5)
Bronco Stadium – Boise, ID
Saturday December 17 – 5:30PM
Moneyline: Utah State -140, Ohio +120
Spread (ATS): Utah State -2.5
Over/Under: 57.5
Odds courtesy of 5Dimes
Ohio
They had that game in hand so it might be one of Frank Solich’s better coaching jobs if he can get his team focused for a game on the Smurf Turf against Utah State. Its not a big number but I was initially surprised that the Bobcats weren’t the favourite in this one.
This is a good offensive team whose numbers might surprise those that don’t tune into those midweek MAC games. Ohio is 23rd in total yards with a balanced attack featuring QB Tyler Tettleton. He may not be very big but he generally makes good decision and has some wiggle in the run game too. The Bobcats best playmaker is receiver LaVon Brazill who is one of the speedier receivers in the MAC and a return threat too.
In the MAC Championship, a defense that held the powerful Huskies to 0 points in the first half couldn’t make any stops down the stretch. Facing Utah State they will be facing another productive offense and if they play only half a game on defense they will be losers again. These teams met once before in 1994. It was a 5-0 win by the Aggies. I think we are going to see a few more points in this one. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Utah State
It seems like the WAC was the conference nobody was paying attention to this year and for good reason. There was no more Boise State and all the other top teams were making their way to the Mountain West next year too. One team that is never in conference realignment talks was the Utah State Aggies. Maybe they should be considered a desirable addition. They were just seven points combined from upsetting both Auburn and BYU this year.
The Aggies face Ohio having won their last 5 games in a row so momentum is on their side. This team has a sneaky good offense. Ever heard of Robert Turbin? Probably not and all he did was finish 8th in the nation with more than 1400 rushing yards and 19 TDs. Teams keep underestimating these guys and it is a dangerous practice.
Utah State will have a travel advantage for this one and you have to believe they will like playing on the Blue Turf and not having to face Boise State. When I first examined the game I thought these teams should be a PK but now I think it is probably fair to have the Aggies as a slight favourite. Some of these early ones are the most entertaining so check this one out.
ATS Pick: Utah State -2.5
Over/Under Pick: Over
Score Prediction: Utah State 38 – Ohio 31
