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Week 11: Ohio State vs. Purdue Preview & Free Pick

NCAA East Region Predictions - Our Pick: Ohio St.

Ohio State vs. Purdue

Last time Ohio State came to Purdue, they lost despite being 12 point favorites. The Buckeyes enter this one with a young team, but they are playing pretty well after a slow start to the season. Purdue is 0-4 on the road this year, but they are 4-1 at home.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

The Boilers will look to get back on track with the help of their home crowd in this one.

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Ross-Ade Stadium
Saturday November 12, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from TopBet
Moneyline: Ohio State (-285) Purdue (+245)
College Football Spread: Ohio State -7.5 (-110) Purdue +7.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 45

Ohio State lost three out of four games earlier this year, and it appeared the season was going to fall apart in no time. Coach Luke Fickell turned to Braxton Miller as the starting quarterback, and the team re-dedicated itself to the running game. The Buckeyes pulled a couple upsets over Illinois and Wisconsin, and then defeated Indiana at home last week. Ohio State hasn’t been throwing the football much at all, but they really haven’t needed to throw the ball. The offensive line is healthy and they are blocking very well. Dan Herron has been extremely impressive since returning from his suspension. Herron has 415 yards in just three games.

The Ohio State defense isn’t quite as dominating as they have been in the last couple years, but they are still very good. The Buckeyes come into this game ranked 16th in the nation in total defense. John Simon has emerged as a star on the defensive front, and Bradley Roby has stepped up in the secondary. Expect Ohio State to key in on the run this week.

Purdue was absolutely blasted in their last two games at Michigan and at Wisconsin. The Boilermakers offense has never really gotten going very well this year. The running game is pretty good, but the passing game has been very inconsistent. Caleb TerBush has seen most of the playing time at quarterback this year. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Antavian Edison, Justin Siller, and OJ Ross are all solid receivers, but Purdue is lacking a deep threat. The Boilermakers rely heavily on Ralph Bolden and Akeem Shavers in the running game. If Purdue is going to be successful this weekend, they’ll need to be able to run the football on Ohio State.

The Boilermakers defense lost its star from last year when Ryan Kerrigan graduated. Ricardo Allen leads a very talented Purdue secondary, but the front seven has struggled in the last few weeks. Purdue is giving up 191 yards per on the ground. Ohio State will test the Boilermakers run defense in this one. Purdue will have to load the box and attempt to make Braxton Miller beat them with his arm.

Ohio State is very happy to control the football and run it every single time right now. Purdue will also look to run the football almost every time. The clock should be rolling along quickly in this one. I think this game stays low scoring.

Free College Football Pick: Under 45
Score Prediction: Ohio State 21 Purdue 13

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Week 11: Michigan State vs. Iowa Preview & Free Pick

Michigan St. vs Iowa

Michigan State went into Kinnick Stadium with a lot on the line last year, and they were absolutely humiliated. Iowa led 30-0 at halftime, and they went on to win 37-6.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

Michigan State is now in the driver’s seat in the Big Ten Legends Division, but they must come out ready to play this Saturday against a tough Iowa squad.

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Michigan State vs. Iowa
Kinnick Stadium
Saturday November 12, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Michigan State -3 (-110) Iowa +3 (-110)
Over/Under: 46.5

Michigan State wasn’t impressive in a 31-24 win over Minnesota last weekend, but they benefited in a big way from Nebraska’s upset loss at the hands of Northwestern. The Spartans now control their own destiny, and this may well be the most difficult game on the rest of their regular season schedule. Kirk Cousins is the senior leader at quarterback for Michigan State. He gives the team a virtual coach on the field because he knows the offense so well. The Spartans are at their best when they are running the football well. Le’Veon Bell and Edwin Baker are a great one-two punch in the backfield. The offensive line has struggled with injuries this year, but they’ll need to come up big this weekend.

How have the Spartans been able to be so successful despite a less than stellar offense? Michigan State’s defense has been amazing all season. This is a unit that ranks second in the nation in total defense. Jerrell Worthy is an absolute beast along the defensive line, and he draws double-teams on a consistent basis. Isaiah Lewis leads the team with four interceptions. The Spartans are allowing just 16 points per game. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Two weeks ago Iowa suffered an extremely disappointing loss to Minnesota. Last weekend the team upset the Michigan Wolverines. Which Iowa team will show up this weekend? This Iowa team isn’t as talented as some of their recent squads, but Kirk Ferentz and this coaching staff do a very good job preparing them. James Vandenburg has quietly put up some terrific numbers this year at the quarterback spot. The first-year starter has thrown 18 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Marvin McNutt has already set a career high in receptions, and he has nine touchdown catches. The Iowa running game has been inconsistent this year. Marcus Coker is averaging 5.2 yards per carry, but he has struggled against the top defenses in the league.

The Hawkeyes defense has been mediocre this year. They are 72nd in the nation in total defense. The team has done a good job keeping the opponent out of the end zone, which has helped them allow only 22.3 points per game. The biggest disappointment in this unit has been the pass defense, which is giving up 234 yards per game through the air despite returning two veteran cover corners.

Michigan State’s offense has been hit or miss, but the defense is for real. Iowa should show up and give a great effort in front of their home crowd. Expect a hard fought defensive battle in this one.

Free College Football Pick: Under 46.5
Score Prediction: Michigan State 20 Iowa 17

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Florida Gators vs. No. 13 South Carolina Gamecocks Predictions

NCAA Football Previews – Florida Gators vs No. 13 South Carolina Gamecocks

The Florida Gators will look to salvage their season when they square-off against the South Carolina Gamecocks this Saturday afternoon in a SEC East Division clash.

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Tulsa vs. UCF Week 10 Gambling Preview & Pick

NCAA Football Previews – Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs. Central Florida Knights

It is a West verse East showdown in Conference-USA when the Tulsa Golden Hurricane square-off against the Central Florida Knights this Thursday night in Orlando.

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Week 9: Michigan State vs. Nebraska Preview & Free Pick

Michigan St. vs Nebraska

The Big Ten Legends Division race is shaping up to be extremely competitive. The game of the year in this division comes this weekend when the red hot Spartans of Michigan State travel to Lincoln to take on the Big Ten’s newest member, the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

Both teams have one loss, but Michigan State’s loss came out of conference. Nebraska looks to get the upper hand in the Legends Division, while Michigan State looks to build off their huge win at home over Wisconsin.

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Michigan State vs. Nebraska
Memorial Stadium
Saturday October 29, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from Bookmaker
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Nebraska -4 (-110) Michigan State +4 (-110)
Over/Under: 49.5

This should be a great game.

Not many people expected Michigan State to knock off Wisconsin last weekend, myself included. Wisconsin certainly made some critical mistakes, but the Spartans deserve a ton of credit for showing up and beating a Wisconsin team that has looked like one of the nation’s best teams all year. Michigan State has now beaten Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin in three consecutive games. Mark Dantonio is trying to turn Michigan State into a perennial contender in the Big Ten.

Kirk Cousins had a magnificent game last week against Wisconsin. Cousins threw three touchdowns and no interceptions while leading his team to a huge win. Cousins is completing 66% of his passes so far this year. Edwin Baker and Le’Veon Bell form a nice tailback tandem for Michigan State. While the offense has been solid, it has been the Michigan State defense that has led the way this year. The Spartans rank second in the nation in total defense. Jerrell Worthy is the anchor in the middle of the defensive line, and the secondary is terrific as well. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Nebraska hasn’t looked like the national title contender that some thought they could be, but the Cornhuskers have only lost one game. The team is still right in the thick of the Big Ten race, and this is a great chance for them to pick up a big win at home against a top ten opponent. Taylor Martinez burst onto the scene as a star freshman quarterback last year, and he has had another solid season in 2011. Martinez still struggles with his consistency when throwing the football, but he is one of the best running quarterbacks in all of football. Rex Burkhead is a tough runner who really battles for every yard. He is averaging an impressive 5.8 yards per carry this season. The Cornhuskers have the seventh best rushing offense in the nation, but there passing attack is often non-existent.

The primary reason Nebraska has looked a little bit underwhelming this year has been the poor play of their defense. Jared Crick is out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. The front seven has been giving up far too many yards on the ground, and they will be tested in this game by a solid Michigan State running game. Nebraska’s defense must improve if this team is going to win a Big Ten title.

Michigan State is coming off a big win against Wisconsin, but this will be the best team they have played on the road this year. I expect Nebraska to bring their best effort on Saturday.

Free College Football Pick: Nebraska -4
Score Prediction: Nebraska 27 Michigan State 21

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No. 5 Clemson vs. Georgia Tech Week 9 Gambling Preview & Pick

NCAA Football Previews – Tigers vs Yellow Jackets

The Clemson Tigers will look to remain perfect on the year when they tangle with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium in an ACC inter-divisional clash this upcoming Saturday night.

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Week 9: Illinois vs. Penn State Preview & Free Pick

Illinois vs Penn State

Joe Paterno can etch his name alone at the top of the list if Penn State wins this game. A win by the Nittany Lions would give Paterno 409 career wins, a mark which would top Eddie Robinson’s 408 career wins.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

It seems every season Ron Zook is on the hot seat. The Fighting Illini’s 6-0 start really surprised the football world, but two straight losses have people questioning whether this team is for real.

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Beaver Stadium
Saturday October 29, 3:30 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Penn State (-205) Illinois (+175)
College Football Spread: Penn State -5 (-115) Illinois +5 (-105)
Over/Under: 40.5

Can Penn State give Paterno his record setting 409th win?

Nathan Scheelhaase and the Fighting Illini offense have been non-existent in the past couple weeks. The Fighting Illini were held to 7 points by Ohio State two weeks ago. Last weekend they were held to 14 points by a mediocre Purdue team. Illinois clearly needs to get the offense started far earlier in the game. The Fighting Illini haven’t scored a point in the first three quarters of their last two contests. A.J. Jenkins gives Illinois one of the best play makers in the Big Ten on the outside, but the team is lacking a second pass receiving option. If Illinois is going to be successful in this game, they must get their running game going.

The Illinois defense has been very good this year. Despite losing their top two players to the NFL Draft, this defense ranks tenth in the nation in total defense. Illinois has been solid against both the run and the pass this year. The Fighting Illini are allowing just 18.1 points per game in 2011. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Penn State’s offense hasn’t necessarily been great this year, but they have gotten the job done. The emergence of Silas Redd as a quality running back has really helped this team move forward. Redd is averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and he already has six touchdowns this season. Matt McGloin and Rob Bolden have been sharing time at the quarterback spot, but McGloin seems to be earning the primary share of the playing time at this point. McGloin has thrown seven touchdowns and just two interceptions this year. This offense has been without its star receiver, Derek Moye, for the last few weeks. Moye is listed as questionable for this game, and the offense will really get a nice boost when he gets back in the lineup.

Penn State’s defense is primarily responsible for the team’s 7-1 start. The Nittany Lions defense has been dominating so far this year. Opponents are scoring just 13.1 points per game on this unit so far this year. The Nittany Lions defensive line is led by Jack Crawford. Star corner D’Anton Lynn leads a secondary that is probably the best in the Big Ten.

The posted total on this game is set very low, but it is set low for good reason. These defenses are much better than the offenses in this matchup. I expect both offenses to struggle to get anything going in this one.

Free College Football Pick: Illinois/Penn State under 40.5
Score Prediction: Penn State 17 Illinois 10

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Week 9: Purdue vs. Michigan Preview & Free Pick

Purdue vs Michigan

The Michigan Wolverines are coming off a bye week. Purdue is coming off a surprising win over the Fighting Illini of Illinois.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

Michigan is looking to prove that its 6-0 start wasn’t a fluke this year, while Purdue is looking to pick up a couple more wins and become bowl eligible. These two will battle in the Big House this Saturday afternoon.

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Purdue vs. Michigan
Michigan Stadium
Saturday October 29, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Michigan (-500) Purdue (+405)
College Football Spread: Michigan -13.5 (-115) Purdue +13.5 (-105)
Over/Under: 52.5

After the Boilermakers were beaten 38-10 at home by Notre Dame, it appeared the season may just fall apart. Purdue has shown some impressive resiliency since that difficult loss. Purdue throttled Minnesota, narrowly lost at Penn State, then surprised Illinois last week. Danny Hope’s team has a difficult schedule the rest of the way, so we will see just how much this team has improved.

Rob Henry was expected to be the starting quarterback for Purdue, but he tore his ACL just a few days before the beginning of the season. Caleb TerBush and Robert Marve have shared time under center this season. TerBush has established himself as the primary quarterback at this point.

TerBush is a mobile quarterback who can keep the play alive and keep the defense on its heels. Ralph Bolden and Akeem Shavers give the Boilermakers a solid tailback tandem. The team doesn’t really have a deep threat in the passing game. Purdue’s defense has done a nice job limiting the damage this year.

The Boilermakers are allowing just 20 points per game. The secondary has been very good all year long. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Michigan has had a couple weeks to ponder what went right in their loss against Michigan State. The time off has been great for Denard Robinson, who suffered a minor back injury in the game at East Lansing. Robinson has been as dynamic as ever on the ground this year. He has 762 yards and nine rushing touchdowns already in 2011.

Fitzgerald Touissant has also stepped up his game as Michigan’s top tailback this year. Touissant is averaging 5.4 yards per carry, and he takes some of the pressure off Robinson in the running game. The passing attack hasn’t been very successful this year.

Robinson has thrown 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He has only completed 53% of his passes. Roy Roundtree had 72 catches last year, but he has only 12 through seven games this season.

Michigan’s much improved defense is the primary reason this team is 6-1 so far this year. The defense was the worst in school history last year, but they are much better this season. This unit has forced more turnovers than any other defense in the country. Michigan ranks 28th in the nation in total defense, but they allow only 14.7 points per game. If this unit continues to play so well, Michigan should continue its resurgence.

Purdue has had some trouble stopping the run this year, and Michigan will be the best rushing attack they have faced. The Wolverines should be angry and ready to go in this coming off a bye week. I think Michigan rolls in this game.

Free College Football Pick: Michigan -13.5
Score Prediction: Michigan 34 Purdue 13

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No. 25 West Virginia vs. Rutgers Week 9 Gambling Preview & Pick

Big East Football Previews – No. 25 West Virginia Mountaineers vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The West Virginia Mountaineers will look to bounce back from a tough conference loss this upcoming Saturday afternoon when they take-on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in a battle of two teams that still have designs on the Big East title.

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Connecticut vs. Pittsburgh Week 9 Gambling Preview & Pick

NCAA Southeast Region Predictions

Big East NCAA Football Previews – UConn Huskies vs Pitt Panthers

The Connecticut Huskies will look to keep their dream alive of a second-straight Big East title when they travel to Heinz Field this Wednesday night for a showdown with the Pittsburgh Panthers. The game is slated to get underway at 8 p.m. and it will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

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Troy vs. FIU Week 9 Gambling Preview & Pick

NCAA Football Previews – Troy Trojans vs. FIU Golden Panthers

The Troy Trojans will try and move up the standings in the Sun Belt Conference when they square-off against the Florida International Golden Panthers this Tuesday night at FIU Stadium. Kick-off is slated for 8 p.m. and the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

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Week 8: Wisconsin vs. Michigan State Preview & Free Pick

Wisconsin vs Michigan St.

This Saturday night’s showdown in East Lansing is probably the biggest matchup in the Big Ten so far this year. Wisconsin has dismantled everyone they have played so far this year, but they have yet to play a game away from home.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

Michigan State is unbeaten in the Big Ten, and they haven’t lost at home. The Spartans upset the Badgers last year.

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Spartan Stadium
Saturday October 22, 8:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Wisconsin -7.5 (-115) Michigan State +7.5 (-105)
Over/Under: 49

It’s the #4 Badgers against the #13 Spartans under the lights this Saturday.

No team has looked more dominant than the Wisconsin Badgers so far this season. Russell Wilson transferred from North Carolina State in the offseason, and he seems to be the perfect fit for this Badgers offense. Wilson has completed an amazing 74% of his passes in 2011. In addition, he has thrown 14 touchdowns and just one interception. The biggest strength of this Badgers offense is still the running game. This offensive line is dominant and Montee Ball and James White are both very good running backs. Ball is averaging 6.1 yards per carry, and he already has a staggering 16 rushing touchdowns this year. Wisconsin is first in the nation in scoring at 50.2 points per game.

Wisconsin’s defense was supposed to be the question mark this year, but they have been terrific as well. The Badgers rank third in the nation in points per game allowed at just 9.7 per contest. Opponents are converting on just 31% of their third-down conversion attempts so far this year. If this defense continues to play so well, the Badgers will be very difficult to beat.

Michigan State ranks second in the nation in total defense, just a couple yards per game behind Alabama. Mark Dantonio’s team has shut down every offense it has faced this year. Notre Dame had the most success of anyone, but they still only had 275 total yards of offense. Jerrell Worthy is a dominant force in the middle of the defensive line. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Michigan State is allowing just 119 passing yards per game, which is the best mark in college football. The Spartans already have 21 sacks this season. Michigan State is holding opponents to just 27.5% on their third-down conversion attempts.

Kirk Cousins is the senior leader under center for Michigan State. Cousins is a very accurate passer who has a great understanding of this offense. Edwin Baker and Le’Veon Bell are the two primary running backs for the Spartans. Michigan State’s running game hasn’t been quite as good as last year, largely due to multiple injuries on the offensive front. If they are going to win this game, they must be able to run the football against the Badgers.

This should be a very interesting game. The Badgers offense will easily be the best offense Michigan State has played. At the same time, Michigan State’s defense will be far better than any of the defenses Wisconsin has gone against. In the end, I expect Wisconsin’s balance on offense to be too much for Michigan State.

Free College Football Pick: Wisconsin -7.5

Score Prediction: Wisconsin 31 Michigan State 17

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Week 8: Penn State vs. Northwestern Preview & Free Pick

Penn St. vs Northwestern Handicapping

Penn State has been bit by the injury bug this year. In hindsight, it should have been a sign of things to come when Joe Paterno was injured in August practice.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

The Nittany Lions are without some of their best players as they head to Evanston to take on the Wildcats. Northwestern had high expectations for this season, but they sit at just 2-4.

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Ryan Field
Saturday October 22, 7:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Penn State -4 (-110) Northwestern +4 (-110)
Over/Under: 47.5

Pat Fitzgerald’s team really needs to start putting some wins together if they are going to go bowling this year. I expect this to be a very good game.

Matt McGloin and Rob Bolden have been sharing the quarterback duties for Penn State. Bolden has been starting the last few games, but McGloin has come in and taken a lot of snaps on a weekly basis. McGloin has put up better numbers overall, but neither quarterback has been tremendous. Derek Moye is the team’s best play maker offensively, but he will miss this contest with a foot injury. Silas Redd has done a solid job as the Nittany Lions primary ball carrier, but backup Brandon Beachum is listed as questionable for this game.

The Nittany Lions defense is the strength of this team. Unfortunately, they haven’t been able to avoid the injury bug. Michael Mauti was the heart and soul of this defense from his linebacker spot, but he will miss the rest of the season with torn ligaments in his knee. Still, this is a defense that is one of the best in the conference, especially against the pass. Despite the front seven not generating much of a pass rush, the secondary is giving up just 161 passing yards per game.

Dan Persa is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation when healthy, but he hasn’t been completely healthy this year. Persa has shared time with Kain Colter because of his injury issues, but Persa is getting the majority of the snaps at this point. Persa is completing 75% of his passes this year, and he has all the tools to pick apart a defense. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Jeremy Ebert already has 39 receptions and six touchdowns on the season. Starting running back Mike Trumpy is out for the season with a torn ACL, and the Wildcats need to get some improved production from the tailback spot in order to take pressure off the quarterbacks.

The Wildcats have really struggled defensively in 2011. Northwestern is currently ranked 101st in the nation in total defense. They have been beaten by power running teams as well as opponents who simply air it out offensively. It would really help this defense if they could find some kind of a pass rush. The secondary is being forced to cover their man for far too long right now. This defense must improve if Northwestern is going to reach a bowl game this season.

Northwestern jumped out to a 21-0 lead in Happy Valley last year before the Nittany Lions scored 35 straight to win 35-21. The Wildcats really need this game, and the night game in front of the home crowd should really help them.

Free College Football Pick: Northwestern +4
Score Prediction: Northwestern 24 Penn State 21

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Week 8: Nebraska vs. Minnesota Preview & Free Pick

Nebraska vs Minnesota Handicapping

The Cornhuskers will travel to Minnesota Saturday afternoon to take on the Golden Gophers for the first time since 1990. Nebraska sits at #11 in the polls right now, while Minnesota is 1-5 on the season.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

There isn’t much to cheer about right now for Minnesota fans, but they are hoping new coach Jerry Kill can change that over time. Nebraska hasn’t been impressive so far this year, but they are still a dangerous team.

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Nebraska vs. Minnesota
TCF Bank Stadium
Saturday October 22, 3:30 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Nebraska -24.5 (-110) Minnesota +24.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 56.5

Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez is one of the best running quarterbacks in the nation. Martinez has 100 rushing attempts this year, and he has already picked up 584 yards. Martinez struggles when he has to throw it too often. Rex Burkhead isn’t the fastest or strongest player you’ll see, but he works as hard as anyone. Burkhead is averaging 5.9 yards per carry this season. No Cornhuskers wide receiver has more than 13 catches so far in 2011. Nebraska’s running attack is terrific, but against top teams they’ll need to have a little more balance offensively.

The primary reason most people haven’t been impressed with Nebraska’s play this year has been the Cornhuskers defense. Jared Crick was the team’s best player on defense, but he is now out for the season due to a torn pectoral muscle. This front seven was expected to be good against the run, but they are allowing 168 yards per game on the ground. Lavonte David is a very talented linebacker, but this unit as a whole just isn’t performing up to expectations. If Nebraska is going to finish strong this year, the defense must improve.

It’s hard to find anything positive to say about Minnesota right now. The Golden Gophers lost to Michigan 58-0, and then last weekend they were drubbed by a poor Purdue team by a count of 45-17. MarQueis Gray is expected to be back under center this week, which is a bit of good news. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Gray is the team’s best play maker, but he really hasn’t developed as a passer. Da’Jon McKnight is a talented receiver, but the Gophers simply don’t get him the ball very often. Expect Gray to use his legs as often as possible in this one.

The Minnesota defense is allowing 35 points per game so far this season. The defensive line is typically manhandled by opponents, and the secondary gets beat deep far too often. They won’t have to worry about Nebraska airing it out very often this week, but they will have to find a way to stop the Cornhuskers running game. Expect the Golden Gophers to stack the box with eight or nine players.

Nebraska should run all over Minnesota in this game. Michigan carved up this Minnesota defense a couple weeks ago, and I expect Nebraska to do the same this weekend. The Cornhuskers defense isn’t very good, but they’ll probably be able to shutdown a very weak Minnesota offense.

Free College Football Pick: Nebraska -24.5
Score Prediction: Nebraska 44 Minnesota 10

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Week 8: Illinois vs. Purdue Preview & Free Pick

Illinois vs Purdue Handicapping

Illinois is coming off a disappointing home loss to Ohio State last weekend. The Fighting Illini still have a chance to be a player in the Big Ten Leaders Division, but they must get back on track right away.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

Purdue fought hard, but came up short against Penn State in Happy Valley last week. The Boilermakers will look to pull off a big upset at home this week.

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Illinois vs. Purdue
Ross-Ade Stadium
Saturday October 22, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from 5Dimes
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Illinois -4 (-110) Purdue +4 (-110)
Over/Under: 47

The Illinois offense was really shut down by Ohio State last Saturday. Illinois didn’t score until there was six minutes left in the contest. The running game barely mustered 100 yards, which was less than half their average per game. Nathan Scheelhaase is a much improved quarterback, but he had a poor game last week. The Fighting Illini turned the ball over three times last week, and that was simply too much to overcome. Scheelhaase is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation, and I expect him to bounce back nicely. A.J. Jenkins already has 54 catches, but the team needs to find a reliable second option in the passing game.

The Illinois defense has been a real area of strength this season. Illinois is currently ranked 12th in the nation in total defense. This is a defense that really rallies to the football well, but they are slightly vulnerable against a power running attack like Ohio State’s. Can this unit use their team speed to shut down the Purdue offense?

Purdue has had more trouble with serious injuries than just about any other team in the nation in the last year. Rob Henry was going to be the starter under center for the team this year, but he tore his ACL just days before the season started. Caleb TerBush has seen most of the playing time at quarterback this year, but Robert Marve has also taken some snaps under center. The passing game has never really gotten on track this season. The Boilermakers are averaging ust 194 passing yards per contest. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Ralph Bolden and Akeem Shavers give Purdue a nice one-two punch in the backfield. Both running backs are averaging more than five yards per carry this season. If Purdue is going to win this game, they will have to establish the running game early and often.

The Purdue defense has some very talented players, but they also have some major holes. Ryan Kerrigan was a beast at the defensive end spot last year, and the Boilermakers clearly miss him. Ricardo Allen is a play maker in the secondary, and most opponents try to throw the ball to the other side of the field rather than challenge Allen. Purdue’s rushing defense has struggled this year.

Neither offense is particularly strong, but Scheelhaase gives the Fighting Illini a clear advantage at the quarterback spot. Illinois beat Purdue 44-10 last year. This one should be a whole lot closer, but I still think Illinois covers this small number.

Free College Football Pick: Illinois -4
Score Prediction: Illinois 27 Purdue 17

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New Mexico vs. Hawaii Week 8 Gambling Preview & Pick

NCAA Football Previews- New Mexico State Aggies vs Hawaii Warriors

The New Mexico State Aggies and the Hawaii Warriors close-out Week 8 in the college football regular season early Sunday morning (East Coast time) in a Western Athletic Conference tilt at Aloha Stadium. Kick-off is set for 12 a.m. and the game will be available on ESPN3.com.

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