Thursday night
3* Marshall/Ohio State under 48. Tressel doesn't run up the score against the flotsam and jetsam that annually populates three-fourths of Ohio State’s non-conference schedule, and with the Miami game just nine days after the season opener, he has no reason to do so Thursday. Across the field, Marshall will likely attempt to shorten the game when it has the ball, milking the play clock as any shrewd decisive underdog should. Here, the Buckeyes will have little reason to quicken the pace. Buckeyes, 32-7.
3* Northern Illinois/Iowa State over 48'. While i don't normally play a lot of overs early in the season, this one looks like a potential barnburner. Both teams sport experienced running backs who averaged over five yards per carry last season and dual threat quarterbacks (though NIU hasn't officially announced the starter yet). While NIU’s defense is solid (well, at least against MAC competition, and MAC teams aren't so great out of conference), Iowa State’s defense is in shambles, starting all new LBs, returning only four starters from 2009 – and that was before star safety David Sims’ recent suspension for this game. While Iowa State’s offense is capable, esp against a MAC team like NIU, the defense will be a work in progress all season, and will be missing its best player Thursday night. Cyclones, 29-27.
BOL to all.
3* Marshall/Ohio State under 48. Tressel doesn't run up the score against the flotsam and jetsam that annually populates three-fourths of Ohio State’s non-conference schedule, and with the Miami game just nine days after the season opener, he has no reason to do so Thursday. Across the field, Marshall will likely attempt to shorten the game when it has the ball, milking the play clock as any shrewd decisive underdog should. Here, the Buckeyes will have little reason to quicken the pace. Buckeyes, 32-7.
3* Northern Illinois/Iowa State over 48'. While i don't normally play a lot of overs early in the season, this one looks like a potential barnburner. Both teams sport experienced running backs who averaged over five yards per carry last season and dual threat quarterbacks (though NIU hasn't officially announced the starter yet). While NIU’s defense is solid (well, at least against MAC competition, and MAC teams aren't so great out of conference), Iowa State’s defense is in shambles, starting all new LBs, returning only four starters from 2009 – and that was before star safety David Sims’ recent suspension for this game. While Iowa State’s offense is capable, esp against a MAC team like NIU, the defense will be a work in progress all season, and will be missing its best player Thursday night. Cyclones, 29-27.
BOL to all.
