YTD:2-2 for -.4 units
Thursday Night: 2 units N.Illinois(+2)
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In my opinion, there are lots of reasons to like the Northern Illinois Huskies in this opener for both teams.
First up, Illinois has only lost 2 of their last 14 at home, both to Mid-American dominant teams, Toledo in 2000, and Marshall last season. So they are a handful at home right off the bat. Also, they played these Deacons in the final game of last year (losing a close 38-35 game), so they will not be in awe of a team from a so-called major football conference.
Both teams return lots of starters........17 for Wake Forest and 15 for N.Illinois..........but the key I see here is that Wake Forest is not a "power" team on offence but more of a "timing" team, relying heavily on traps, screens, and many different mis-direction plays. In their first game of the seaon, on the road, they might find getting the timing down on that offensive scheme a very difficult chore.
One other factor in favour of the home side here is the number itself. I have always had very good success in college foots playing small home dogs.....up to 3 points. I think this represents that the two teams are very close in talent and the home field advantage is key in covering this small line. However, when the line goes above 3, the visitor becomes a better play...... the skill level between the two teams is greater than can be made up by home field alone.
2 units N.Illinois(+2)
Good luck out there today,
Tiger
Thursday Night: 2 units N.Illinois(+2)
------------------------------------------------
In my opinion, there are lots of reasons to like the Northern Illinois Huskies in this opener for both teams.
First up, Illinois has only lost 2 of their last 14 at home, both to Mid-American dominant teams, Toledo in 2000, and Marshall last season. So they are a handful at home right off the bat. Also, they played these Deacons in the final game of last year (losing a close 38-35 game), so they will not be in awe of a team from a so-called major football conference.
Both teams return lots of starters........17 for Wake Forest and 15 for N.Illinois..........but the key I see here is that Wake Forest is not a "power" team on offence but more of a "timing" team, relying heavily on traps, screens, and many different mis-direction plays. In their first game of the seaon, on the road, they might find getting the timing down on that offensive scheme a very difficult chore.
One other factor in favour of the home side here is the number itself. I have always had very good success in college foots playing small home dogs.....up to 3 points. I think this represents that the two teams are very close in talent and the home field advantage is key in covering this small line. However, when the line goes above 3, the visitor becomes a better play...... the skill level between the two teams is greater than can be made up by home field alone.
2 units N.Illinois(+2)
Good luck out there today,
Tiger
