Undefeated UConn

Submitted by jamiemac on

I feel a little odd bringing this up in light of the tragic news of Jaspar Howard's death.

But, the UConn Huskies, the opening day foe for Michigan in 2010, are one of two teams that are undefeated this year against the spread. That's money making, boys and girls.

The Huskies and the mighty Idaho Vandals are the teams. Anybody been riding these folks this season? I have not, really. I wrote about these clubs over at my blog.

It's also worth mentioning that the one team who has not covered a spread all season are the the Fighting Illini of Illinois.

They are +11 at Purdue this weekend. Do they cover?

How about next weekend when they host our Wolverines?

Over the summer, Illinois was -7 in that game. Now, the line has been reversed. Michigan is a 7-point favorite.

Hemlock Philosopher

October 20th, 2009 at 11:30 AM ^

Good information to have. My 5-ways have been crapping the bed lately, so I may look to the Vandals or Huskies for some redemption. BTW - +11? I'd take the Illini in that one. 11 is too much for Purdue to handle.

jamiemac

October 20th, 2009 at 11:55 AM ^

yeah, that is a tough call. How can you take Purdue, laying such a big number. Not only have they been celebrating all week, but they still turn the ball over and shoot themselves in the foot way too much. Those teams are not good favorites.

As for Illinois. Well, side with them at your peril.

Maybe this week's Big 10 Diary ignores that game and nobody notices?

I really like IU +4.5 over NW, Mich +4.5 over PSU and Iowa to win over MSU....all strong.....maybe that makes up for leaving one game off?

mi_vandal

October 20th, 2009 at 1:11 PM ^

While I'm not a gambler, I have watched every Idaho game this year (as it is my undergrad alma mater). There are two things that are helping this team to beat the spread every week - first, they have stunk for the last decade, and thus there is a proclivity toward making them big underdogs regardless of the opponent (even though they are now 6-1 this year). Despite their record, this past weekend was the first time they were favored all year (I think).

Second, their offensive line is really good this year, and they have a tendency to go on 7 or 8 minute scoring drives. High time of possession plus a strong red zone running game means they are able to either stay ahead or at least stay within one score against anyone. With the exception of the Boise State game, I think they will stay within one score of any team in the WAC this year, if not win outright.

Oh, and their defense is kind of like Michigan's, they give up a lot of yards and hope to "bend but don't break". Thus a good bet with UI this year has been Vandals to cover PLUS the over. But like I said, I'm not a gambler.

jamiemac

October 20th, 2009 at 1:51 PM ^

Good Stuff there on Idaho. Great insight. I will look into the Overs. The one problem is sometimes not every game will get a total at the Books I use.

I saw bits and parts fo their last three games. They just look like a good, competent football team. I like what you said about them being so bad historically, they oddsmakers (really, the betting public) isnt giving them any respect.

They are +14 at Nevada this weekend. I think they cover that. Thoughs?

mi_vandal

October 20th, 2009 at 2:57 PM ^

Take a look back at the game this weekend against Hawaii... Idaho only had seven possessions in the game (!), which they converted into five touchdowns. With that kind of scoring, the only way that the opponent could get a lead of 14 would be to literally score a td every time they get the ball. Idaho's D may give up yards, but they also tend to stiffen up in the red zone and at least force field goals.

I think UI will have a tough time winning outright in Reno, but the offense should be good enough to keep them within two scores.

Ziff72

October 20th, 2009 at 1:23 PM ^

Well Jamie I took the Zooker 1 last time last week hoping for a Juice Williams re-birth that sabotaged a massive parlay that I had won the 1st 6 legs of. Now I have a $500 parlay that needs Ill to beat Mich by 4, that appears doomed as there is no way to hedge against this massive a line shift.