2012 NCAA College Football – Week Nine Preview
In the realm of sport betting online, you're going to find it hard to believe that a division-leading team – in late October, not late September – could be a four-touchdown underdog, but that's exactly what will be the case when Duke faces Florida State this weekend in a matchup of ACC division leaders.
Duke leads the Coastal division, while Florida State leads the Atlantic division. Duke is a 28-point underdog, but that's because people believe Florida State is that much more physical and athletically imposing than the Blue Devils, who have locked up their first bowl bid since 1994. Among bookies and the betting students who scour various 5dimes.com reviews during a college football season, this development isn't all that surprising. Florida State owns a higher caliber of athlete than Duke at just about every position. However, fans might wonder why that number is so high. We'll see if Duke can make Florida State sweat a little bit on Saturday in Tallahassee, Fla.
Another bizarre set of circumstances is evident in the afternoon matchup between Michigan State and Wisconsin – the backdrop to this game is far more unusual than anything you might see in online poker. Wisconsin is the third-place team in its division, but the Badgers can almost lock up a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game on Dec. 1 if they can beat the Spartans in Madison, Wis.
Yes, because Ohio State and Penn State are both ineligible for the Big Ten championship, Wisconsin is the team that can play an extra game and attempt to win its conference crown. The reality boggles the mind, but it's true.
Speaking solely about the matchup against Michigan State, it should be pointed out that Wisconsin has certainly gotten better in recent weeks. However, Wisconsin has beaten a lot of deficient teams. Expect Michigan State to cover the spread in this contest. Michigan State has had a terrible season – there can be no denying that fact. Quarterback Andrew Maxwell has been the chief reason for the Spartans' woes. His utter lack of consistency and accuracy as a pocket passer has prevented Michigan State's offense from being sufficiently balanced.
The Spartans have an excellent chance to win, but Wisconsin will probably squeak out a decision with a late field goal.
Then consider the other Big Ten game on the docket this weekend. Penn State and Ohio State, two teams mentioned above, cannot play in the Big Ten Championship Game. They're playing for first place in the Leaders division, and that dispute will get settled when the Nittany Lions host the Buckeyes this weekend.
Penn State is playing a better brand of ball at the moment, but Ohio State owns more talent and has Urban Meyer on its sideline as head coach. Trust Ohio State to win since quarterback Braxton Miller is ultimately expected to play in this game. As long as Miller is reasonably healthy, Ohio State holds the trump card against Penn State.
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