(09-11-2011 11:08 PM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  16 point differential. Every time I think lines are whacky they end up making sense. After what we saw vs Kansas I expected this to open in the lower 20's. Do you think the line will move up sharply, that seems too low for where these teams are at.

Wisconsin hasn't covered 16 points three of the last four times against NIU at CAMP RANDALL and Saturday is a neutral field game.

Even though one year has zero influence on the next, bettors remember and assume history matters.

Wisconsin has issues on defense with a couple of starters out injured and some other guys coming off injuries. If I were betting (I never do) I'd take the over and leave the spread alone.

BTW, if anyone can coach good defense against Paul Chryst's Badger offense, one would think it would be Dave Doren.

I wouldn't be shocked if NIU puts up a really tough battle in this game.

(09-14-2011 10:04 AM)BigAppleBucky Wrote:  

(09-11-2011 11:08 PM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  16 point differential. Every time I think lines are whacky they end up making sense. After what we saw vs Kansas I expected this to open in the lower 20's. Do you think the line will move up sharply, that seems too low for where these teams are at.

Wisconsin hasn't covered 16 points three of the last four times against NIU at CAMP RANDALL and Saturday is a neutral field game.

Even though one year has zero influence on the next, bettors remember and assume history matters.

Wisconsin has issues on defense with a couple of starters out injured and some other guys coming off injuries. If I were betting (I never do) I'd take the over and leave the spread alone.

BTW, if anyone can coach good defense against Paul Chryst's Badger offense, one would think it would be Dave Doren.

I wouldn't be shocked if NIU puts up a really tough battle in this game.

We were sort of saying the same thing before the Kansas game.

Unfortunately, I don't see any way NIU stays in this ballgame. Chandler Harnish and company haven't faced a defense like the Badgers. Not even remotely so. The NIU offense is prolific, but its prolifiic in terms of mid-major and BCS bottom feeder type competition. I see Harnish running for his life in this game and the potential for multiple turnovers to be significant.

The defense? How in the hell are they going to stop Wisconsin folks. Look at the beef on that Badger offensive line. Then look at that running game and passing attack. The ONLY thing that will rein in the Badger offense is when Bielema decides to take the foot off the accelerator when the game is, in his opinion, well in hand for Wisky.

This will be one of those games where analysis of final statistics will lead to false conclusions on the relative strength and weakness of both teams.

(09-14-2011 11:26 AM)WhiskeyDick Wrote:  Unfortunately, I don't see any way NIU stays in this ballgame. Chandler Harnish and company haven't faced a defense like the Badgers. Not even remotely so.

The wisconsin defense has not faced an offense even remotely close to the Huskies though including the woeful attack of Oregon State of the PAC-10. I think there are still some questions regarding Wisconsin's defense and I think it will be the one thing to hold them back from a national championship. NIU might get rolled Saturday, but so would 110 or 112 other FBS schools.