Why?
I know little about CFB. The NBA and NFL are my bread and butter.
But I do know one team: Rutgers.
Take them -2.5 over Uconn.
Why?
I can't right a long detailed post about them because I simply cannot demand the time or energy of real CFB posters and readers who know their stuff to invest time in my post so i'll just give you the highlights.
1. Rutgers is a major SELL on the betting markets right now. That is why this number is under 3. They have been crushed by UCF, Cincy, Houston, and Louisville in their last 4 of 5.
Their only win in that stretch came against lousy Temple.
Temple is so bad, winless Uconn beat them last week for their only win of the season.
But Rutgers has had 9 days to prepare for this game and you won't believe it but a win makes them bowl eligible. You can be sure to get their best effort against awful Uconn.
And what does Uconn have to play for? The monkey is off their back after one win. Rutgers is playing for a bowl. You decide who is more motivated.
2. Is Rutgers really this bad?
The combined record of the teams they lost too: 45-8.
The combined record of the teams they beat: 14-41.
They beat the terrible teams and lose badly to good ones.
Uconn is 1-9. You draw the conclusion
As to the outcome.
3. While Rutgers hasn't gotten a blowout since the beginning of the season, Uconn gives up a whopping 33 a game.
A blowout will be necessary to get recognized for a bowl here.
4. Nova is out Dodd is in at QB.
The brutal Gary Nova has been relieved of his starting duties. The markets are tepid about a new starter under center on the road. I can tell you Chas Dodd has waited 23 games for this moment and he won't let it go up in flames.
Removing Nova is a good thing. This QB can breath new life into a team that has lost it's way. The limited time Dodd has had behind center, he has been very accurate. You couldn't ask for a bigger cream puff than Uconn for him to start after 23 games on the bench.
The table is set. It's up to him.
The pick: Rutgers -2.5 over Uconn
Hopefully this hits for all the advice I've solicited this season from everyone here.