Posted:
#1
2008 Sparty Bets: 9 - 4
2007 Sparty Bets: 9 - 4
Lookin' forward to a fun and profitable 2009 season. We're just a few short weeks away from the BEST sports season of them all and the anticipation is getting ridiculous. Michigan State fans have high hopes this year and with our schedule and a few lucky breaks, this could be a very successful season.
The Over/Under at most books for MSU wins this season is 8, with the Under charging roughly -170 and the Over paying about +130. About a month ago, I thought this Over would be a very good bet, and while I'll still be playing it, I'm not as confident as I once was. I see Sparty winning as many as 10 with some good breaks, or as few as 6 if the QB and RB positions don't pan out. My gut feeling though says 9-3.
The QB battle is a good one between Cousins and Nichol. We'll likely see both of them get playing time until one of them solidifies the starting spot. I'd personally like to see Nichol get the nod because of the expolosiveness he brings to the position, and with an inexperienced corp of RB's, a scrambling QB can be very beneficial. Either way, I think this position is in good hands.
At RB, Sparty is gonna need someone to step up. Anderson and Leggett were hardly impressive last year in minimal time, but I do like Leggett's power style of running. Freshmen, Edwin Baker and Larry Caper are both highly-touted and could each contend for the starting spot. By committee, hopefully this crew can be effective.
WR is the offensive strength of this team, with playmakers across the board. Dell, White, Cunningham, and Martin all showed big-play potential last season. Gannt was also impressive last season at TE, whoever is under center will have plenty of weapons in the passing game.
Both the OL and DL return a couple of starters, but each will need some guys to step up. The back 7 of the defense should be very solid, with experienced players all over. Linebacker, Greg Jones is a star in the making and while the secondary lacks star power, it also really has no weakness. The kicking game may be the best MSU has had in my 30 years on this planet, with Swenson and Bates both returning as 2nd team all-Big Ten selections from last year.
All-in-all, a pretty solid roster with a great coach should translate into a successful season. Here's how I see the games going....
Montana State- Win
Central Michigan - Win
Notre Dame- Win/Loss
Wisconsin- Loss
Michigan- Win
Illinois- Loss
Northwestern- Win
Iowa- Win
Minnesota- Win
Western Michigan- Win
Purdue- Win
Penn State- Win/Loss
This puts them at roughly 9-3, but each of my predicted losses are certainly winnable games. Therefore, I believe a wager on MSU's OVER 8 is worthy of play.
I'll post my weekly plays for Sparty every Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday and hopefully I'll be as successful as the last couple of seasons. Cheers to a great 2009!!!!!
0
Hot Forum Topics
