DUBL et al - - to clarify, are you guys saying that Cal should be favored in this matchup at worst a pk? That is my interpretation. If that is wrong and your advocating that NW should be favored, then my explanation below is moot.
I question why you think Cal will be favored in the first place. I looked at the 2012 End of the Season Power Rankings...
78 California A = 66.64
21 Northwestern A = 81.72
Phil Steele - Returning Starters
Yes, NW returns 15 starters, same HC, same QB, same systems coming off a bowl win against Miss St.
12:00 PM ET, January 1, 2013
Everbank Field, JACKSONVILLE, FL
|
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
T |
|
MSST |
0 |
10 |
3 |
7 |
20 |
#20 |
NW |
10 |
3 |
14 |
7 |
34 |
Cal ony returns 9 starters, new NC in Dykes, new systems, new QB, and a 3-9 season...Cal also lots its top WR high in in teh 2013 NFL draft...
So why would Cal be favored or why would this be a PK?
I cap this game as Northwestern favored by 7 to 8 points. Sure, Dykes will be an improvement over Tedford, with new enery, and yes, I guess Cal has an advantage playing at home.
Tell me why you guys think that I am wrong here...
We won't know the opening (unless 5 Dimes comes out) till some time iin July. But, right now, I would select NW giving up to 7 points @ Cal...
Right now I have Texas over NMSW -38 and Ok St -10 over Miss St. as my current 2 selections for week 1 ranked ahead of Miami -24 over FAU and Alabama -21 over Va Tech and this NW -7 over Cal matchup. But, if the NW v. Cal matchup is significantly below the -7 or pk or even +4
Please tell me if I am off base here on my perspective on the NW v. Cal matchup???