I waited a few days to post because they usually move a bit before they settle. What you see is probably pretty close to what they will really be, unless there are major injuries or suspensions.

UNLV +34 at Wisconsin
Northwestern +3 at Boston College
Minnesota +19.5 at USC
Indiana -6 vs Ball State (neutral in Indy) [ouch -- Indiana is better than this].
Middle Tennessee +17.5 at Purdue
Arkansas State + 19.5 at Illinois (looks too high to me).
Western Michigan +14 at Michigan
Akron +33 at Ohio State

All eyes on Northwestern, as none of the rest of the games look to be very interesting (at least USC is an interesting team to watch).

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Fire Phil Emery

I would say Michigan is 14 better than Western Michigan, beat them 34-7 2 years ago when Robinson was a freshman.

IU should take Ball State by 7 or more.

Indiana will beat Ball State by 2 TDs

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"He is a loathsome, offensive brute
--yet I can't look away."

I'm more than a little surprised by the BC line. The line opened at +7, which I thought was very strange since no one is expecting much out of BC this year. Obviously they think their defense is better than our offense. Which may be true.

The two most ineperienced portions of the NU team are the defensive line and the linebackers. Our linebackers lack the size of the other B10 teams. And their lackluster performance down the stretch leaves a lot of question marks. Nwabusi has some experience and he is healthy (unlike Quentin Davie last year). McNaul is new to the position, but he's bulked up without losing alot of speed. Williams will be a good player if he can learn how to tackle. He was often in the right spot, but just failed to make simple tackles. Overall, I'm worried about the LB's, but frankly they can't get much worse.

Our defensive line has one star. His name is Vince Browne and he's a beast. Big, nasty and demands a double team. If you have a good left tackle then you should be ok. The other DE spot is still open for competition between Kevin Watt and Tyler Scott who has the makings to be a beast. The big question mark is in the middle. A healthy Jack Dinardo will clog up holes. The other spot is anyone's guess. You could have a leaner, meaner Niko Mafuli or Arnfeldt. Like the LBs, the D-line is a big quesiton mark.

I'm comfortable with our CB's and safeties. The only problem is we aren't incredibly deep. If it wasn't the first game of the season, I'd be more worried, but since everyone is healthy, I think we'll be fine there.

Offense returns a bunch of weapons. We're all curious to see if Persa has the same moves to buy time after the recovery from his Achilles tear. His ability to pick up 7 yards after the pocket breaks down is really in question. The good news is he is incredibly accurate and he has many experienced targets. None are burners (with the exception of Venric Mark), but all have great hands and a deep understanding of NU's version of the spread. Keep an eye out for Jeremy Ebert. Our offensive line is one of the most experienced out there with the exception of a new Center, Brandon Vitable, who looks to be pretty good. We've been told our running game should be better as Trumpy put up some good numbers last year despite an offensive scheme that doesn't favor the run. In addition, Adonis Smith has bulked up and is expected to do some good things when Trumpy is on the side lines. And let's not forget Drake Dunsmore, technically a Tight End (or Superback as we call it), but plays more of a slot receiver. He's a great target and tough to bring down. And don't be surprised to see Kain Colter (one of our backup QBs) in some interesting packages to keep the defenses on their toes.

Overall, I'm pretty excited about this season. Our defense is clearly a big question mark. I'd argue we will be better than last year on offense (depending on Persa) and our defense couldn't get much worse. Frankly, I'd take NU and the "over" bet. But admittedly, I don't really have a good grasp on how BC is at putting points on the board.

I think BC -3 looks fine with the game there. I'm inclined to think its going to be a bit sloppy and low-scoring. If NU struggles to stop BC, worry a lot; that offense would be perhaps the worst in the Big 10. But the defense is legit and Persa will need some time to readjust. Will be very interesting.

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Fire Phil Emery

I'll give you even odds... wanna take it?

Are we really back to the days of giving USC outrageous odds? Still, I bet it goes up another point.

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

Boston College is supposed to have a top running back in Montel Harris.

OK. I'll actually give you 3 points. Any action?

I put a thing on Montel Harris, gets injured and probably will miss the first game, jump on Northwestern if you can get the 3 points, because it will probably be a pick em soon.

No takers on my bet? How about 5 points?

Simply didn't see it. I'd gladly take BC even.

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Fire Phil Emery

Done... what size?

I'm just a simple unfrozen caveman leprechaun. An avatar challenge will be fine.

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Fire Phil Emery

I'll take what I can get... avatar change +1 beer. Sound good?

Fully acceptable.

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Fire Phil Emery