In Today's Big Conversation, Teddy and Scott break down the Big 10 Conference.
A little news kicks off this segment as the NCAA Board of directors has voted to allow Autonomy to the 5 biggest conferences (ACC, Pac-12, Big 10, Big 12 and the SEC, plus Notre Dame). These conferences will be able to create their own legislatures for a various amount of rules. Teddy likes this cause NCAA players deserve to be paid. It's also a good this when the NCAA relinquishes some power.
Teddy's job is to determine things from a point spread perspective. last year the Buckeyes had a losing PS record (6-7-1), but they weren't an undervalued team. Michigan State was undervalued as they were 13-1 SU and still a solid 9-4-1 to the spread. Wisconsin also made people money by going 9-3-1 ATS. Minnesota went 9-4 ATS last year and returns plenty of talent and may be a play on team this year as no one is really looking at them.
Scott wonders if Virginia Tech can slow enough Ohio State to pull the upset when they meet. Teddy isn't sure that Va Tech has the defense to do that, but OSU does have just 1 starter on the OL back and there defense has some holes as well. Still Teddy feels the Buckeye secondary may be better than last year.
They look at the Oregon/ Michigan State game. Offensively the Spartans will put up points this year but defensively they have holes and Teddy wouldn't step in front of Oregon at home.
The Wolverines have a young squad and aren't really expected to get more than 8 wins on the year.
As far as a bet against team, Penn State is high on Teddy's list. The NCAA sanctions will really hurt this team this year.
The Huskers have a stout front 7 but the secondary is shaky. They are just not an elite program anymore and really need to open up the offense a bit more.
Iowa doesn't have great talent, but their schedule sets up extremely nicely for them. They may have the easiest road schedule in the nation.
One team that Teddy is looking to fade is Northwestern after cashing just 3 games ATS last year. They have some defensive problems as well.
Comments are welcomed as always.