Both teams are solid and have great coaching staffs. James Madison's defensive coordinator used to work for Parcels. I worry that their win at North Dakota State may have been an emotional high for them, but with three weeks off they can probably re-focus. Sure they dismantled Sam Houston State too, but if you watched that game it looked like the Bearcats had never played football before. So I think the number may be a bit inflated due to them knocking off the only team most bettors know at this level, N.D. State.
Say what you want about Bo Pelini, but he never won less than 9 games at Nebraska. I think Youngstown may be the first team to have to play the opening round to make the finals since the tournament expanded. Both teams are playing their best football now. Both conferences that the teams represent went 7-3 in the tournament. My initial reaction was to favor James Madison after they beat my father-in-laws beloved Bison, but I don't see why such a huge spread. What would the spread be if Eastern Washington wins in the semis? I bet it would be around 3.5, so the team that beats them gets over twice that? With all that I am taking the Penguins plus the points.
The field has been in bad shape in years past and we are getting a winter blast leading up to the game, so that may slow scoring. I like the under in the first half too, with a possible scoring explosion in the 2nd half as nerves subside and teams adjust to field, if they have to. Just my 2 cents.
Hey dgrinding, look for 6 non team affiliated tailgaters in the east parking lot near the stadium. My father-in-Law is threatening to wear his Bison gear for some reason. I would try to describe us, but we will be so bundled up what is the point. I'll have a beer for you and anyone who mentions pregame! This is a fun game to attend. This will be my 7th one in Frisco. Hopefully the atmosphere will be half as fun as when N.D. State has been there.