SkinsFan
09-06-2006, 04:01 PM
YTD: 7-4 +2.60 Units
UNLV +15 (-110)
UNLV should have a much improved offense this year. They return a fairly experienced o-line with a veteran running back who is also very good coming out of the backfield and running pass routes. The rebels have added two very talented WRs in Ryan Wolfe and Aaron Steichen. Perhaps the biggest difference maker UNLV will have this year is USC transfer QB Rocky Hinds. Hinds threw for over 300 yards and a TD this past weekend against Div 1AA Idaho State in a 54-10 win. True it was a div 1AA opponent, but this is huge for a program like UNLV that has struggled offensively (especially in light of Colorado's performance this past weekend against a 1AA opponent). Iowa State is an up and coming team in the Big 12 north, and they have plenty of offense... but defensively, they were not sharp last week.... also considering that Iowa State may be looking ahead to the following week (in state rivalry against Iowa), I like UNLV plus the boatload of points.
Illinois +11 (-110)
By all accounts, Ron Zook is dedicated to improving Illinois' rushing attack. He has several backs returning from last year and a much improved offensive line. Rutgers rush defense was far from stellar last week, giving up roughly 170 yards on the ground. There is a lot of hype on Rutgers lately, but Illinois still has Big 10 caliber talent and will keep this game in single digits.
UNLV +15 (-110)
UNLV should have a much improved offense this year. They return a fairly experienced o-line with a veteran running back who is also very good coming out of the backfield and running pass routes. The rebels have added two very talented WRs in Ryan Wolfe and Aaron Steichen. Perhaps the biggest difference maker UNLV will have this year is USC transfer QB Rocky Hinds. Hinds threw for over 300 yards and a TD this past weekend against Div 1AA Idaho State in a 54-10 win. True it was a div 1AA opponent, but this is huge for a program like UNLV that has struggled offensively (especially in light of Colorado's performance this past weekend against a 1AA opponent). Iowa State is an up and coming team in the Big 12 north, and they have plenty of offense... but defensively, they were not sharp last week.... also considering that Iowa State may be looking ahead to the following week (in state rivalry against Iowa), I like UNLV plus the boatload of points.
Illinois +11 (-110)
By all accounts, Ron Zook is dedicated to improving Illinois' rushing attack. He has several backs returning from last year and a much improved offensive line. Rutgers rush defense was far from stellar last week, giving up roughly 170 yards on the ground. There is a lot of hype on Rutgers lately, but Illinois still has Big 10 caliber talent and will keep this game in single digits.