Michigan State (-7) vs. Illinois – Michigan State opened as a 7 ½ point favorite against Illinois, but the line has come down to 7 points at most sites. The squares are playing the Spartans at over 75%, which means sharp money is likely keeping the line down. This will be the third straight test for Michigan State, and after two big wins, maybe they’re due for a letdown. Illinois looked impressive against Penn State at Happy Valley last week. The Spartans can’t look past the Illini or they’ll get beat.
South Carolina (-4 ½) at Kentucky – Some serious sharp money has moved this line down. South Carolina opened as a 7 point road favorite at Kentucky, and now most books are at 4 ½ points. The public is betting the Gamecocks at better than 75%. It will be hard for South Carolina to play that well two weeks in a row, and last week Kentucky nearly knocked off Auburn. The last time South Carolina went on the road, they lost at Auburn.
Nebraska (-9 ½) vs. Texas – The home Huskers opened as 9 ½ point favorites, and after the line came down to 8 ½ or 9 points, some buy back on Nebraska has pushed it back up to 9 ½ or 10 points. The squares are backing the Huskers at 4:1. Nebraska had their way with Kansas State in Manhattan last week, while Texas had the bye week to prepare for the Huskers. The last time these two teams met was in last year’s Big 12 national championship game, which Texas won on a controversial, last second field goal.
Iowa (-3) at Michigan – There’s been some reverse action on this line. The Iowa Hawkeyes opened as 4 point road favorites at Michigan, and despite the public playing the Hawks at better than 85%, the line has come down to 3 points at most books. Iowa had a bye last week, but it has to be hard to emulate Denard Robinson’s speed in practice. When the Hawks played a fast team in Tucson, they couldn’t handle the test. Michigan is looking to rebound from their loss to rival Michigan State. Iowa won last year in Kinnick Stadium, but it was a close game.
Ohio State (-4) at Wisconsin – More reverse action in another Big 10 battle. Ohio State started as a 6 point road favorite, but the line has come down to 3 ½ or 4 points, depending upon the site. The squares like the Buckeyes at just under 90%, which means the sharps have pulled this line down. The Buckeyes have been great against the spread this year, going 5-1 ats with their lone loss coming at Illinois. But Wisconsin is only 1-5 ats, with their lone cover coming against Austin Peay.
Auburn (-3 ½) vs. Arkansas –The home Tigers opened as 2 ½ point favorites, but the line has moved up to 3 ½ or 4 points, depending upon the book. The squares are backing the Razorbacks at just under 75%, which means some sharp money has come in on Auburn. The Tigers nearly lost at Kentucky, but Cam Newton saved the day. Arkansas had to work for it, but they managed to put away Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl. With Alabama’s loss, Arkansas is back in the SEC West title picture. Look for the Hogs to come out with renewed vigor.
