Colorado over 5.5
Duke over 7.5
Illinois under 4.5
Iowa over 7.5
Ohio St under 11.5
S. Carolina over 6.5
Colorado- I am buying in a little to the coach speak about his team. The Buffs coach makes some good points about hanging in for many close games. The big reason for me is the soft non conference schedule. I think they can get all 4 games and at least 3 wins. That leaves 1-2 in conference wins needed which I think will happen.
Duke- The Blue Devils are a proverbial no respect team. Under Cutlcliffe though, they just keep on winning games. I don't expect a let up this year as his program is fully bought into the system and the players execute. Add a down overall ACC and that adds up to 8-9 wins for Duke.
Illinois- This was one of the first teams that I identified for a down year. Nothing has changed my opinion and in fact the morale is probably lower as not only is the head coach on the hot but so are several other members of the athletic department including the director. On the field,the talent is low and they have had key injuries. I am looking for them to drop their opener against Kent St and for the season to never get better.
Iowa- I am going with Iowa as my surprise team in the Big 10. This team got better last year as the season wore on and I like them to come into this season quietly confident. Their non conference schedule is very manageable and will yield 3 or 4 wins. They have gimme's in Illlinois and Purdue and will be in all of their other Big10 games. Look for 8-10 wins for the Hawkeyes.
Ohio St- Yes, the Buckeyes have a great returning team and a manageable schedule but they will drop at least one game during the regular season. Va Tech, Penn St, Michigan and Michigan St all will have legitimate shots at the upset.
S. Carolina - Similar to the Hawkeyes, I like the Gamecocks to surprise this season. The SEC East is just average and they can win against any of those teams. The non conference is not a push over however they will win at least 2 and can win 4 in conference. So 6 wins will be a definite and I like them to win 6 SEC games this year.
