Illinois-Penn State: Betting Odds and Picks (Mar. 5)

Free Pick: Illinois vs. Penn State o117.0
Thurs, Mar. 5 2009 9:00 p.m.
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The Big Ten is a conference that prides itself on playing a tough physical brand of defense. But Illinois and Penn State's first meeting of the season can only be described as a horrendous shooting performance by both teams.

The 38-33 final score that favored visiting Penn State had many of the pundits poking fun at both teams offensive ineptness. Because of that embarrassing final score , I’m betting both programs, in an effort to save face for themselves and the conference itself, will now play a much more up-tempo tilt that will eclipse the number.

I know this is a nationally televised game, and that the linesmakers lean on the total a little bit, knowing Joe Public loves to hit the over. But despite that, and because of the difficulties associated with setting this type of number, we are still getting decent value on a number, that will be eclipsed by two opponents that I’m projecting will put 60 plus points on the board.

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