VBR Against The Spread-Championship Week
By Matt de Bear
September 8, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers cheerleaders perform during a stoppage in play during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE
Nebraska (-2.5) vs. Wisconsin
Our good friend Jared Slanina over at Black Shoe Diaries used this line on his national preview this week, but the Big 10 pits a team with 2 wins handed to them by dubious officiating against a 5 loss team that finished third in their division, for the right to represent the league in the Rose Bowl. Taylor Martinez and Co. look to win the Big 10 title in just their second season (someone else did that about 18 years ago), while Bert and the Badgers have a shot at playing (and probably losing) in their 14th consecutive Rose Bowl.
Matt – Nebraska
I have been high on the Huskers since July (here’s proof), and am not at all surprised to see them here. I think we all expected Wisconsin to be the opponent, especially with the NCAA sanctions at both OSU and PSU, but a 7-5 Badger squad? Once Nebraska settled down, they dominated Wisconsin in Lincoln, and with a shot at a Rose Bowl berth, I expect Martinez, Burkhead and Abdullah to have a big night, and win this one easily.
Tim – Wisconsin
Nebraska giving just two points is very tempting, but Wisconsin has really raised their level of play, taking Ohio State and Penn State to overtime in the last two weeks. Meanwhile, Iowa gave Nebraska all they could handle last week. Nebraska will be without their top receiver this week and I like the Badgers to keep the Huskers out of the Rose Bowl.
Craig – Nebraska
This one is as good of a bet as there is this week. Nebraska should be able to score too many points for Wisconsin to catch up.
Corey – Nebraska
Wisconsin has lost their last 2 games in OT while Nebraska has been riding a 6-game winning streak. Wisconsin has a very good runner in Montee Ball, but Curt Phillips leaves them at a loss at the QB position. Nebraska has a three-headed attack on offense with everything running through QB Taylor Martinez. Nebraska has some issues on defense, but I’m really hoping that they pull this game out. I want to see the best team eligible to go to the Rose Bowl represent the Big Ten, and to me that would be Nebraska.