Week 14 Musings (Weekday)

***Note: Forgot to post this when written up late Wednesday.

Thurs:

1. Arizona St +6 @ Arizona: I've been saying this for weeks, but ASU has been much better than their record indicates. They are really a well rounded squad. They play well defnsively and have some speed and playmakers, and they are balanced offensively, with a tiough runner in Cameron Marshall and a competent passing game. Arizona has had a decent year, but if you look closely at their results, after the Iowa win, which they were lucky to get, they haven't done much. Lost at home to Oegon St, beat cal by a point, lost at home to USC. Not much of a home field advantage. On a nuetral, I would actually give the edge to ASU, so I'll take the points here in an environment that has not proven to be all that difficult for visiting teams.

2. Miami(OH) +17 v Northern Illinois: This game has been a house of horrors for the favorite. A couple years ago, an undefeated Ball State team lost outright to Buffalo, and in previous years several strong MAC teams have been upset in this spot, NIU included in 2005 I believe. Miami is not a bad squad, and they have been much better offensively lately. NIU might have a penchant for locking up in this game..they've been almost too good lately and are due for the proverbial clunker.

More later.