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There were only four games on the docket last week, but it was a rough week for all of us. Well, okay, it was a rough week for everybody but myself. I just had an average week, going 2-2. The rest of the guys went 1-3
I was also the only one of the four of us to actually make a profit on my picks, but more important than than, my 2-2 record was also good enough to put me in a tie for first place with Cassidy on the season. Though he's made a larger profit, so he's got that tie-breaker going for him.
Still, considering the lead Cassidy had built up, catching him was no minor feat. So I'd like to thank you, Jack, for going 1-8 the last two weeks. I really appreciate it.
If you haven't been following along and aren't sure how this competition of ours works, here's all you need to know.
Each participant will bet on every Big Ten game being played that weekend, and they can bet either the point spread or the over/under.
The participant will assign an amount to their bet, which can be either $25, $50 or $100. Each participant is allowed only one $100 bet per week. Everybody starts with a $0 balance, and balances can be negative.
So with that out of the way, let's get to knocking Cassidy out of first place altogether.
Northwestern (-12.5) vs. Minnesota, Over/Under: 53.5
Fornelli: $25 on Minnesota +12.5
Primiano: $25 on Northwestern -12.5
Birkhead: $25 on Under 53.5
Cassidy: $50 on Minnesota +12.5
From Cassidy: I need to change things up. I need a spark. I need to stop picking Northwestern.
From Fornelli: It's a combination of Northwestern injuries and Minnesota coming off a bye week. Plus I think the team uses Jerry Kill's situation as motivation.
Michigan State (-26.5) vs. Purdue, Over/Under 42.5
Fornelli: $50 on Under 42.5
Primiano: $25 on Michigan State -26.5
Birkhead: $50 on Under 42.5
Cassidy: $50 on Over 42.5
From Primiano: That big of a spread feels like a sucker bet, yet here I am. Purdue is just too damn bad.
From Birkhead: You think Purdue can score more than 10 points on this defense? I thought not.
Michigan (-7.5) vs. Indiana, Over/Under: 67
Fornelli: $25 on Michigan -7.5
Primiano: $25 on Over 67
Birkhead: $25 on Under 67
Cassidy: $25 on Michigan -7.5
From Cassidy: It's so strange that Indiana is rightly considered a respectable opponent.
From Fornelli: I know everybody is abandoning ship when it comes to Michigan, but not me. I'm also not buying Indiana quite yet.
Ohio State (-17) vs. Iowa, Over/Under: 55.5
Fornelli: $50 on Ohio State -17
Primiano: $50 on Iowa +17
Birkhead: $25 on Iowa +17
Cassidy: $25 on Ohio State -17
From Primiano: The Hawkeyes might not be great, but the Buckeyes biggest margin of victory against real competition was only 10 points.
From Birkhead: The Iowa defense is a lot better than people give it credit for.
Illinois vs. Wisconsin (-12.5), Over/Under: 55.5
Fornelli: $50 on Under 55.5
Primiano: $100 on Wisconsin -12.5
Birkhead: $50 on Wisconsin -12.5
Cassidy: $100 on Illinois +12.5
From Birkhead: Hide yo children, hide yo wives, Illini fans.
From Cassidy: That's right, $100. On Illinois. Against Wisconsin. Timmy Becks, reward me!
Money On The Line This Week
Fornelli: $200
Primiano: $225
Birkhead: $175
Cassidy: $250
Standings (Last Week)
1. Cassidy 32-27, $425 (1-3, $0)
1. Fornelli 32-27, $350 (2-2, $75)
3. Primiano 30-29, $125 (1-3, -$25)
4. Birkhead 27-32, $125 (1-3, -$100)
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