You Bet Your Ass: Week Nine

Well hello there. It's me, Tom Fornelli. You may know me from previous You Bet Your Ass posts where I played the role of fourth place, third place, second place, and even tied-for-first place. Today I'd like to tell you about my new role.

FIRST PLACE.

Yes, it seems the master has become the master and the students are learning valuable life lessons like "we'll never be as good as Fornelli" and "Fornelli is awesome and I am a loser and nobody is ever going to love me."

Which is exactly how it should be. And maybe you're thinking I shouldn't be acting so cocky since Cassidy was feeling pretty good about himself before his recent collapse, but I assure you that you're wrong. It'll be different this time because, as I just told you, I'm awesome.

I am the greatest of all time. Bow down before me.

When you're done bowing, read this reminder of how this competition works. Though I'm not sure it's going to be much of a competition at this point. More just three guys helplessly chasing after me.

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.

And now the games with which I'll be expanding my lead.

Minnesota vs. Nebraska (-10.5), Over/Under: 51.5

Fornelli: $100 on Nebraska -10.5

Primiano: $50 on Nebraska -10.5

Birkhead: $50 on Over 51.5

Cassidy: $25 on Nebraska -10.5

From Primiano: Just because the Gophers managed to upset the Wildcats doesn't mean they can compete with the Huskers.

From Fornelli: You may think that Minnesota beating Northwestern last week was impressive. You did not watch that game like I did.

Iowa (-4) vs. Northwestern, Over/Under: 52

Fornelli: $25 on Iowa -4

Primiano: $25 on Iowa -4

Birkhead: $25 on Under 52

Cassidy: $25 on Iowa -4

From Birkhead: I don't feel comfortable picking either team. Let's just pansy out with this one.

From Cassidy: Man, what a difference College Gameday makes.

Illinois vs. Michigan State (-10.5), Over/Under: 51

Fornelli: $50 on Michigan State -10.5

Primiano: $50 on Illinois +10.5

Birkhead: $50 on Under 51

Cassidy: $100 on Michigan State -10.5

From Primiano: Sparty looked bad against Purdue last week. I smell blood.

From Cassidy: Illinois, my old friend. It's homecoming and I'll be coming home to watch some football and drink some Schlitz at Illini Inn. And what reunion would be complete without an ugly Illinois loss? WOOOHOOO!

Ohio State (-14.5) vs. Penn State, Over/Under: 60

Fornelli: $25 on Under 60

Primiano: $50 on Over 60

Birkhead: $25 on Ohio State -14.5

Cassidy: $25 on Ohio State -14.5

From Birkhead: I don't trust a freshman QB going into the Horseshoe.

From Fornelli: I just have a hard time seeing Penn State put up a lot of points in this game, so the under feels safest. And no option feels safe.

Money On The Line This Week

Fornelli: $200

Primiano: $175

Birkhead: $150

Cassidy: $175

Standings (Last Week)

1. Fornelli 35-29, $350 (3-2, $0)

2. Cassidy 34-30, $325 (2-3, -$100)

3. Primiano 33-31, $250 (3-2, $125)

4. Birkhead 31-33, $250 (4-1, $125)

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