I will take full responsibility for anyone who sweated out the end of the Iowa/Virginia game. I watched the first half in a local sportsbook while waiting to pick someone up at the airport. No, not some random person, and no, I’m not driving an Uber – yet. Anyway, Iowa was up by 22 late in the first half and I mumbled into the dregs of my ginger ale, “At least I don’t have to worry about this one.” I kinda knew what I had just done as I got off the stool and wandered into the parking lot, and thus was not surprised to watch the Hawkeyes lose a twenty-point lead in the second half before pulling it out. I apologize to any readers whose blood pressure was affected just like mine was.
On the other hand, what’s done is done and I went 3-1 in ACC picks yesterday. Next play.
Seattle O’Sullivan 2021-2022 ACC season so far: 7-11, -$137.70
Seattle O’Sullivan 2021-2022 Ivy League season so far: 6-12, -$39.45
(Standing Caveat: The universe is chaotic. Life is unpredictable. Things happen. Like injuries. In following Seattle O’Sullivan’s betting advice, be advised that you should always monitor your bets during the day to make certain unforeseen things have not occurred which might change your wagering opinion. Thank you.)
Florida State Seminoles at Purdue Boilermakers, 7:30 pm Eastern
The Pick: Florida State +11 (-110), bet $11 to win $10; over 142.5 (-110), bet $11 to win $10
Since I’m still angry at the Ivy League (and since they have no games today), I’ll continue playing the Big Ten/ACC Challenge (and how was it decided that the Big Ten would go first in the name of that challenge?). Florida State goes into West Lafayette to play second-ranked Purdue, and while I’m not confident enough to pick the upset, I do think 11 points is a lot, here. The Seminoles are 5-1 themselves, ranked 29th in the Pomeroy rankings, and have beaten some quality teams. They’re athletic and will not be afraid tonight. I can’t see the Boilermakers scoring their average of 92.3 points, but I do think the total 142.5 is low. I like Florida State to keep it close in a shootout.
Northwestern Wildcats at Wake Forest Demon Deacons, 9 pm Eastern
The Pick: Northwestern +1.5 (-115), bet $11.50 to win $10
A toss-up for me, which means I like the team getting points. Northwestern enters the game 5-1 to Wake Forest’s 6-1, but I think the quality of schedule to this point favors the Wildcats. More importantly, I think they have the better defense. Pomeroy’s adjusted defensive rankings have Northwestern 55th while Wake is 81st. The Wildcat’s senior forward Pete Nance averages 17.7 points and 8 rebounds per game; he’ll have a nice game tonight.
Duke Blue Devils at Ohio State Buckeyes, 9:30 pm Eastern
The Pick: Over 147 (-110), bet $11 to win $10
Duke has scored over 80 points in four of its six games, and under 79 points only once. Ohio State has yet to score fewer than 67 points this season. So if Ohio State manages its worst scoring game, while Duke has an average game, the over hits. I like that math.