
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
NORTHWESTERN @ ILLINOIS (ILL -7.5, 150.5)
ILLINOIS -7.5
The Illini and head coach Brad Underwood need to take out some frustrations. Illinois was thought to be the best team in the Big Ten at one point. Then, they lost 3 of their last 4 games. That includes getting torched at home by Maryland on Friday night. I did not see that one coming.
Today, it's a revenge spot for the Illini. Northwestern beat Illinois back in December. That was the third straight time the Wildcats beat the Illini on their home floor. Playing at Illinois? Last time that happened, the Illini opened up a couple cans of whoop ass and beat the Wildcats 96-66.
If Illinois wants to improve its tournament seeding, it needs to start piling up wins. Northwestern at home today is a great place to start. The Illini are 8-3 SU at home in their last 11 games. They are also 8-0 SU in the last eight against Northwestern at home. Illinois hasn't been great against the number, but I think revenge plays a role and the Illini cover this number.
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
WASHINGTON @ PHILADELPHIA (PHI -6, 46.5)
EAGLES -5.5
Buy the hook here and lay the points with the Eagles. Say what you want about Washington's offense and rookie QB Jayden Daniels. Sure, he's good. The Commanders offense is outstanding. I would expect they put up some points on the Eagles today, just not enough to win.
The Eagles plan is simple. Pound the ball with Saquon Barkley. In two games against the Eagles this season, Barkley ran for 146 and 150. The Commanders run defense hasn't stopped anybody this season. Just last week, Detroit totaled 201 yards on the ground against Washington.
The Commanders give up nearly 140 yards rushing per game on average. Philly will pound the ball, control the clock, and keep the ball away from Daniels. Philly is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games, 9-0 SU in the last nine at the Linc, and they're strong against the number - 8-3 ATS in their last 11.
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