1. North Dakota State at Southern Illinois
LINE: North Dakota State -16.5
ATS PICK: North Dakota State
– Bet on this, BetMGM latest line
What, you don’t love North Dakota State anymore, America?
The Bison were underwhelming in their 25-7 win over Youngstown State, didn’t cover, and didn’t quite look like the dominant force that’s going to steamroll its way to a gajillionth straight national title.
Zeb Noland is never going to be Trey Lance, but he needs to be better than 9-of-18, the offense needs to find a bit more explosion, and …
Whatever. The Bison defense was outstanding throughout, there wasn’t any drama, and go ahead and chalk up the overall offensive performance to Week 1 in a fricking February college football game.
– Week 2 FCS Schedule, Game Previews
No, Southern Illinois isn’t going to turn the ball over five times like ti did in the 44-21 loss to North Dakota last week, and yes, the defense is good enough to make this a fight if the Bison really are that mediocre offensively again.
However, think of it this way. North Dakota State didn’t play all that well and won by 18. Outside of all the turnovers – other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play? – Southern Illinois wasn’t that bad and lost by 23 to a team that’s a 7.5 point underdog at home this week.
Pick against North Dakota State at your own peril.