Always enjoy your well thought out picks and detailed analysis, but an Iowa loss would not have guaranteed a Wisconsin trip to the Big 10 Championship. According to a a USA today article that I assume is correct, if Wisconsin and Iowa both lose, the Badgers would still need IU to beat Purdue to go to the Big 10 title game. If Purdue wins vs IU, Minnesota would have gone to the Championship had Iowa lost. Since Purdue is a 2 TD favorite at home, it's likely Iowa's win turned this game from a must win game for both teams into a must win game for Wisconsin only. I have two girls at Wisconsin and follow the team closely. I'm very surprised at their turnaround after a 1-3 start, but Minnesota has a solid run defense, and if they can hold the Badgers in check in the running game, I don't think Mertz and the offense will put up many points. Last weeks defensive performance from the Badgers was their worst all year as Nebraska moved the ball with ease on them all game. Badgers are a good defense, but their stats are enhanced by having played a lot of weak offensive teams. Wouldn't be surprised to see Minnesota put up points and yards if Morgan can make some throws. I'm rooting hard for a Badgers win, but think Minnesota keeps it within the number and had a solid chance to win the game. Badgers had covered every game on their win streak until last week against Nebraska, but without a kickoff return TD and to interceptions, Badgers likely would have lost to Nebraska. Good luck today, and thanks for all your hard work analyzing these games.

I like many of your writeups (especially the BC Lions one last week was maybe the easiest in months). That being said.. Pens to win in regulation looking at the Jets 4 games you mentioned against the Oilers, Wild and Blues they won or went to OT/shootouts. Just think the Pens straight up giving SId and company if it goes to OT a better chance to cash. We shall see, thanks for your free writeups!

Hey Sherwood I read your page everyday and must say your BC Lions pick -5 which jumped to -6.5 overnight was a genius pick and made total sense. I placed several bets at -6, -6.5 and -7 and once the game started you could tell BC came to play and Edmonton mailed it in so that was worth several live bets. Nathan Rourke had a ton of family members in the stands and was determined to put on a show and that he did. Two CFL teams not making the playoffs would have slipped past me if not for your write up so I do thank you for being so detailed and making it a 5k night for me. Best capper out there!!!