Rating: 2 Units

The Penguins improved to 5-2-0 in their last seven contests despite a host of injuries, including captain Sidney Crosby (hernia), and they welcomed back forward Bryan Rust and defenseman Justin Schultz on Friday from lower-body injuries. While the Penguins are hanging in the playoff race despite many obstacles, the Red Wings have lost 10 straight contests (0-8-2) and own the least points (17) in the league along with the least in franchise history through the first 30 games of a season.

Rating: 2 Units

Another game with the spread just under a TD, which satisfies us more than a little. The Chips have turned it all around in McElwain's first year, as Central Michigan came from last year's 1-11 campaign, to this year's 8-4 mark, which includes a current 8-1-1 spread run (+145½ points ATS). The always dangerous Redhawks, were rolling, themselves (4-0 SU & ATS), before mere 20-17 SU win over Akron (worst team in the land), followed by a 2-TD loss to 5-7 Ball State. As we said, momentum is a very underrated adjective.

Rating: 3 Units

What a match! The top-ranked Tigers have been special since the opening kickoff, returning 16 starters (8 apiece on both "O" & "D"). Led by Heisman-leading QB Burrow (4,366 yards, 44 touchdowns and 6 interceptions), they've run the table with a 49-22 points per game edge. A week ago, they simply demolished a very respectable A&M team, 50-7 (26-point cover), with a 553-169 yard edge. The 'Dawgs know that a win here ensures them a playoff spot. They've allowed 10.2 points per game in lined games this year, but Fromm ranks just 42nd in passing efficiency. Bengals again!

Rating: 3 Unit Championship Play of the Day

Not too many could have envisioned such a heavy spot in this one, especially when the Badgers got off to such an awesome start, behind the rushing of Taylor, who has reached the 200 rushing yard mark 12 times in his career. But it all came crashing down for Wisconsin, vs the best defense in the nation, with Bucks coming in at 4th, 2nd, 4th, & 1st in run, pass, scoring, & total "D". And, offensively: 4th, 1st, & 5th in run, scoring, & total. Passing? Just 45th, although Fields ranks 4th, with amazing 37 touchdowns and 1 interception. And never forget the ever-present Dobbins, with his 19 TDs & 6.6 yards per rush. Last 2 weeks vs Penn State & Michigan? Try 229-99 & 264-91 rushing yard edges. Buckeyes have won & covered all 3 of their Big Ten title matches, including '14's 59-0 romper over the 10-2 Badgers. The best team in the land? Goes a long way in finding out. Only way to go here

Rating: 4 Unit Championship Game of the Week

Oh, how the Tigers can perform. Twenty-seven straight wins, while ranking among the leaders in all categories: 10th, 25th, 4th, 3rd, 11th, 1st, 1st, 2nd, & 1st, to be exact. They sputted a bit out of the gate, spread wise, including that narrow 21-20 escape at North Carolina, as 27-point chalks. But fully focused since, with a 358-61 point edge in their last 7 games (+66.5 points ATS). Lawrence has shaken his early season doldrums (compared to last year's exploits, of course), but now ranks 9th in passing efficiency (30 touchdowns and 8 interceptions), while the irrepressible Etienne is sputtering along at 8.25 yards per rush. Cavs seem lost in the shuffle, but trying to take down such a formidable foe isn't in the Cards. So, we are not about to disembark from this unstoppable train. Regardless the spot, it's Clemson.