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The Tigers have been hit hard with several players entering the transfer portal since the ‘Bama loss. Junior QB Bo Nix, a three-year starter who missed the last two games of this season with a broken ankle, announced he’s transferring to Oregon. RB Shaun Shivers and WR Elijah Canion, both backups, are also among a Tigers crew that entered the portal.

Meanwhile, All-American First-Team CB Roger McCreary opted out to get ready for the NFL Draft, while C Nick Brahms is sidelined after season-ending surgery. The team is also going to be working under new OC Austin Davis, after Mike Bobo was fired in November.

PICK: HOUSTON +2 - The Tigers just have too much upheaval with 6-8 starters out for this game, lack of depth and also working under a new OC. Auburn is also on a four-game skid, going 1-3 ATS. This Houston Cougars offense is dangerous and will put up some points.

I like getting Nebraska here under a touchdown. Nebraska could be slightly distracted due to ongoing NCAA investigations regarding the football program and head coach Scott Frost, but I’m predicting we see Adrian Martinez have a breakout year and no better place to get started then against a sub par defense of Illinois. Also Nebraska is returning 10 starters on defense so look for big improvements on that side of the ball this season.

Score prediction: Nebraska 31 - Illinois 20

Stripling gets his first start since April 25 and is expected to take Rich Hill's spot in the rotation. Stripling this year has been a better starter than reliever and his time off is a concern for me tonight but Stripling should give the Dodgers the edge on the mound over Robbie Ray. Ray looked good in his last start against Colorado, but I like Stripling and Dodgers here.