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.
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.