October 5, 2006 (Detroit, Michigan) Usually the weather around the Great Lakes is not as balmy as what is expected this weekend, but Michigan Wolverine and the Michigan State Spartan fans just may be sporting t-shirts in this Big 10 showdown.

State fans are sizzling these days, more so with the pathetic play of John L Smith's troops and the lack of leadership being provided on the sidelines. www.sportsbook.com is obviously concerned with the problems in East Lansing and are offering green and white fans + 15 points when the game kicks off in Ann Arbor.

After jumping out to a 3-0 start, Smith's Spartans are coming off their second straight loss, an embarrassing 23-20 setback at home to Illinois -- a club that hadn't won a Big Ten game in its last 10 tries and is just 2-25 in its last 27 conference tilts.

Michigan State had beaten Illinois nine straight times prior to the loss. The Spartans could be staring down the barrel of a four-game slide if they're not careful, as following this bout with Michigan is a home date with top-ranked Ohio State.

After the Spartans dominated Notre Dame for three quarters two weeks ago and then had a massive meltdown, bettors once again jumped off the bandwagon. Now with the stunner against Illinois and the 5-0 record of the Wolverines, there will be few gamblers grabbing the charity points being offered.

On the flip side, the past two games involving these schools have ended in overtime and when a team is slumping, the best place to bet them is on the road and against a team that is a heavy favorite.

Believe me when I tell you that the Michigan players and fans are already circling November 18th on their calendar, as that is the date when the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Wolverines get it on and both are expected to be 11-0 at the time. Michigan players are feeling real good as they are getting place on the pedestal by their adoring faithful and that is always a concern for bettors.

If you recall in the NFL two weeks ago the Patriots were heavy favorites against the visiting Broncos and got soundly beaten at home. Last weekend they went on the road against the upstart Bengals, with no chance of winning and you were offered +7 points. The Brady Bunch smoked Cincinnati.

Michigan State has a very talented senior quarterback in Drew Stanton and they will not make many mistakes in the kicking game. When I contact my favorite online sportsbook this weekend I may be looking for the wounded puppy!

Bob Acton

Sports Betting