15* Ohio/ULM Independence Bowl Early ANNIHILATOR on Ohio +7

Ohio vs. Louisiana-Monroe, 12/28/2012 14:00 EDT, Score: 45 - 14

Point Spread: +7/-105 Ohio

Sportsbook: Bovada

Result: Win

Following three straight losses, there’s no question that the Bobcats will be motivated to bounce back and end their season with a victory. The betting public is going to see their rough finish and not want anything to do with this team. That provides us with some excellent line value on the Bobcats as a touchdown underdog in this one.

Remember, this team made it to the MAC title game last year and returned 14 starters from that squad. They opened the season 7-0, which included an impressive win at Penn State. This team features two of the most underrated players in the country in running back Beau Blankenship and quarterback Tyler Tettleton.

Blankenship has rushed for 1,500 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Tettleton has completed 62.0 percent of his passes for 2,513 yards with 16 touchdowns and three interceptions, while also rushing for 210 yards and four scores. These two lead a unit that ranks 41st in the country in total offense at 435.5 yards per game.

Look for Tettleton and Blankenship to have big days against a Louisiana-Monroe stop unit that ranks 73rd in the country in total defense, yielding an average of 407.3 yards per game.

The Warhawks are 5-15 ATS in their last 20 games after a win by 6 points or less. Louisiana-Monroe is 0-4 ATS in its last 4 vs. MAC opponents. The Bobcats are 29-10 ATS in their last 39 games on grass. Simply put, I don't believe there is a 7-point difference between these two teams in a game that goes right down to the wire. Roll with Ohio Friday.