7 Unit Play. Take #308905 Over 57 in Illinois State vs Montana State (Monday, Jan. 5th, 7:30 p.m. EST ESPN)We expect plenty of scoring tonight and lean strongly toward the over in the FCS National Championship between Montana State and Illinois State at FirstBank Stadium. Both offenses enter with explosive profiles and a total sitting near 56.5, and the blend of playoff momentum, big play capability, and vulnerable defenses points to a game that should climb into the 60s. Montana State averages 38.1 points per game and ranks fourth nationally in rushing behind 1,000-yard backs Julius Davis and Adam Jones, while quarterback Justin Lamson adds efficiency with a 72 percent completion rate and 24 touchdowns. The Bobcats have topped 30 points in 11 of 15 games and have repeatedly shredded playoff defenses with play-action and chunk runs, a formula that matches up well against an Illinois State unit that allows 25.1 points per game.

Illinois State brings its own scoring punch, averaging 30.6 points in the regular season and surging in the postseason behind quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse's 36 touchdown passes and receiver Daniel Sobkowicz's 18 scores. Running back Victor Dawson has added more than 500 playoff rushing yards at 5.3 per carry, giving the Redbirds a physical counterpunch that keeps drives alive. They have scored at least 29 points in every playoff game, including strong showings against top defenses such as North Dakota State and UC Davis. Montana State's defense is statistically strong, allowing 18 points per game, but this is its toughest offensive test, especially if Sobkowicz finds space downfield. With both teams peaking offensively, defenses showing postseason wear, and neutral conditions in Nashville encouraging tempo, this matchup of two top 35 scoring offenses sets up for sustained fireworks rather than conservative play.

Two straight meetings, one in LA and one in Minnesota, have gone over, both winning on home ice in a shootout. We could see a repeat here. Those games, including a meeting in Minnesota on Saturday, averaged seven goals apiece in regulation. Each of these teams is trending heavily to the over right now. Minnesota has gone over in five straight, and three of those games went to extra time. The Kings have gone over in four straight. During Saturdays matchup, the scoring was fluid, and we saw four goals, two from each team, heading into the final period, setting up a strong chance for the over, especially at 5.5, and there were four goals in the final period. We dont think either team will make huge defensive adjustments here, so we expect a similar type game.

The Knicks are the superior team, in our opinion, and the Pistons are in a bad spot here with some injuries and on a back-to-back after a hard fought game against the Cavaliers on Sunday. The Knicks were off Sunday and had time to regroup after losing their third straight to a rejuvenated Philly squad on Saturday. We just dont see the Knicks losing four straight and this team should really bring their A Game tonight. They have won and covered three straight in Detroit stretching back to the playoffs, and they will be confident they can pick up the win tonight in enemy territory. Detroit looked good on Sunday, but they have covered in only two of their last six and have won two of five. They just arent in peak form tonight, and we think the Knicks are by far the more motivated team here.

3 Unit Play. Take #874 Ohio State over Nebraska (6:30p.m., Monday, January 5 FS1) It ends tonight! Nebraska will fall from the ranks of the unbeaten against a good Ohio State team that is playing at home. The Cornhuskers are coming off a tough victory against the Spartans on Friday and I expect a letdown in this game. The Buckeyes have beaten the Huskers two of the last three meetings and they need this game more to improve their resume. They will pull away late and win by six to eight points.