There would normally be value with the underdog between two physical, pro-style teams like Stanford and Northwestern. But the Wildcats have a lot of holes to fill that include losing program icon Clayton Thorson at quarterback. KJ Costello and the Cardinal should have some decent firepower and should get the upper hand in this one.

What is it about these programs under longtime head coaches that live in Under territory in non-league games? Northwestern’s record in such scenarios is 23-9-1 going back several seasons, while Stanford is on a more modest 5-2 run. Wildcats coach Pat Fitzgerald has not settled, at least publicly, on a QB. The Cardinal, which ranked a dreadful 122nd in rushing a year ago, aspires to re-establish the ground game so beloved by coach David Shaw. He prefers clock-eating possessions to the pass-happy approach necessitated last season by injuries to running backs. Take the Under.

Stanford has won its last 11 home openers with most being blowouts, but the main reason I bet them to cover besides laying less than seven points is the expected QB play. Stanford has one of the best QBs in the nation with KJ Costello and the offense figures to be even more centered around him than last season. Northwestern replaces their all-time passing leader Clayton Thorson with sophomore Hunter Johnson and I don't expect great things in his first start. Stanford is the play.