Xam’s Gem(s):
Middle Tennessee State/Liberty Over 56.5 Points -108
Liberty QB Kaidon Salter is having a great season so far, with 20 total TDs on the year. He’s a true dual-threat QB, with 6 rushing touchdowns and over 300 rushing yards on the year. Liberty has shown this year that they have arguably the best offense in the entire conference. They’re averaging over 35 points per game. For the year, Middle Tennessee is giving up about 32 points per game. The question is whether or not MTSU can get any offense going in this one. Middle Tennessee will be forced to keep up with a high powered offense that can pass and run the ball effectively. Fortunately, Liberty will do a lot of the heavy lifting in this game. Getting enough from MTSU will be the key, both for the total itself and keeping Liberty engaged and motivated to keep scoring themselves.
Phillies Money Line -162
If there ever was a team that seemed like it was on a mission, and on a path to destiny, it’s the Phillies this year. They are undefeated at home in the playoffs and have arguably the best homefield advantage in the entire sport. Aaron Nola is battle tested in the playoffs. This year he has a 1.42 ERA in the postseason, and in his career he has an impressive 3.76 ERA in the playoffs. Merrill Kelly pitched well in his 1st career postseason start, but this is an entirely different animal. The Phillies just seem unstoppable right now, and Kelly had a 4.07 ERA on the road this year. Kelly may have a short leash tonight as well, due to the fact that the Diamondbacks are at risk of going down 0-2 to the Phillies.