Sports

Take the over in MAC final

Football expert Phil Steele is the owner and publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, regarded as the college football bible. Get in-depth coverage of college and pro football 24/7/365 at PhilSteele.com.

Tomorrow

Northern Illinois-Kent State Over 58: This is what a true conference championship should look like with a pair of undefeated teams in the MAC. This will be a high-scoring game, helped by perfect scoring conditions inside Ford Field. Northern Illinois is ranked No. 1 in the MAC in scoring offense, and Kent St is No. 3. Both teams also are ranked in the league’s Top 3 in forced turnovers. Keep an eye on Huskies QB Jordan Lynch (39 total TDs) and the backfield duo for Kent State, Dri Archer (14 TDs) and Traylon Durham (14 TDs), and you will see players who will be playing on Sundays.

Saturday

Texas (+11 1/2) over KANSAS STATE: Though Kansas State upset Texas 17-13 last year, a closer look shows the Longhorns had a 310-121 edge in yardage. Kansas State QB Collin Klein is a worthy Heisman contender, but last season, he attempted 281 passes and rushed 317 times, and with his body taking a beating, the Wildcats averaged just 247 yards per game in its last three after averaging 364 yards per game in the first 10. This year, Klein again has taken a beating and the offense is fading, averaging 311 yards per game their last two after averaging 441 yards per game in their first nine. Great spot for the Longhorns to make it a fifth straight upset in this series.

LAST WEEK (NCAA): 0-2. SEASON: 10-15.