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Cardinals -9 1/2 vs. Huskies

The list of undefeated teams remaining in college football includes who? Ball State? It's true. Ball State (8-0, 4-0) has not been getting much love nationally because they play in the Mid-American Conference which is often lost on the national stage and is also often blocked out by the large shadow of the big brother residing in the same region of the country, the Big Ten. But one of the bigger reasons Ball State has not received more national acclaim and attention is that they really have not beaten anyone of note. This will change beginning with tonight's game against Northern Illinois.

The Ball State Cardinals are ranked 16th in the country and count their two best wins of the season as a 35-23 victory over the Naval Academy and a victory over the hapless Indiana Hoosiers from the "big brother" conference. The win over Navy was the only one that Ball State has achieved that was over a team who is over .500 at this point in the season. But times will be getting tougher for the Cardinals who face a 5-3 Huskies team who have a 4-1 conference mark. North Illinois will then finish out their season with the Western Division leading Central Michigan in Mount Pleasant and their home finale against Western Michigan who boasts a 5-1 MAC record.

The last time out Idle Ball State beat Eastern Michigan 38-16 on October 25. Nate Davis was the star of the show, going 17 of 31 for 241 yards including two touchdowns and a touchdown reception. He will face a tougher test with Northern Illinois' ninth ranked defense by allowing only 13.6 points per game.

The Huskies also enjoyed a bye week last Saturday. Their vacation followed a 16-13 home victory over Bowling Green. Northern Illinois gained 233 yards, which marked the third straight game eclipsing the 200 yard mark.

For Ball State to start 9-0 for the first time since 1965, they will have to reverse recent history against NIU. The Huskies have won three straight in the series and four straight on the Cardinals home field. But the Northern Illinois Huskies will have to excise some demons of their own as they attempt to snap a five game losing streak to Top 25 teams. Their last victory was over Alabama in 2003.

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New Jersey -130 vs. Tampa Bay

It's a dark day for Devils fans who remember the many dark days before Martin Brodeur minded the net in New Jersey. Prior to his arrival, the Devils were a nonfactor in the NHL, since then they have been one of the best franchises in the sport. Since 1995, the Devils have won three Stanley Cups, which is second only to Detroit's four during the same time. Now New Jersey (6-3-2) will have to do without their star net minder who has won the Vezina Trophy four times and is now sidelined for the next three to four months because of elbow surgery.

This will mark the first extended amount of time Brodeur will miss in his career. He has been Mr. Durability missing only a few games per season. In addition to his stellar resume, Brodeur was off to a fast start this season. The goalie had a 2.16 goals against average with a .916 save percentage. Taking over the unenviable task of filling Brodeur's skates will be veteran Kevin Weekes. Weekes has been a journeyman and a backup for the New Jersey Devils since last season. Being a backup to Brodeur usually means little playing time and Weekes only played in five games in 2007-2008. Devils' fans did have a glimmer of hope in Monday night's game against Buffalo. New Jersey lost 2-0, but Weekes kept it close throughout by making 28 saves, including an incredible 19 in the first period. Weekes will get another chance tonight as the Devils welcome in the Lightning.

After a sluggish start, Tampa Bay (4-3-3) has come to life lately. The Lightning have won three straight to climb over .500 and to the middle of the pack in the Southeast Division. In the last time out, Tampa Bay scored a come from behind overtime win which was largely on the back of goalie Mike Smith who gallantly made 28 saves in regulation and overtime.

The Brodeur-led Devils took three out of four against the Lightning a year ago, including both games held in the Prudential Center.

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Toronto -4 vs. Detroit

The new era of Detroit Pistons basketball starts north of the border tonight. Lost in the shuffle of the arrival of Allen Iverson and the departure of fan favorite Chauncey Billups is the fact that the Pistons (3-0) will meet the Raptors (3-0) tonight in Toronto in a battle of undefeated teams.

Alan Iverson met the Detroit media for the first time yesterday and has pledged his enthusiasm for helping the team win their first World Championship since 2004. With Billups, the NBA Finals MVP from that season, the Pistons made six straight Eastern Conference Finals, but they were a disappointing 2-4 in those series.  Having six bites at the apple and only making the Finals once and only winning it all only once may have sealed Billups fate in the Motor City. He moves on to Denver, along with Antonio McDyess and the duo take their large salaries with them. Meanwhile Iverson brings his large contract, but unlike the two leaving Auburn Hills, his deal is up after this year.

If the Detroit Pistons are doing rebuilding on the fly, it is obvious Richard Hamilton will be in the middle of it. Hamilton agreed to a $34 million three year contract extension yesterday as well. The All-Star is averaging nearly 20 points per game through the first three games of the season.

With a win over Detroit, Toronto will win four straight for the first time in franchise history. The last time out, the Raptors beat the Bucks 91-87 with standout Jose Calderon scoring a career high 25 points. All-Star Chris Bosh is averaging a double double this season with 22.5 points and 10.7 rebounds per game.

It is unclear if Iverson will suit up in the red, white and blue for the Pistons tonight. If he does, however, the Toronto Raptors may be in trouble. In 26 games against Toronto, Iverson has averaged 30 points per game.

Detroit carried the season series 3-1 last season, with Toronto's only win coming at home.

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