This is a 10* SOUTHERN TOY on the OVER VMI/East Tennessee State.

These two teams have been involved in several lower-scoring games of late, but I say the stage is now set for a much higher-scoring "shootout" here finally on Friday night.

VMI is just 4-23, including 0-13 on the road. East Tennessee State on the other hand is 13-14 overall, including 8-4 at home.

The Buccaneers have lost three straight, but note that East Tennessee State has in fact seen the total go OVER the number in four of its last five after three or more straight losses in a row.

VMI plays with revenge nearly pulling off the epic upset at home over the Bucs, as the Cadets fell 74-73 as 10.5-point favorites.

Note though that VMI has seen the total eclipse the posted number in eight of its last 12 in trying to avenge a conference home loss vs. an opponent.

I'm expecting another competitive battle, but one that's more wide-open and ultimately higher-scoring once the final horn sounds.

This number is low in my opinion, so the play is the OVER.

Good luck, NP