Bucknell vs Holy Cross Patriot League Championship Game Odds, Spread and Picks
- Holy Cross (2-0) faces Bucknell (2-1) in the Patriot League conference championship on Saturday at 2:00pm EST on CBS Sports Network
- Both teams have questions surrounding their number one option at quarterback
- See the odds, spread and a look at the game within the story below
Are you ready for the first ever conference championship game in the Patriot League?
Holy Cross and Bucknell meet for the championship and more importantly an automatic bid in the 16-team spring post-season. The Crusaders are undefeated and enter the game as the favorites.
The two teams have only played a combined five games, but here we are closing in on a conference championship game. We can debate the validity of the win later, for now let’s take a dive into both programs to find the best bet on the board.
Holy Cross vs Bucknell Odds
| Team | Spread at FanDuel | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Cross | -6.5 (-112) | -290 | O 40.5 (-110) |
| Bucknell | +6.5 (-110) | +225 | U 40.5 (-110) |
Odds as of April 14th
[promoted-sportsbook]Holy Cross Dealing With Position Battle at QB
Holy Cross has a pair of options at quarterback and both could see action in the title game. Senior Connor Degenhardt is the known commodity, but he was replaced in the 3rd quarter of the Crusaders last victory.
Matthew Sluka was his replacement and put up 33 passing yards, 151 rushing yards and three total touchdowns. The performance was enough to earn Sluka the Patriot League Spring Football Rookie of the Year award.
In most circumstances it would be hard to hand the reigns to a rookie with a quarter and a half of experience – but this is a rare season. The flashy performance was good enough to win an award and should be enough to earn some playing time against Bucknell.
🏆 @MatthewSluka https://t.co/9c3v09ckZ7#GoCrossGo pic.twitter.com/sRMqGNjC4N
— Holy Cross Football (@HCrossFB) April 13, 2021
Regardless of who takes more snap at quarterback, the Crusaders chances of locking up a playoff birth likely belong to the defense. All three players to be named to the 1st All Patriot League Team are on the defensive side of the ball. Keep an eye on defensive lineman Benton Whitley, linebacker Jacob Dobbs and defensive back John Smith. That trio of players is one of the main reasons the total in this game is as low as it is.
Can Bucknell Defense Help Keep Game Close?
Bucknell did one better and has four defensive players on the 1st All Patriot League Team. The four studs are linebacker Simeon Page, defensive lineman Nnamdi Unachukwu and defensive backs Gavin Pringle and Brandon Benson.
Just how good is the Bison defense?
They clinched their spot in this game by shutting down Lehigh 6-0. Any time your team puts up less than a touchdown and you still win the game, the defense deserves some serious accolades.
Congrats to @DaveCecchini, the @PatriotLeagueFB Coach of the Year!
Story: https://t.co/gkIX1JHpns | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/4Ck0bichr9
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) April 13, 2021
The Bison also had a member of the offense land on the first team. Wide receiver Brandon Sanders Jr. is an absolute stud who could have a big game. In Bucknell’s last victory he tallied 12 receptions for 179 yards and two touchdowns.
None of the Holy Cross first team defenders are in the secondary, meaning Sanders Jr. should have favorable match ups all afternoon. The issue? The Bison aren’t sure who should be throwing him the ball.
Head coach Dave Cecchini relies on a platoon system with Logan Bitikofer and Tarrin Earle splitting reps. That strategy might work against lesser opponents, but it’s a lot to ask for a quarterback to get in rhythm spending half the game on the sidelines and half the game battling a vaunted Holy Cross front.
Trust Holy Cross to Cover the Number
Bucknell lost their most recent game by two touchdowns and finished with a 2-1 record. Cecchini won the conference coach of the year despite that performance and that is concerning. Awards like that are often handed out to the coach that overachieves the most. If a 2-1 record and a two touchdown loss in the finale still earned the award, it’s possible the Bison don’t belong in this game at all. Trust Sluka to create some highlight reel plays and help the Crusaders come away with the win and more importantly to you, the cover.
- The Pick: Holy Cross -6.5 (-112)
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Ryan has been working at TSN for over eleven years, and is now a lead writer and content producer at That's Hockey. Over the years, he's launched and hosted TSN's first NCAAF podcast, The College Football Show, and been featured on the likes of TSN 1050, Sportscentre, and That's Hockey 2Nite.
