Indiana vs Penn State
PSU -6.5, Over / Under 44
Can Indiana even score with their banged up offense? They could only muster 10 points against shaky Michigan. Penn State’s defense has become the backbone of this team and if they make a bowl it will be for their efforts. Additionally, if they want to make a bowl this feels like a must win. I like Penn State to cover but thanks to neither team’s offense being all that frightening, I’ll take the under.
Iowa at Minnesota
UI -1.5, O/U 44
Gambling on Iowa has been a risky proposition the last few weeks but I do know one thing, the over looks to be splashed. Iowa’s offense has been a lot better putting up 31 in the loss to Maryland and 41 (7 were from special teams) against Northwestern. Minnesota’s defense has taken a turn for the worse in league play. It is reasonable to think Iowa can put up 28 or so. If it is as close as Vegas thinks, then the over will be toast. A true degenerate (self included) would also put some money on Iowa. Minnesota has been a smoke and mirror act with tight games against Purdue and Northwestern before stumbling at Illinois. We may not always like what Iowa is, but we know what they are and that is a good commodity for betting.
Michigan at Northwestern
UM -1.5, O/U 41
Northwestern completely flat-lined at Iowa, falling 48-7. I’m not sure they can pick themselves up off the mat. I like Michigan to win by more than the slim spread – I could see them winning by a touchdown or more. Sadly, I’m not so sure about that over/under. Michigan’s defense can hold Northwestern no doubt but the x-factor is UM’s offense. Do they finally put in a good game and score 35+? Or do they struggle again and only score in the 20s? I’ll stay away from that.
Michigan State vs Ohio State
MSU -3.5, O/U 56
These teams combined fro 58 points a season ago in the title game but I think the defensive talent, especially for MSU is a tad lower while the offensive play-making ability, especially for MSU is a tad higher. I think this one will be in the 60s. As for who will win? I think Dantonio has a chip on his shoulder about his old employer never calling him when it became clear Luke Fickell was not the man for the job. We’ve seen how he coaches when he is angry and that bodes well for Sparty. I love how strong a home field Spartan Stadium has become and I’m not sure J.T. Barrett will be the same player we see at the Shoe. Remember how he/they struggled at Happy Valley? There is a chance of another flat performance in a nasty road environment.
Purdue vs Wisconsin
UW -17 O/U 54.5
With the way UW’s defense has played the last two weeks (7 points in 8 quarters) has me digging the under. I think we see a similar outcome to the Rutgers tilt. Wisconsin scores in the mid 30s and yields very little. I know Purdue is improved but when you run the ball as well as Wisconsin, it shortens the game dramatically and rests that stingy defense for long stretches.
Lightning Round
Indiana/Penn State – PSU, Under
Iowa/Minnesota – Over, Iowa (Degenerate Tip)
Michigan/Northwestern – Michigan
Michigan State/Ohio State – MSU, Over
Purdue/Wisconsin – UW, Under
Big Ten and Counting 