Illinois vs Northwestern
NU -8, Over / Under 52
In their two game winning streak, Northwestern has generated points…a lot of them. Illinois’ defense is one of the worst in the league and I think last week’s performance was more of a reflection on how pathetic Penn Sate is at moving the ball. I expect Northwestern to cover easily but after getting burned with a late cover last week by Purdue, I’m done trying to figure out the over/under with the up-and-down Wildcat defense.
Indiana vs Purdue
IU -3, O/U 58
I’m not sure how Indiana can score without a quarterback. I know Coleman is a great back but even a fantastic day would be 250 yards and 3 scores. Is 21 enough to win the game? That’s a pretty big ask. I’m taking the points because I think Purdue wins this. PU beat Illinois, played Minnesota and Michigan State tough and seems to still be fighting for their coach. I think the Hoosier’s fine first three quarters against OSU were more telling of what turnovers do to teams…kills them. Once OSU stopped coughing up the ball, they coasted. Taking the under with two wretched offenses.
Iowa vs Nebraska
UI -1, O/U 56
If…and that’s a big if since they have nothing to play for now…Nebraska comes to the yard hungry, they are the better team on paper. Taking the points. Hedging my bets a bit though with the over. Both teams have had defensive collapses against good teams. Iowa also showed when they go into desperation mode and start chucking the ball, they can score effectively last week. If they play like that from the start, then the over will be gone. That too is a huge if.
Maryland vs Rutgers
UM -8, O/U 52.5
Stick a fork in Rutgers, they’re done. Taking the over too. Watch the Terps drop 49 on this sorry club. Don’t let me down Maryland. (This is assuming the weather is cleared out by Saturday – if weather before kick is lousy, I would take Maryland and the under).
Michigan at Ohio State
OSU -21, O/U 51
Bucks and the over…they need the style points and hate Michigan.
Michigan State at Penn State
MSU -13.5, O/U 45
Here’s a prop bet for you…Penn State gets shut out. So does that mean MSU can score 45? Sure, why not. For old time’s sack let’s go Sparty and the over. I’m lazy on Thanksgiving so not checking, but I think that is twelve for twelve of making that bet with Michigan State.
Minnesota at Wisconsin
UW -14, O/U 50
Much like last week, I’m not sure Minnesota win but I do know they are too good to lose by two touchdowns. Take those points. I also like the over. I see this thing ending up in the mid to high 20s if not spilling over into the 30s and tight. I know it will be cold, but 50 for these two good teams feels very low. Yes, I do know David Cobb is banged up but I still feel this way about the Gophers. Very complete team, they’ll find a way with or without an affective Cobb.
Lightning Round
Illinois/Northwestern – NU
Indiana/Purdue – PU, Under
Iowa/Nebraska – Points, Over
Maryland/Rutgers – UM, Watch the weather (if the big Eastern storm has passed, over – if not, under)
Michigan/Ohio State – OSU, Over
Michigan State/Penn State – MSU, Over
Minnesota/Wisconsin – Points, Over
Big Ten and Counting 