Penn State / Wisconsin – Idle
Illinois vs Ohio State
OSU -16.5, Over/Under 55
As much as I think an upset is in play – I’d say a decent 15% chance – I think most outcomes of this game have Ohio State winning big. I’ll go with my instinct and say OSU covers. Most of OSU and Illinois’ games have been under 55 (5 for OSU, 6 for Illinois as well as a 55 point exact push) so the stats would indicate taking the under. I don’t love that idea, so I’ll tag that bet for only the true degenerates out there.
Indiana vs Michigan
UM -13, O/U 56
Eye test of the Hoosier’s competitiveness tells me this thing will be close. I’ll take the points. If it plays out similar to Iowa’s 35-27 point win – which isn’t a stretch since I think Iowa and Michigan are pretty similar clubs – that clears the 56 points.
Iowa vs Minnesota
UI -10, O/U 45.5
Iowa is the better team, the healthier team, the home team and the angry team after getting crushed 51-14 last year. All signs point to Iowa winning this game. Can they cover that spread though? They have four wins by 10+ and Minnesota has three of their five losses by 10+ so I think it is possible. I know these are good defenses so it is counter intuitive but I’ll take the over too. Let’s say Iowa wins 28-18…that still goes over and no one would say that is a high scoring game.
Maryland at Michigan State
MSU -14.5, O/U 56
Maryland has given up 31 points exactly the last three weeks, what a strange stat. Penn State is offensively challenged, Iowa was blowing them out and went conservative in the second half and Wisconsin was playing without their best player. That tells me they were lucky to hold those two of those teams to 31 and were a remedy for an ailing club. MSU is angry, at home and has Connor Cook. Spartans big. Taking the over, too since I think MSU drops 49.
Nebraska at Rutgers
NU -8.5, O/U 64.5
Rutgers has given up 48+ points the last four weeks. Tommy Armstrong Jr. is a solid qb so expect that to continue. I love the over, then. With Nebraska’s leaky defense though, I’m not sure I want to bet the spread. Even a degenerate like me has to pocket that cash on some things.
Northwestern vs Purdue
NU -14.5, O/U 49
WIldcats regained their swagger after knocking off Penn State. They cruise to a 21 point victory. Purdue’s offense is only good enough to generate 10 points. Translation, NU and Under.
Lightning Round:
Illinois/Ohio State – OSU, Under (Degenerate Tip)
Indiana/Michigan – Points, Over
Iowa/Minnesota – UI, Over
Maryland/Michigan State – MSU, Over
Nebraska/Rutgers – Over
Northwestern/Purdue – NU, Under
Big Ten and Counting 