Nebraska – Idle
Illinois at Minnesota
UM -4.5, O/U 47
Gophers put up 35 on Iowa, moved the ball on OSU, scored 26 against Michigan and dropped 41 on Purdue. Illinois did nothing against OSU, PSU, Wisconsin or Nebraska (won because of turnovers). Throw in the fact that Illinois has just one road win (Purdue) and their other road games have been losses by 9 or more has me liking the Gophers to cover. I’m not sure which Illinois defense will show up though, so I’ll avoid the over/under.
Indiana at Maryland
UM -2.5, O/U 64
I think the Hoosiers make a bowl game by winning out. I’ll gladly take those points since I think IU is the better team. Hell, I think they win by 21. Give me the over too, these defenses stink.
Iowa vs Purdue
UI -22.5, O/U 57.5
I think Iowa wins but based on the uncertainty of the forecast (snow is predicted but not sure when it will start). I’m not sure I want to take Iowa covering such a big conference game spread. Iowa’s defense should lock down a freshman qb, especially after getting toasted a week ago. I’ll take the points and the under. After all, even a 21 point win is a blowout but doesn’t cover.
Michigan at Penn State
UM -4.0, O/U 41.5
Penn State’s success against good defenses this year isn’t pretty. They are 0-3 with those losses to Temple, OSU and Northwestern. Michigan’s defense hasn’t been quite as good as the one that had three straight shutouts but they held MSU to 21 offensive points and the Indiana game is always a wash. PSU has cost me a ton of money this year so my level of trust in them is at an all time low. I’ll take Michigan and the over: 28-14.
Michigan State at Ohio State
OSU -13, O/U 53
This is a major stay away. If Cook is 80% or better, MSU can hang around. If he isn’t healthy, OSU should dominate. That being said, I’m a degenerate gambler so I’ll make things exciting and take the over. MSU’s defense hasn’t looked pretty and if Cook can go, MSU should be able to put up some points.
Northwestern at Wisconsin
UW -10, O/U 40
News reports that Corey Clement is healthy…or at least healthier…and that changes the complexion of this game for sure. I also have my questions about freshman qb Clayton Thorson going against a really good Badger defense. Ten points is pretty big for two ranked teams but I’ll take Wisconsin to cover. The score that popped into my head was 28-14 or if it was totally defensive, 24-10. One of which goes over that tiny O/U and the other is so close that a few points here or there clears it. I’ll nab the over then, too.
Rutgers at Army
RU -4.5, O/U 54.5
Despite Army having six losses by a single score, I still think Rutgers should win this one going away. Not sure about the over since Army’s option attack shortens the game so much. That feels like a stay away.
Lightning Round:
Illinois/Minnesota – UM
Indiana/Maryland – Points, Over
Iowa/Purdue – Points, Under
Michigan/Penn State – UM, Over
Michigan State/Ohio State – Stay away!!!, Over (Degenerate tip)
Northwestern/Wisconsin – UW, Over
Rutgers/Army – RU
Big Ten and Counting 