I have to hit the road so this will be a quickie (that’s what she said, anyone? Nope, guess it isn’t 2007 anymore). All 14 teams are in action.
Illinois at Michigan
- Michigan -38.5, Over/Under 54.5
Illinois lost to Western Michigan by 24 and North Carolina by 25, plus UM is coming off the bye so any minor tweaks they would have (they are remarkably healthy so far) are healed. That bodes well for Michigan. I can’t believe I’m laying off those points but I think Michigan can cover. I’ll also take the over as UM puts up a big number.
Indiana at Northwestern
- Northwestern -1.5, O/U 53
My gut tells me Indiana is a better team and will find a way to overcome their occasional lapses and pick up the victory. So I guess I’ll scoop up those points. Although like most bets involving Indiana, it feels like a shot in the dark.
Iowa vs Wisconsin
- Wisconsin -4.5, O/U 42
Betting the over/under has been a disaster this year with Iowa. I’m going to avoid that for a while. Iowa isn’t good enough in the trenches to pull this off against Wisconsin. Badgers end up winning by about 10-14 so I’ll give up the 4.5.
Maryland vs Michigan State
- Michigan State -3, O/U 51
With the uncertain status of starting QB Perry Hills I would advise avoiding this one….BUT that ain’t great blogging. Degenerates will roll with the Spartans because if Hills can’t go or is limited, Maryland won’t have any offense.
Minnesota vs Rutgers
- Minnesota -18.5, O/U 44
Gophers found themselves last week dominating Maryland 31-10. Guess what, Rutgers isn’t nearly as good as Maryland so I’ll give those points AND take the relatively low over.
Nebraska vs Purdue
- Nebraska -24, O/U 61.5
Boilermakers gave up 49 to Iowa and Huskers have a lot better offense than Iowa. NU will roll. Also Purdue has been in a lot of games in the high 50s. A few points and a late score by Purdue against the NU second stringers results in an over.
Ohio State at Penn State
- Ohio State -19.5, O/U 57.5
Twenty points on the road in State College feel like a pretty big number. Buckeyes can still win by 17 which is a healthy margin and still not cover. I think I’ll ride with Penn State to keep this game closer than people are expecting.
Western Michigan vs Eastern Michigan
- Western Michigan -22, O/U 58.5
WMU burned me by not clearing the over since they shutout Akron. I’m not sure it will be as dramatic as a win, but I do expect WMU to cover and as a result of last week I’m skittish about making a bet on the point total. Play it safe…? What a weak way to end the column.
Lightning Round for Non Readers:
Illinois/Michigan – UM/Over
Indiana/Northwestern – Points
Iowa/Wisconsin – UW
Maryland/Michigan State – MSU
Minnesota/Rutgers – UM, Over
Nebraska/Purdue – NU, Over
Ohio State/Penn State – Points
Western Michigan/Eastern Michigan – WMU
Big Ten and Counting 