The following teams are off:
- Iowa
- Penn State
Illinois vs Rutgers
Illinois -1.0, Over / Under 46
The Illini defense hasn’t stopped a soul, this game is going over for sure. Even with that leaky defense, I kind of like Jeff George Jr. I’m not sure why, but Illinois pulls out a tight victory at home even though I think Rutgers is due, I’m just not taking them yet.
Indiana vs Michigan
Michigan -7.0, O/U 43
I don’t know what the hell to make of this game. The over/under terrifies me since I could see it being extremely low scoring but damn 43 points is a low amount. Stay away from that. I’m going to go with the safe bet in Michigan. Indiana’s struggles with Ohio State and Penn State tell me they just aren’t quite ready physically for these upper crust teams. I know UM has had its issues but they are undeniably more physical than the Hoosiers are.
Maryland vs Northwestern
Northwestern -2.5, O/U 51
Third string quarterback for Maryland, a rush defense that stopped Heisman favorite Barkley for most of the game, and a team that knows they need to string some victories together to get to yet another bowl under Fitzy. Northwestern rolls on the road and easily covers.
Michigan State at Minnesota
MSU -4.0, O/U 41
Holy crap that is a tiny over under! Immediate reaction is to take the over when something is that low and I will. As for the spread, I’m going to ride the hot hand. I think MSU wins a tight one, but still covers. 28-21, anyone?
Nebraska vs Ohio State
OSU -24.0, O/U 58
Bad Husker D + Good Buckeye O = a big win. Hell, tOSU might splash that over themselves. Buckeyes win big and take the over, too.
Purdue at Wisconsin
Wisconsin -17, O/U 50
UW’s defense is too good to let Purdue put up many points so that over is toast. I think Wisconsin wins comfortably in the 28-31 point range while holding Purdue under 10. Take UW and the under.
Lightning Round for Non-Readers:
Illinois/Rutgers – UI
Indiana/Michigan – UM
Maryland/Northwestern – NU
Michigan State/Minnesota – MSU, Over
Nebraska/Ohio State – OSU, Over
Purdue/Wisconsin – UW, Under
Big Ten and Counting 