The following teams are off this week:
- Northwestern
Illinois vs Penn State
- PSU -27.0, Over / Under 61.0
That’s a big spread to me. Look, if you were to play a fun family pick ’em or a very friendly wager like loser has to buy dinner, I’d take Penn State. But that’s a really big spread for an off night Friday game. That’s a really big spread for a league game not featuring Rutgers. That’s also a really big spread for a road favorite. That doesn’t mean add it all up and take Illinois, what it means is I’ll avoid it and just look at the total points. Penn State has covered that large a number twice. Once was because App State somehow had 28 points in the fourth quarter to force overtime and the other was because Kent State put up 10 points. Illinois found ways to bend but not break against USF but I’m not sure they score a whole lot. I’m going to take the under because I see this one ending up in the neighborhood of 49-7. I do this guide to try and make money and taking the under looks like the best way to make some cash on a Friday night. Well, that and selling your body…which I don’t want to do.
Indiana vs Michigan State
- MSU -5.0, O/U 50.0
I know the Spartans had a week to get ready for this game but Indiana is balanced on offense and brings a good defense to the yard. MSU has the defense, sure, but until their rushing attack shows signs of life, I’m going to have a hard time taking the Green and White. Indiana covers at home by winning straight up.
Iowa vs Wisconsin
- UW -3.0, O/U 42.5
Oh god my hometown team versus my undergrad program. This game just ties my stomach in knots. Because I’m on the fence if Iowa wins or Wisconsin comes out pissed and demolishes the Hawks, I’ll play it safe and take the under. I think both outcomes would go low. An Iowa win would probably be in the area of 17-14 while a UW blowout would probably be in the area of 28-3 so let’s be wise with our paycheck.
Maryland vs Minnesota
- UM East -2.5, O/U 47.5
Maryland is a narrow favorite which is good because I think it makes picking this game easier. Minnesota is the more complete team right now and playing amazing defense. If the Gopher’s were favored by like five I would be a little worried because I’m expecting a very close game, possibly even a field goal margin game. By favoring the Terps, it makes it easier for me since I believe the Gophers win straight up.
Michigan vs Nebraska
- UM -18.0, O/U 51.0
Wolverines have hit over 40 points the last two weeks. Part of that was aided by the opponents since Western Michigan is 87th in points allowed per game and SMU is 126th in points allowed per game BUT…Nebraska is 88th in points allowed per game. Remember how Colorado scored seemingly at will? I’ll take Michigan and the over.
Ohio State vs Tulane
- OSU -37.5, O/U 68.5
Taking the Buckeyes to cover such a big spread because of what UAB did to the Green Wave last week. The Blazers put up 269 rushing yards in their 31-24 win. With the Bucks’ explosive offense and star running back Mike Weber, I’m expecting Ohio State to put up 40+ points to cover this spread.
Purdue vs Boston College
- BC -6.5, O/U 64.0
To a lot of people, 64 points is really high for a game featuring Boston College but this isn’t the old plodding Eagles anymore. All three of their games this year have gone over that mark. As for Purdue, they have been in two pretty high scoring affairs. I’m seeing this game hitting that over, probably in a 38-31 thriller won by B.C. Hey, wait, that means Boston College covers, too.
Rutgers vs Buffalo
- UB -6.5, O/U 52.5
Rutgers has given up 50+ points the last two weeks but I’m not going to risk with that over and just do a safe, conservative bet. Rutgers is god-awful. Bulls cover in Piscataway.
Lightning Round for Non-Readers:
Illinois/Penn State – Under
Indiana/Michigan State – Points
Iowa/Wisconsin – Under
Maryland/Minnesota – Points
Michigan/Nebraska – UM, Over
Ohio State/Tulane – OSU
Purdue/Boston College – BC, Over
Rutgers/Buffalo – UB
Big Ten and Counting 