Illinois vs Purdue
- PU -10.0, Over / Under 62.5
I was a little surprised to see Purdue double digit road favorites. My thoughts were Purdue would win, but in a Desmond Howard “close game.” The stats sort of point to that too. Illinois is a mid level 70th rated in scoring offense and Purdue is a mid level defense at 68th in scoring. Flip those and Purdue is 60th in scoring per game and Illinois is 83rd defensively. I guess this is a really long way of saying these teams are really similar so take the points.
Indiana vs Iowa
- UI -6.0, O/U 53.0
With injuries and a first half targeting suspension depleting the linebacking corps, Iowa is going to need to put up some points to win. Obviously those Hawkeye issues indicate that Indiana has a great shot to put up some points as well. Ditch picking against the spread and do the sane thing by taking the over.
Maryland vs Rutgers
- UM -23.5, O/U 54.5
Rutgers lost by 21 to Illinois…a team that had not won a league game since November…….of 2016. Terps roll. Also, how sad is it that this game is so low on my radar all week I thought Maryland was playing at Rutgers. Holy jeebus have I checked out of RU football.
Michigan vs Wisconsin
- UM -6.5, O/U 49.0
Initial reactions are that the over feels too high and the point spread is too much. Michigan should win because UW’s defense, especially the secondary, has been blasted to bits but Wisconsin’s front can get after Patterson and UW will find a way to run and control the clock, just like they did last year. The score that popped into my mind was 24-21, Michigan. As a result I’m riding with the points and the under.
Michigan State at Penn State
- PSU -13.5, O/U 53.0
Spartans can always pull a rabbit out of their hat and are routinely frisky against Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State. However, I’m not going to place a bet on rabbits or friskiness. Taking Penn State to win by two touchdowns and cover is the smart bet, especially as the MSU secondary – which just got shredded by Northwestern – now has to face Trace McSorley.
Minnesota at Ohio State
- OSU -29.5, O/U 59.5
Traveling to Indiana for the Hawkeye game, I’m working on this with my pops next to me. His immediate reaction was Buckeyes and the over. I have to agree. Minnesota’s defense has taken hits in the injury ledger and the offense is missing two key running backs, making their attack less reliable. Ohio State could win this game 60 something to nothing. Honestly, it could get that ugly.
Nebraska at Northwestern
- Purple -3.5, O/U 59.5
Wildcats put up 29 points against Michigan State, a team that at least somewhat plays defense. Nebraska has also been able to move the ball against anybody. Feels pretty safe to say this game goes over. I’ll also take Northwestern getting the job done on homecoming against a winless foe.
Lightning Round for Non-Readers:
Illinois/Purdue – Points
Indiana/Iowa – Over
Maryland/Rutgers – UM
Michigan/Wisconsin – Points, Under
Michigan State/Penn State – PSU
Minnesota/Ohio State – OSU, Over
Nebraska/Northwestern – Purple, Over
Big Ten and Counting 