Big 10 Picks

Indiana +35.5 @ Penn State

I know Indiana is beat up and Penn State will be looking to rebound strong from their upset loss to Iowa last week- but 35.5?!?! FIVE TOUCHDOWNS?!? I just don't see it. I just don't.

Northwestern @ Michigan -4

Michigan getting 4 points at home basically says Vegas isn't sure here. Well neither am I. Logic says if it's basically a coin flip you should take the points, right? But then I start thinking about Northwestern struggling to do anything last week with their backup quarterback (yes the same one who ran for 200+ yards on your Gophers), and now being down to their third string RB. Michigan's put up points two weeks in a row now, and this is their last home game of the season. Don't you think their seniors, who are frustrated with how their last year has gone, will want to go out with a bang? I know, I know, I'm overthinking this, but I'm sticking with the Maize and Blue.

Ohio State @ Illinois +9.5

Illinois played the Buckeyes extremely tough last year, and according to their seesaw season (they've won one-lost one for the past 8 games), this should be a game where they come to play. They laid a gigantic egg last week against Western Michigan (which has to be concerning to Illini fans, no?), but they rebound here to keep things close- or at least closer than 9.5 points.

Purdue @ Iowa -17.5

While a letdown here from the Hawkeyes is possible, it's not exactly probable. It's Senior Day at Kinnick Stadium, Shonn Greene has been running roughshod all year, and Stanzi should be fine at home. Not to mention that Iowa suddenly has a New Year's Day bowl game to play for. I'm also of the belief now that Purdue's 48 point outburst in their win over Michigan a couple of weeks ago was an aberration. In their other five Big 10 games (all losses), the Boilermakers have 42 points COMBINED. On the road with more uncertainty at quarterback means the Hawkeyes roll.

Minnesota @ Wisconsin -13.5

No Eric Decker for an offense that's been struggling of late, and at Camp Randall (where the Gophers always have a tough go) makes me think that Minnesota will have to be VERY fortunate just to stay within two touchdowns of the Badgers.