Big Ten Best Bets

The start of the Iowa football season is upon us and that can mean only one thing, the return of Big Ten Best Bets!

Guessing you were hoping for something a little more exciting than that. I did give some consideration to discontinuing the betting column given what has happened with Iowa and Iowa State student athletes this spring and summer, but the reality is, whether we like it or not, sports gambling is a part of college football. As fans of the sport, it’s ok to discuss the lines and give our thoughts. If you are of age and not a student-athlete, it’s also perfectly ok to place a wager.

One fun and interesting opportunity that popped up recently was that I will be participating in a contest sponsored by Bet Rivers and The Wild Rose Casino where I go head to head with another “media figure” each week placing five different bets. Whoever makes the most money on those wagers gets the win. Then at the end of the season, the most successful bettor gets a trophy.

We will keep track of my work during the season right here and I have already asked for help in making at least one bet in the Lounge.

With all that said, it’s a full slate of games in week one so let’s get started picking games. (all the lines are from our friends at Bet Rivers)

THURSDAY

NEBRASKA @ MINNESOTA

The Gophers are a 7 point favorite with the total set at 43. Nebraska are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games. The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nebraska’s last 5 games. Minnesota are 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games. The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota’s last 6 games. MINNESOTA 24 NEBRASKA 20

FRIDAY

CENTRAL MICHIGAN @ MICHIGAN STATE

The Spartans are 14.5 point favorites with the total set at 45. Central Michigan are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games. The total has gone OVER in 4 of Central Michigan’s last 5 games. Michigan State are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games. Michigan State are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Central Michigan. MICHIGAN STATE 28 CENTRAL MICHIGAN 21

SATURDAY

EAST CAROLINA @ MICHIGAN

The Wolverines are 36.5 point favorites with the total set at 51.5. East Carolina are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games on the road. East Carolina are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games played in week 1. Michigan are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games. The total has gone OVER in 4 of Michigan’s last 6 games. MICHIGAN 45 EAST CAROLINA 17

FRESNO STATE @ PURDUE

The Boilermakers are 3.5 point favorites with the total set at 47.5. Fresno State are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games. The total has gone OVER in 4 of Fresno State’s last 5 games on the road. Purdue are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games. The total has gone OVER in 11 of Purdue’s last 16 games. PURDUE 31 FRESNO STATE 20

OHIO STATE @ INDIANA

The Buckeyes are 31 point favorites with the total set at 59. Ohio State are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games. The total has gone OVER in 10 of Ohio State’s last 11 games. Indiana are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games. The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana’s last 6 games. OHIO STATE 38 INDIANA 10

BUFFALO @ WISCONSIN

The Badgers are 27.5 point favorites with the total set at 54. Buffalo are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games. The total has gone OVER in 4 of Buffalo’s last 6 games. The total has gone OVER in 4 of Wisconsin’s last 5 games at home. Wisconsin are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games. WISCONSIN 41 BUFFALO 10

TOWSON @ MARYLAND

The Terps are 35.5 point favorite with the total set at 47 points. Towson are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games. The total has gone OVER in 4 of Towson’s last 5 games. The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Maryland’s last 5 games. Maryland are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games played in week 1. MARYLAND 49 TOWSON 9

WEST VIRGINIA @ PENN STATE

The NIttany Lions are 20 point favorites with the total set at 50. West Virginia are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games. The total has gone UNDER in 6 of West Virginia’s last 9 games. Penn State are 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 games. The total has gone OVER in 6 of Penn State’s last 8 games. PENN STATE 35 WEST VIRGINIA 14

TOLEDO @ ILLINOIS

The Fighting Illini are 9.5 point favorites with the total set at 45.5. Toledo are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games. The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toledo’s last 6 games. Illinois are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games. The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Illinois’ last 12 games. ILLINOIS 27 TOLEDO 17

UTAH STATE @ IOWA

The Hawkeyes are 24 point favorites with the total set at 44. Utah State are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games on the road. Utah State are 5-12 SU in their last 17 games played in week 1. Iowa are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games. The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Iowa’s last 7 games played in week 1. PREDICTION COMING ON FRIDAY.

SUNDAY

NORTHWESTERN @ RUTGERS

The Scarlet Knights are 6.5 point favorites with the total set at 39.5. Northwestern are 6-12 ATS in their last 18 games. Northwestern are 0-11 SU in their last 11 games on the road. Rutgers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games. The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Rutgers’ last 7 games against an opponent in the West Division. RUTGERS 21 NORTHWESTERN 10