Picking Week Five Big Ten Games Against the Spread
As Oregon Football joins a new conference for the first time since 1968, fans should keep a close eye on what the rest of the Big Ten Conference is up to. Today I’ll make picks for every Big Ten team‘s week five matchup.
Season Record ATS: 25-7
Michigan -10.5 vs Minnesota
I never love picking a team coming off a close, emotional win against a team that got slaughtered the week before but the talent difference between these two is massive and Michigan gets this at home once again. I wouldn’t be especially surprised if Minnesota doesn’t get in the end zone this game and I have faith in the Wolverines to put up 20 or so points, which should be all they need to cover 10.5.
USC -14.5 vs Wisconsin
With quarterback Tyler Van Dyke out for the season, Wisconsin’s offense should have no business keeping up with USC’s in Los Angeles this weekend. I think the Trojans rebound nicely from a tough loss at Michigan last week and keep their conference championship hopes alive.
Washington +1.5 @ Rutgers
I think this game features two teams playing well with a fairly decided talent advantage going to Washington and no real coaching advantage either way. The Huskies are rounding into form under first-year head man Jedd Fisch and I think they’ll win this game outright.
Indiana -7 vs Maryland
I don’t think spreads have caught up to how good Indiana is this year and I think they’ll roll again this week. Maryland isn’t a bad team by any stretch but this is a tough spot for them against a Hoosiers team that has a lot of momentum and home field advantage.
Nebraska -10 @ Purdue
I think coach Matt Rhule and Nebraska will come out of the gates hot in this one after losing an overtime heater against Illinois a week ago. This shouldn’t be close on paper and I’m willing to lay the 10 points on a much better roster and better-coached team that figures to play its apex game.
Top 10
- 1
Georgia vs. Alabama
Greg McElroy: Evaluating Carson Beck &. Jalen Milroe ahead of marquee matchup
- 2
Just Means More
UGA fan attempts to save friend from hurricane flood to attend game at Bama
- 3Trending
Desmond Howard mocks Ohio State
Former Michigan star says Buckeyes 'took the whole month off'
- 4
Thorne returning as starter
Auburn turning back to Payton Thorne vs. Oklahoma
- 5
Hurricane Floods HSFB Field
Atlanta Westminster School football field flooded due to Hurricane Helene
Penn State -18 vs Illinois
I’ve been high on Illinois all year but I think its stock might be getting a little underweight. I have a hard time imagining its offense getting much going against a team that’s coming off a shutout win and allowed just 12 points to West Virginia on the road in week one.
I’m also looking at last week’s heroic overtime win against Nebraska as cause for concern on the Illinois side and I think the Nittany Lions will flex their roster advantage in a dominant win. It’s worth noting that 84% of spread bets on this line are in favor of Illinois but the line hasn’t moved, making me wonder if Vegas knows something we don’t.
Michigan State +23.5 vs Ohio State
This is a classic trap spot for Ohio State and while I don’t think they’re in any real danger of losing the game, I think this one will likely be closer than people think. East Lansing will be on fire for this game as will a Spartans team that’s coming off a close loss last weekend.
Ohio State is likely starting to prep for its matchup against Oregon in a couple of weeks and I think there’s a possibility that results in a couple of semi-sluggish games between now and then. Give me Michigan State to cover but not win.
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