Homecoming weekend is here! The Warriors are ready to let loose tomorrow, with a home matchup against the Hoosiers on the docket, and then Cubs home for game sixtomorrow night against the Dodgers and Clayton Kershaw. Huge sports weekend coming up – let’s get into some Big Ten picks. See y’all at the ‘Cats game on Saturday.
Minnesota (-18) @ Rutgers
I think Minnesota’s pretty good, and Rutgers is pretty bad. (this is why you all tune into WLW, for our data-driven analysis) Even though this game is up in Minneapolis, I don’t feel comfortable about betting on Minnesota to beat anyone by 18 – it’s just too many points. Pick: Rutgers +18
Purdue @ Nebraska (-24)
Nebraska is due for a blowout. I expected more out of Purdue last week at home against Iowa, but they looked brutal. Pick: Huskers -24
Wisconsin (-4) @ Iowa
This one is tough. I think Wisconsin is the better team, but Iowa’s playing at home and still in the running for the B1G championship game. This game was a tight one last year, and I’m expecting a tight one this year – at least for three quarters. Wisco pulls away late. Pick: Wisco -4
Illinois @ Michigan (-36.5)
Harbaugh has no qualms about running up the score on bad teams. Illinois is a bad team – Lovie isn’t looking so hot in his first year down in Champaign. Pick: Michigan -36.5
Michigan St. (-3) @ Maryland
I see a bounceback game from Michigan State here – there’s no way Sparty is this bad, right?! Pick: MSU -3
Ohio St. -20 @ Penn State
Penn State is a very tough place to play. OSU went to 3OT during their last visit to Happy Valley. I see another tight game, with the Buckeyes pulling away late but not covering. Pick: PSU +20
Indiana @ NU (-3)
The ‘Cats! After a brutal start, we’ve won two straight B1G games and have actually scored a ton of points in doing so. I think Indiana is pretty good, but they’re not a team that scares you. As long as the ‘Cats’ offense keeps clicking, we’ll be in fine shape. Pick: CATS -3