Happy Wednesday, and welcome to this week’s Big 10 betting lines.
The Big 10 season officially begins this weekend (not counting OSU/Indiana in Week 1) with several intriguing match ups to pay close attention to.
Yours truly went 7-3 last week, putting my yearly total to 21-15. Play along this week and see if you can beat my score. The winner gets kudos and a “congrats!” in next week’s betting lines. You must comment your picks to ensure your kudos.
Byes: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Northwestern
UNLV at No. 10 Ohio State
Line: Ohio State -40; O/U: 63.5
Ohio State rebounded last weekend in a big win against Army at home. Now the Buckeyes stay home to play UNLV, who have put up more than 40 points in each of its first two games.
However, those 40 points may be a bit misleading. The Rebels played against Howard and Idaho in their first two games, two very underwhelming teams to put up big numbers against. They have to travel to a top team now, so I don’t believe they will be able to put up many points in this contest. Sure, Ohio State gave up more than 250 rushing yards last weekend, but it was against a triple option offense in Army. The Bucks shouldn’t give up that many yards this week.
Pick: Under 63.5
UCF at Maryland
Line: Maryland -3.5; O/U: 67
After two unplanned bye weeks because of the hurricane in Florida, the Central Florida Knights finally get to play their second game this year, heading to Maryland to take on the Terrapins.
Somehow the over/under is 67 points. That is a LOT of points, especially with Maryland now on its backup quarterback. I understand Maryland put up 63 last weekend, but it was against an FCS foe. Central Florida hasn’t played a game since Aug. 31, so they are more than likely going to be a bit rusty. I have faith Maryland can win this game, but I have more faith in this game being under 67 points.
Pick: Under 67
Rutgers at Nebraska
Line: Nebraska -13.5; O/U: 51
Nebraska lost at home last weekend to Northern Illinois. A MAC school. The Cornhuskers have some major problems right now, but they are lucky to open Big 10 play against a weak opponent in Rutgers, another Big 10 team who lost against a MAC team at home.
Poll
What will be more exciting this weekend?
This poll is closed
-
8%
Rutgers/Nebraska
-
15%
Watching paint dry
-
22%
Weekend chores around the house
-
53%
Catching up on sleep
This is the (explicit) show of the weekend, folks. Nebraska is 1-2 against the spread this season and has looked horrid on defense. I don’t trust Nebraska right now. I can’t believe I am saying this...but gimme Rutgers!
Pick: Rutgers +13.5
Georgia Southern at Indiana
Line: Indiana -23.5; O/U: 53
Georgia Southern has had a rough start to its season. After a 41-7 loss to Auburn, the Eagles went on the road to New Hampshire and lost by 10 points. Yikes.
Meanwhile, Indiana played the Buckeyes tough in Week 1 and then defeated Virginia on the road by 17 points. The Hoosiers have secretly been playing some good football to begin this season, something we haven’t been able to say for a long time. This should be a cake walk for Indiana.
Pick: Indiana -23.5
Notre Dame at Michigan State
Line: Notre Dame -4.5; O/U: 54
One of the more intriguing match ups in an otherwise boring college football weekend is Notre Dame against Michigan State. The Spartans had a bye last week while Notre Dame went on the road and dismantled Boston College.
This is going to be a tough-nosed, hard fought football game, more than likely. At the end of the day, I actually think the Spartans have a good chance to win this game. And even if they don’t win, I expect it to be close. MSU won on the road last year and surely can get the W at home.
Pick: Michigan State +4.5
No. 4 Penn State at Iowa
Line: Penn State -12; O/U: 53
Penn State finally goes on the road for the first time this season to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes to open the Big 10 slate. Penn State has destroyed each team it has played this year with its lethal offense starring Trace McSorely and Saquon Barkely.
If this weren’t a night game, I would pick Penn State in a heartbeat. But since it is indeed a night game, we know Kinnick Stadium is going to bring its A-game and create a tough environment.
I think both teams put up some decent numbers in this one. Iowa QB Nathan Stanley has 10 touchdowns, just one interception and is completing over 61 percent of his throws. The running game hasn’t been a strength thus far, but that can change with a dynamic back like Akrum Wadley. I’m taking the over in this game.
Pick: Over 53
No. 8 Michigan at Purdue
Line: Michigan -10; O/U: 52
Like I said on Victors Valiant earlier this week, the Wolverines are going to have their work cut out for them against the Boilermakers. Purdue kept it close with Louisville in Week 1 and then whipped Ohio and Missouri (on the road) by double digits.
This Purdue offense is no joke, guys. Luckily, Michigan’s one consistent strength this season has been on defense. Rashan Gary and the rest of the defensive line, along with the linebackers, have been causing havoc to quarterbacks and running backs all season. Purdue has put up big scores all year, but it hasn’t played a defense even close to Michigan’s. I think strong defensive play continues for Michigan, having this game result in a low-scoring, close affair.
Pick: Purdue +10