Betting the Big Ten: Spreads, lines and picks for Week 6

Welcome to Week 6 of the 2019 college football season. Let’s hop right into how we did last week before making the picks for this Saturday. Last week was not terrible, so let’s keep the momentum going.

Last week’s record: 4-3

Season overall: 25-24

I am not a betting man. But if I were, here’s what we’re rolling with in Week 6.

Kent State at No. 8 Wisconsin (-35), O/U: 58 points

The Badgers did not bludgeon Northwestern like I thought they would. That should not be a problem with their opponent this week.

Pick: Wisconsin (-35)

Purdue at No. 12 Penn State (-28.5), O/U: 56 points

Without Elijah Sindelar and Rondale Moore, there is a virtual zero percent chance that Purdue can find a way to win this game. This one shouldn’t be close, but Jeff Brohm might be able to scheme up a way to make things at least a little interesting.

Pick: Over 56

No. 14 Iowa at No. 19 Michigan (-4), O/U: 47.5 points

I picked Michigan to win this game in the game preview but by a slim margin. Truthfully, I have no idea what to expect on Saturday. Safest bet feels like the Hawkeyes will cover the four-point spread.

Pick: Iowa (+4)

Maryland (-13.5) at Rutgers, O/U: 56 points

Rutgers is woefully inept, as is tradition. However, these two jewels of the Big Ten East were both obliterated last week. That said, Maryland has the firepower to cover this easily.

Pick: Maryland (-13.5)

Illinois at Minnesota (-14), O/U: 57 points

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about the Gophers this year, it’s that they, too, like to live dangerously. They should be able to get by Illinois at home, but I like Brandon Peters and company to cover.

Pick: Illinois (+14)

Northwestern at Nebraska (-7.5), O/U: 49 points

I’ll be honest. I do not like watching either of these teams play football, therefore if I have to pick ‘em, I’m taking the under here.

Pick: Under 49

No. 25 Michigan State at No. 4 Ohio State (-20), O/U: 49.5 points

Michigan State’s defense can make this one interesting, but not “lose by less than 20 points” interesting. Mark Dantonio has pulled fast ones in Columbus before, but he doesn’t have the horses to do it against this Buckeye team.

Pick: Ohio State (-20)

Sound off below with your picks for the week.