Betting the Big Ten: Spreads, lines and picks for Week 13

We started hitting our stride here about the same time that Jim Harbaugh said the offense was hitting its stride, so it’s no coincidence that things are peaking at the right time. With a handful of fun games on the docket today, let’s look at where we’ve been before we look at where we are going.

Last week: 5-2

Season overall: 50-43

Shall we?

Michigan State (-21) at Rutgers, O/U: 43.5

What a gross matchup. I’ll keep this one short and sweet. Michigan State should have no problem covering this spread in a must-win game for bowl eligibility.

Ok, I lied. I enjoyed typing that more than I thought I would.

Pick: Michigan State (-21)

Illinois at No. 17 Iowa (-15.5), O/U: 49

This game is at Kinnick, which makes it difficult for the Illini. That said, I like their chances of making this one a game and giving Iowa a bit of a scare.

Pick: Illinois (+15.5)

No. 10 Minnesota (-13.5) at Northwestern, O/U: 39.5

I strongly dislike this Northwestern team and we do not talk enough about how they are basically Rutgers-level bad just a year after winning the Big Ten West. Gophers big in this one.

Pick: Over 39.5

No. 8 Penn State at No. 2 Ohio State (-19.5), O/U: 58

Finally, a test for the Buckeyes. I see this being a good game for three quarters or so before the floodgates open late for OSU. Then, it’s time for The Game.

Pick: Over 58

Nebraska (-6) at Maryland, O/U: 63

Here’s your close game between two bad teams in conference play this week.

Pick: Nebraska (-6)

No. 13 Michigan (-9.5) at Indiana, O/U: 54

I’m doubling down on this one. I think we are in for typical Michigan-Indiana chaos, but that the Wolverines should be somewhat comfortable towards the end of the game.

Picks: Michigan (-9.5), Over 54

Purdue at No. 12 Wisconsin (-24.5), O/U: 48

Pray for the Boilermakers.

Pick: Wisconsin (-24.5)

Share your picks for this week in the comments below!