Betting the Big Ten: Spreads, lines and picks for Week 11

Not a ton of action last week with only four games picked, but with Michigan on the bye, I’m feeling saucy for Week 11 and have added a few more in here this week.

Here’s how we’ve done this year.

Last week: 3-1

Season overall: 41-39

Let’s get into it.

Purdue at Northwestern (-2), O/U: 39.5

This Northwestern team is absolutely brutal and perhaps the worst non-Rutgers outfit in the Big Ten currently. Purdue has not been great this year for other reasons, but give me Jeff Brohm over Pat Fitzgerald in this game.

Pick: Purdue (+2)

No. 4 Penn State (-6.5) at No. 17 Minnesota, O/U: 47.5

A matchup two teams that a lot of people tend to think is overrated by different measures of the word. Minnesota is not getting a ton of respect, but can earn it today but at the very least giving the Nittany Lions a game. They will.

Pick: Minnesota (+6.5)

Maryland at No. 1 Ohio State (-43.5), O/U: 66

Ohio State is 7-1 against the spread this year and Maryland stinks. This one is easy.

Pick: Ohio State (-43.5)

Illinois at Michigan State (-14.5), O/U: 46.5

I nearly spit my drink out when I saw this line earlier this week. These teams are going in opposite directions and while Michigan State should win, it does not feel like it will be going away. I am pulling out my first double-down pick of the year.

Pick(s): Illinois (+14.5) and the under 46.5

No. 18 Iowa at No. 16 Wisconsin (-8.5), O/U: 37.5

Points will be at a premium in this one. This might be the most Big Ten game of the week and I am so so here for it.

Pick: Iowa (+8.5)

BONUS PICK: No. 2 LSU at No. 3 Alabama (-6), O/U: 63.5

With so few games on the Big Ten docket and this being the best matchup of the season to this point, it felt appropriate to throw it in here. This one is going to be a blast.

Pick: Under 63.5