Week 10 B1G Odds: Is Sparty the Trap of the Year?

I shiver at the thought of Lincoln, Nebraska. Waking up with cold sweats just thinking about the Cornhuskers. Seriously, if I get a Nebraska game right, hell will freeze over, and I’ll be playing Connect Four with Satan himself.

Midseason grind is at its finest, and I’m scuffling. At this point, I’m about ready to pack it in and start dissecting the OVC for college basketball. Big ups to the Boilermakers for causing a ruckus last weekend; now THAT was fun.

Last Week’s Results

Penn State-Illinois Over-L

Michigan-L

Nebraska-Purdue Under-L

Wisconsin-W

Maryland-W

Big Ten Record 45-39

Rutgers at Michigan

Line: Michigan -24, 51

It’s beyond difficult for the Michigan defense to keep pace with those early season gaudy numbers. Are they regressing and showing true form? Nah, I don’t believe so. Michigan held Michigan State in check for much of the game, and a string of luck box plays for the Gophers skew the numbers just a bit.

The defense hasn’t been as dominant, but, for a lowly Scarlet Knights team coming into the Big House and Michigan off a monster win, I love for the defense to get back into form. You cover Leonte Carroo, and you hold Rutgers to single digits. That’s where I’m leaning.

Pick: Rutgers Team Total Under 13

Michigan State at Nebraska

Line: Michigan State -4.5, 58

This could be perhaps the biggest trap of the entire week, if not the entire Big Ten season. Michigan State just had a bye and is riding high versus a 3-6 Nebraska team that just lost in West Lafayette, and the Spartans open up as a 4.5-point favorite. FOUR AND A HALF.

Are you kidding me? I don’t know here. It’d be simple to just say that I like Nebraska because the line looks weird, so instead, I’ll ride this scorching hot offense to light up the scoreboard.

Pick: Nebraska Team Total Over 27

Wisconsin at Maryland

Line: Wisconsin -13, 48.5

Oh, I see Wisconsin finally gets a road game. How nice of the Big Ten schedulers. I’ll be honest: I like the under here. I think the Badgers may struggle on the East Coast offensively, but that means nothing because perceived notions are dumb and so 2012.

Pick: Wisconsin-Maryland Under

Illinois at Purdue

Line: Pick ‘Em, 53

I don’t believe Illinois is as bad as the 39-0 loss. It’s a traditional team that struggles in Big Ten play, but, if they can get Allison and Ferguson fully revamped for Saturday, then they are the better team. This one’s to keep the bowl dreams alive.

Pick: Fighting Illini

Minnesota at Ohio State

Line: Ohio State -23.5, 52

Already looking forward to losing this game. Ohio State as a 23-point favorite appears to be a pure travesty, but Meyer over an interim coach in his own confines is a huge edge. I’ve noticed that, after crazy games, the following one has gone "over" the total the next. Count me in.

Pick: Minnesota-Ohio State Over

Iowa at Indiana

Line: Iowa -6.5, 60

This would typically call for fading a hot team and taking value, but I’m not biting here. Indiana may pose the biggest threat for Iowa this season, but there’s seriously something special about this Hawkeyes club. I think Iowa wears down the Hoosiers on the ground and comes out victorious, 34-24.

Pick: Iowa -6.5

Penn State at Northwestern

Line: Northwestern -2.5, 39.5

This game looks gross on paper. I’m hoping it appears the same once the Lions and ‘Cats take the field in Evanston because I’m taking the under here.

Pick: Northwestern-Penn State Under

Thank you to all you who take the time to glance over this blasphemy. Have a great week and Go Blue.