Betting the Big Ten: Spreads, lines and picks for Week 7

It’s time for the Big Ten picks once again, where we’ve slowly but surely been climbing out of a hole. Since the 2-8 embarrassment in here a few weeks back, we’ve followed it up with records of 4-2, 4-3 and 4-3 the last three weeks.

Here’s a recap of where we’re at so far through six weeks.

Last week’s record: 4-3

Season overall: 29-27

I am not a betting man. But if I were, here’s what we’re rolling with in Week 7.

No. 16 Michigan (-23.5) at Illinois, O/U: 49

There’s no reason that Michigan should not cover this and the line has only gone up since it opened at 19 points on Sunday. If they do not cover this number, I’d be stunned. Illinois is basically Rutgers defensively.

Pick: Michigan (-23.5)

Rutgers at Indiana (-27.5), O/U: 49.5

I cannot possibly think of a less interesting football game this week in the Big Ten.

Pick: Over 49.5

Maryland (-3.5) at Purdue, O/U: 53.5

I feel like I am missing something here with Maryland in a game against a team who is decimated by injuries. I see them winning this one by a few scores, let alone slightly more than a field goal.

Pick: Maryland (-3.5)

Michigan State at No. 8 Wisconsin (-10), O/U: 40.5

This might be Mark Dantonio’s last stand in terms of getting one of those program-defining wins that he is known for. This one has all the makings of an MSU upset special, but whether that happens or not, this does not feel like a game that will feature a whole heck of a lot of scoring.

Pick: Under 40.5

No. 10 Penn State (-3.5) at No. 17 Iowa, O/U: 42.5

Michigan fans do not need any explanation on the challenges of a night game at Kinnick. Time for Penn State to actually play something. I’m picking the Hawkeyes to straight-up win this game.

Pick: Iowa (+3.5)

Nebraska at Minnesota (-7.5), O/U: 50

This is a big one as far as the pecking order in the Big Ten West goes. Wisconsin and Iowa are currently the class of the division, but a Nebraska loss might put them out of the running here. I actually think this has a chance to be the most fun Big Ten game of the day.

Pick: Over 50

Sound off with your picks for the week in the comments below.