Betting the Big Ten: Spreads, lines and picks for Week 10

We’re back on the upswing here and even on the year. In fact, we’d be coming off of a 6-2 week if Michigan didn’t decide it wanted to pull Notre Dame’s pants down in the rain last Saturday night.

Here’s how we did last week.

Last week: 5-3

Season overall: 38-38

There is nothing interesting in this slate of games in the Big Ten this week outside of Michigan, so here is an abbreviated version of the picks for this week with only four conference games on the schedule.

Nebraska (-3.5) at Purdue, O/U: 58 points

Seeing as this is the closest point spread, it seems that Vegas is insinuating this will be the “best” matchup of the day in Big Ten action. Adrian Martinez returning for the Huskers should be a nice boost for a team looking to get bowl eligble.

Pick: Nebraska (-3.5)

No. 14 Michigan (-21.5) at Maryland, O/U: 57.5 points

A comedown is always possible after the emotions of the last few weeks, but if winning by three scores is technically still a comedown, let’s go with that. Maryland is horrible and the Wolverines should continue to roll offensively.

Pick: Michigan (-21.5)

Rutgers at Illinois (-20.5), O/U: 49 points

Illinois is playing...good football right now? They have to be careful to overlook Rutgers (lol) ahead of next week’s showdown with Michigan State (lol). Lovie Smith gets a bit of a scare here before pulling away late.

Pick: Under 49

Northwestern at Indiana (-10), O/U: 43.5 points

The Wildcats have replaced the Illini as this year’s doormat in the Big Ten West. Indiana is in the midst of one of its better seasons in recent memory and this should be one they are able to get at home.

Pick: Indiana (-10)