This is a tough weekend in the Big Ten. Half of the games feature one team favored by over two touchdowns. I don’t care who it is, who’s playing who, I can’t stand games with a two-touchdown favorite.
So, we’ll break down the B1G games that we think are worth watching, and our best picks for those games. Check those out below, and best of luck with your action this weekend.
| Saturday, September 5 at 7:30 PM | Spread | Money | Total |
| Western Michigan Broncos |  +26.5 (-110) |  +2000 | O 47.5 (-114) |
| Michigan Wolverines |  -26.5 (-112) | -7000 | U 46.5 (-105) |
(18) Michigan Wolverines vs Northwestern Wildcats
With this game being played at Wrigley Field, that will be enough to get me to tune in for at least the first half, which is where I’m going with my pick for this game. Northwestern hasn’t beaten a ranked team this year, and with Michigan coming in at #18 this week, I see that trend continuing.
There is one thing that Northwestern does very well, which I really like, against the Wolverines. The Wildcats put up points in the first half, and Michigan seemingly doesn’t. I think the Wildcats can hang in there and cover the first-half spread before Michigan inevitably opens it up.
Best Bet – Northwestern First Half Spread +6.5 (-105 @ bet365)
| Friday, September 4 at 8:00 PM | Spread | Money | Total |
| Toledo Rockets | +11.5 (-115) | +330 | O 49.5 (-108) |
| Michigan State Spartans | -11.5 (-105) | -395 | U 48.5 (-105) |
Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan State Wolverines
After losing 27-24 to the #2 team in the country, at home, at the last minute, on one of the best catches I’ve seen in the last few years… I’m sure a lot of people will stay away from PSU. There were some bright spots, which is more than I can say about Michigan State.
After going 3-0, the Spartans have lost their last six, including in OT last week to Minnesota. During this abysmal streak, they’ve given up an average of 42.5 ppg. Penn State, however, win or lose, puts up points.
The lowest amount they’ve put up this year was 14 vs Ohio State, and the Buckeyes are in a different class of college football. I like Penn State to win, but I really like them to cover their point total.
Best Bet – Penn State Team Total – Over 30.5 Points (+105 @ bet365)
| Saturday, September 5 at 4:15 PM | Spread | Money | Total |
| Northern Illinois Huskies | +30.5 (-115) | +3500 | O 45.5 (-105) |
| Iowa Hawkeyes | -30.5 (-110) | -20000 | U 43.5 (-108) |
(21) Iowa Hawkeyes at (17) USC Trojans
In what is likely the best matchup this week in the B1G conference, Iowa heads to USC to face the Trojans. While both teams have an outside shot at the College Football Playoff, USC needs it more. A three-loss Iowa team likely already played its way out of it, but a win for USC, with some help from around the country, puts them very much in the conversation. Jayden Maiava has been unreal this year.
This season, he has a passer rating of 145.8 versus ranked opponents and a crazy 207.8 at home. I like consistency, and Maiava at home has been the definition of it when they’re at home. When he throws a touchdown, he throws a second.
Top Player Prop – Jordan Maiava (USC) Over 1.5 Touchdown Passes (-130 @ ESPNBet)
The smartest 5 minutes in betting
Get the week's best offers, line moves, and data-driven picks — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Join 240,000+ subscribers. 21+ only.
