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College Football Picks: Big Ten predictions against the spread for Week 6

By Nate Jacobson

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Making picks against the spread for every Big Ten game in Week 6.

I went 4-3 picking Big Ten games against the spread last week but will look to go perfect with this week’s slate of games. I hit on the “best bet” with Iowa but went 3-3 with the rest of the picks. I don’t have a “best best” in the Big Ten this week so I will be picking all seven games in the conference this week.

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Maryland at Ohio State (-33)

Maryland can’t score and Ohio State can’t cover a spread. I wouldn’t put any of my money on this game but have trouble seeing Maryland scoring double digits in Columbus. For Ohio State their offense can afford to stumble. They don’t play a team that can beat them for another six games when they host Michigan. Maybe the offense will finally wake up or J.T. Barrett might have to replace Cardale Jones at quarterback. Ohio State opened as a 28.5-point favorite so let’s follow the money and take the Buckeyes.

Pick: Ohio State (-33)

Indiana at Penn State (-6.5)

I would have a tough time believing you if you told me Penn State would end up being less than a touchdown favorite against Indiana before the season. Penn State was supposed to be a team on the upswing and Indiana was just a low-tier Big Ten team who would have trouble winning six games. The line has dropped a bit this week because it seems Hoosiers quarterback Nate Sudfeld is healthy enough to play. He was injured last week in a heartbreaking loss to Ohio State. Despite the tough defeat last week I don’t think Penn State’s offense is good enough to cover this spread.

Pick: Indiana (+6.5)

Illinois at Iowa (-11)

Both teams are coming off huge wins in Week 5. Illinois needed a last-second touchdown to upset Nebraska, and Iowa made a statement with a win at Wisconsin. Could be a letdown spot for both teams but I would still trust Iowa more here. Illinois is likely going to be without running back Josh Ferguson in this game. Iowa’s offense was slowed down by Wisconsin but looked good in non-conference play. I think the Hawkeyes roll at home.

Pick: Iowa (-11)

Northwestern at Michigan (-7.5)

The story of this game is the over/under point total. It’s currently at 35 and some sportsbooks are offering 34.5. Good to see Big Ten football is alive and well in some places. I’ve honestly have never seen a lower total, including NFL preseason games. Because the total is low and Michigan is giving a touchdown, I’ll gladly take Northwestern with the points. The two teams have the best scoring defenses in the country so points will be at a premium. Northwestern may only need 14 points to cover this spread. Michigan also has a look ahead game against Michigan State next week.

Pick: Northwestern (+7.5)

Wisconsin at Nebraska (-1.5)

Nebraska has given up the most passing yards in the country but that shouldn’t be too much of an issue against Wisconsin quarterback Joel Stave on the other side. The Badgers have had trouble running the ball without starter Corey Clement and Stave simply can’t make the throws necessary against average opponents. Nebraska is 2-3 but have lost on a Hail Mary, an overtime game and in the final seconds last week to Illinois. I think quarterback Tommy Armstrong and the Cornhuskers bounce back.

Pick: Nebraska (-1.5)

Minnesota (-3) at Purdue

Not sure Minnesota should be a favorite on the road against any Big Ten team. Their offense is abysmal and they were shut out by Northwestern last week. Purdue showed some life against Michigan State last week and almost pulled off a shock in East Lansing. You won’t need the points in this one because Purdue will win their second game of the season.

Pick: Purdue (+3)

Michigan State (-14) at Rutgers

I said I wouldn’t pick Michigan State until they cover a spread but I’m going to take the bait on this one. The betting market has caught up to the Spartans struggles and giving only 14 points at Rutgers seems cheap. Rutgers is a mess right now and Michigan State needs to get on track before their huge showdown with Michigan next week. The Spartans improve to 6-0 on the season and they cover their first spread while doing it.

Pick: Michigan State (-14)

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