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Big Ten Predictions: Picks against the spread for Week 7

By Barry Leonard Jr.

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Oct 10, 2015; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes place kicker Marshall Koehn (1) celebrates with his team after kicking a field goal late in the fourth quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa beat Illinois 29-20. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

  • Date: Saturday, October 17, 2015
  • Time: 12:00 PM Eastern
  • Location: Evanston, IL
  • TV Channel: ESPN2
  • Spread: Iowa -2.5
  • Over/Under Total: 41

Two weeks ago this one looked like it could be one of the best games in the Big Ten this season. It still could be, as both teams are in the top-25, but it’s lost a bit of its luster with Northwestern getting blown out last week. Still, there’s a lot on the line, as this game could be important in deciding the winner of the Big Ten West division.

Northwestern was having a fantastic season before running into the up-start Michigan Wolverines in Week 6.  The game wasn’t even close, as the Wolverines completely dominated and shutout the Wildcats. Northwestern  managed just 168 yards of total offense, including just 38 on the ground for a team that entered the game leading the conference in rushing.

The Wildcats gave up a touchdown return on the opening kickoff and were never able to right the ship.

This week, the Iowa Hawkeyes come in undefeated and ready to keep the momentum going. The Hawkeyes are ranked fifth in the nation in rush defense and will present a tough test for Northwestern star running back  Justin Jackson, who had a difficult time last week.

On offense, the numbers for Iowa don’t stand out, but the Hawkeyes have been very solid, especially on the ground. Running back Jordan Canzeri has already rushed for 697 yards and nine touchdowns. Quarterback C.J. Beathard has been efficient in getting the ball to his wide receivers, especially Matt VandeBerg.

This game has all the makings of a tough, classic Big Ten battle featuring defense and the running game. The line hasn’t moved much this week, as the game really could go either way. I like the home field and the fact that Northwestern will be angry after such a poor performance last week. Give me Northwestern with the points and the outright win.

Next: Purdue at Wisconsin

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