Well, one domino might have fallen last week in the Big 10 Conference. Ohio State was trailing 35-20 heading to the fourth quarter against No. 2 ranked Penn State and then all hell broke loose. The Buckeyes outscored the Nittany Lions 19-3 in the fourth quarter to win the game 39-38 and now control their own destiny towards the Big Ten Championship game. It was a great game and probably the best game of the year so far, unless, you're a Lions fan.
In other games from Week 9, Michigan State finally ran out of luck and lost to Northwestern in triple overtime, 39-31. The loss eliminated Michigan State from Big Ten title contention. Elsewhere, Wisconsin remained undefeated by whipping Illinois. Michigan got back on the winning track by upending Rutgers. Maryland got a much needed win at home versus Indiana. Iowa squeaked by Minnesota and Nebraska scored with 17 seconds to go to grab a rare win against Purdue.
The only two games that really mean anything in Week 10 are the Penn State at Michigan State game and the Ohio State at Iowa games. Penn State still has some hope if they can run the table and need to start this week at the Spartans. The Buckeyes need to keep the hammer down at Iowa, where they’ve had trouble in the past.
Let’s take a look at all the week 10 Big Ten games.
Big 10 Game of the Week
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Penn State Nittany Lions -7.5 at Michigan State Spartans +7.5, Total 45
Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Michigan - 4:00 p.m., ET - FOX
This line opened with Penn State favored by 9.5 points and early action on the Spartans have driven the line down to 7.5. The Nittany Lions are off a heartbreaking loss to Ohio State and now much rebound on the road against a very good Michigan State team. The word out of the Penn State camp is that they aren’t panicking, have their heads up and are focused on taking down the Spartans to stay alive in the BCS Playoff race. I think the Nittany Lions use field position to their advantage, limit big plays on defense and grind out a big, road, double-digit win.
All-time series record: Tied 15-15-1
Other Big 10 Games for Saturday, November 4, 2017
Ohio State Buckeyes -17 at Iowa Hawkeyes +17, Total 52
Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa - 3:30 p.m., ET - ESPN
Ohio State moved up to No. 3 in the rankings after their huge win against Penn State. Now they hit the road to face a tough Iowa defense that plays great at home. The Hawkeyes offense is pathetic and will have trouble moving the ball on a star stacked Buckeyes defensive line, but in the past, the Buckeyes have had trouble playing the Hawks in Iowa City. Buckeyes will find a way to win the game, but the Hawkeyes will cover the spread.
All-time series record: Ohio State 46-14-3
Wisconsin Badgers -10 at Indiana Hoosiers +10, Total 49.5
Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, Indiana - Noon, ET - ABC
Wisconsin continues to win against lesser opponents. The Badgers haven’t played anyone this year, in fact, their biggest win of the year is against FAU - that’s right, Lane Kiffin’s Owls in Boca. Pathetic! Indiana is winless in the conference, but will be fired up and hungry to play well at home. In the end, the Badgers have too many athletes for the Hoosiers to keep up with. I see a low scoring game and am backing the UNDER.
All-time series record: Wisconsin 40-18-2
Northwestern Wildcats +2 at Nebraska Cornhuskers -2, Total 51
Memorial Stadium Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska - 3:30 p.m., ET - BTN
Really, the Cornhuskers are favored. If you're a Nebraska fan, you may be rooting for the other side because if head coach Mike Riley wins a few more games, he might be around for another disappointing year. But, that’s not going to happen because Northwestern has the better team, a better quarterback and will upset the Corn, if you call that an upset- I don’t!
All-time series record: Nebraska 7-3-0
Minnesota Gophers +15 at Michigan Wolverines -15, Total 41.5
Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan - 7:30 p.m., ET - FOX
Minnesota is struggling on offense. Their a one-dimensional team with a below average defense. The Wolverines, at home, in the Big House, smells like a crush job from start to finish. Michigan wins, 38 - 10.
All-time series record: Michigan 74-25-3
Illinois Fighting Illini +14 at Purdue Boilermakers -14, Total 46
Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, Indiana - Noon, ET - BTN
Illinois is horrible! Purdue is improved but can’t seem to finish off games. This week the Boilermakers put it all together on both sides of the ball and win this game by at least 21 points.
All-time series record: Illinois 44-42-6
Maryland Terrapins -2.5 at Rutgers Scarlet Knights +2.5, Total 48.5
High Point Solutions Stadium, Piscataway, New Jersey - 3:30 p.m., ET - BTN
Maryland has four wins on the year and if they want to become bowl eligible at the end of the year, this game is a must win. The Terps took care of Indiana last week and must take care of business on the road this week against a much improved Scarlet Knights squad. Make sure to check the weather on Saturday and if it’s a reasonable day, pound the over. Both defenses love to give it up on big plays.
All-time series record: Maryland 7-5-0
Make sure you check out all the great sportsbooks to ensure you get the best lines available.
The College Football betting odds and props for this week’s games were first available at BookMaker Sportsbook. Live wagering during commercials offers adjusted moneylines, totals and spreads. Log in and start gambling during the game now! The Penn State Nittany Lions square off against the Michigan State Spartans, Saturday, November 4, 2017 at Noon, ET. FOX will televise the game live.
