The Big Ten Conference is arguably the strongest conference in the nation with four teams ranked in the top 10 and six teams ranked in the top 25. The conference has a shot of getting two teams in the final four. Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin and Penn State all have a chance and the final two to three weeks will clarify the outcome. Things are a bit cloudy right now and could get even cloudier as the season comes to a close. If Ohio State wins out they will secure a BCS spot, but not represent the Big Ten East in the Big 10 Championship game. Penn State beat Ohio State and would go face the winner of the Big Ten West. If Michigan beats Ohio State, the Wolverines would have the inside path to the BCS and end the Buckeyes chances. Wisconsin, despite two losses, could sneak into the BCS picture. If they win out and win the Big Ten Championship game, they would deserve to go. Time will tell, so keep your chin strap buckled and let the final two weeks play out.
Last week we saw a huge upset that totally clouded the race for the BCS. Iowa beat Michigan as a 24-point underdog and perhaps ended the Wolverines chances. Ohio State clobbered Maryland 62-3, Penn State rallied to beat a pesky Indiana club, Nebraska beat Minnesota in a pivotal Big Ten West showdown and Michigan State picked up their first conference win by thumping Rutgers.
BIG 10 GAME OF THE WEEK
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Ohio State Buckeyes -22.5 at Michigan State Spartans +22.5, Total 58
Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Michigan - Noon, ET - ESPN
All-time Series Record: Ohio State 29-15-0
Michigan State is having a horrific year with only one conference win, but can salvage their season with an upset win against the heavily favored Buckeyes. The game plan will be for Sparty to run the ball right down Ohio State’s throat, eating up the clock in the process, keeping the Buckeyes high octane offense on the sidelines. The Buckeyes are favored by over three scores and I think home field and a ball control offense can keep the Spartans in the game and keep things close. Plus the Buckeyes have to be looking ahead to next week’s big game with Michigan. Ohio State 35-24.
Let’s take a look at the other Week 12 Big 10 games - Saturday, November 19, 2016
Indiana Hoosiers +23 at Michigan Wolverines -23, Total 53.5
Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan - 3:30 p.m., ET - ESPN
All-time Series Record: Michigan 55-9-0
Not only did Michigan lose last week to Iowa, they also lost their signal caller in the process and will be without starting quarterback, Wilton Speight for the rest of the year. They have to rebound against a scrappy Indiana team that has upset on their minds. The Wolverines will rely heavily on all-purpose athlete Jabrill Peppers who may see action at quarterback, running back and wide receiver. Michigan starts out slow but has far too many athletes for the Hoosiers. Michigan 34, Indiana 13.
Penn State Nittany Lions -28 at Rutgers Scarlet Knights +28, Total 60
High Point Solutions Stadium, Piscataway, New Jersey - 8:00 p.m., ET - BTN
All-time Series Record: Penn State 24-2-0
Penn State will cover the spread by halftime and blow out Rutgers just like everyone else has. The Nittany Lions roll, 48-13.
Northwestern Wildcats -1 at Minnesota Gophers +1, Total 48
TCF Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota - BTN
All-time Series Record: Minnesota 52-34-5
This is a big game for both teams. Northwestern needs a win to become bowl eligible and whoever wins this game should get a better bowl game. This is going to be a defensive battle until the Gophers make a mistake and pave the way for a Wildcat victory. Northwestern 24, Minnesota 21.
Maryland Terrapins +14.5 at Nebraska Cornhuskers -14.5, Total 59
Memorial Stadium Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska - Noon, ET - ESPNews
All-time Series Record - No Previous Matchups
Nebraska quarterback returned last week to lead a come from behind win against Minnesota and should be back at full strength this week to carve up a pathetic Terrapins defense. Armstrong leads the Corn Huskers to a three touchdown win.
Wisconsin Badgers -28 at Purdue Boilermakers +28, Total 51
Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, Indiana - ABC
All-time Series Record: Wisconsin 46-29-8
The Badgers are right in the hunt not only for the Big Ten championship but also a spot in the BCS Playoffs. They are strong on both sides of the ball and will grind out an easy win this week against Purdue. Wisconsin 35, Purdue 13.
Iowa Hawkeyes -10 at Illinois Fighting Illini +10, Total 46.5
Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois - BTN
All-time Series Record: Illinois 38-31-2
The Hawkeyes are coming off a huge win last week when they upset No. 2 ranked Michigan and they could come out flat against an Illinois team that plays a lot better at home. The line for this game opened with the Hawkeyes favored by 11.5 points and gamers like the dog and have driven the line down to 9.5. Iowa will win the game but it will be close. Iowa 24, Illinois 17.
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 Ohio State Buckeyes take on the Michigan State Spartans, Saturday, November 19, 2016 at Noon, ET. ABC will televise the game live.
