Wisconsin got their first real test of the year when they faced the Iowa Hawkeyes and they passed it with flying colors, pulling away to an impressive 38-14 win. The Badgers improved to 10-0 on the year and clinched the Big Ten West in the process. Things don’t get any easier for Wisconsin with a home game on the slate this week against a tough Michigan team.
Around the league in Week 11, the Buckeyes crushed Michigan State, 48-3, handing Spartans coach, Mark Dantonio his worst loss of his career. Ohio State is now in the driver’s seat to win the Big Ten East.
Penn State trailed early 6-0 to Rutgers, then reeled off 35 unanswered points to win 35-6. Michigan improved to 8-2 on the year by dismantling Maryland, 35-10. Indiana earned its first conference win, beating the winless Illini, 24-14. Northwestern beat Purdue 23-13 in a defensive struggle and Minnesota crushed Nebraska 54-21 in what will probably be Cornhuskers head coach, Mike Riley’s last game at the helm.
Wow, where did the season go. We are heading to Week 12 already with still some intrigue to who will win the Big Ten East. Ohio State plays Illinois this week - a crush job is waiting - so the Bucks should be the team to beat and only a road game at Michigan stands in their way. Speaking of the Wolverines, they have a huge game at Wisconsin this week, which is a must win for them if they want a shot in the championship game.
It’s a full slate of games for Week 12 - let’s take a look at them all.
Big 10 Game of the Week
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Michigan Wolverines +7.5 at Wisconsin Badgers -7.5, Total 42
Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin - Noon, ET - FOX
The biggest game of the week in the Big Ten Conference is in Madison, Wisconsin when the Badgers take on the Wolverines in a must win for both teams. Wisconsin locked up the Big 10 West and now looks to stay unbeaten and stay on their path for the BCS Playoffs. Michigan still has a chance to earn a spot in the Championship game but must win this game and against Ohio State next week. This should be a defensive struggle and the total is one of the lowest on the board, but I see a 17 - 10 or 20 - 13 final and why I’m leaning towards the UNDER.
All-time series record: Michigan 50-14-1
Other Big 10 Games for Saturday, October 28, 2017
Illinois Fighting Illini +40 at Ohio State Buckeyes -40, Total 56.5
Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio - 3:30 p.m., ET - ABC
This game won’t be close, but 40 points is a lot! The Buckeyes may be looking ahead to their showdown with Michigan and not be as focused as they should be. Ohio State’s second team could beat the Illini and they will probably play most of the second half, which gives Illinois some hope as far as covering the crooked number. Ohio State puts up close to 50, but fails to cover the spread.
All-time series record: Ohio State 67-30-4
Nebraska Cornhuskers +26 at Penn State Nittany Lions -26, Total 56.5
Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA. - 4:00 p.m., ET - FOX
Penn State is due to crush someone. All they have to do is give the ball to Saquon Barkley and they win this game going away. Nebraska can’t stop anyone and won’t be able to stop the Nittany Lions. This game gets out of control in a heartbeat. Penn State rolls, 49 - 12.
All-time series record: Nebraska 9-7-0
Minnesota Gophers +7.5 at Northwestern Wildcats -7.5, Total 46
Ryan Field, Evanston, Illinois - Noon, ET - BTN
I think this game will be closer than you think. Minnesota stands at 5 - 5 on the year and needs a win to become bowl eligible. They either have to win this week or next against a powerful Wisconsin team. The Gophers chance is this week and I think they can compete with Northwestern. Minnesota might not win the game but will be in it from start to finish and easily cover the number.
All-time series record: Minnesota 53-34-5
Purdue Boilermakers +8.5 at Iowa Hawkeyes -8.5, Total 43
Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa - 3:30 p.m., ET - BTN
Iowa at home is trouble for any team and for Purdue it will be too much. The Boilermakers continue to disappoint, especially on the offensive side of the ball and won’t be able to stay with the Hawkeyes who are almost unbeatable at home. Iowa 27 - 14.
All-time series record: Purdue 46-38-3
Maryland Terrapins +17 at Michigan State Spartans -17, Total 47.5
Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Michigan - 4:00 p.m., ET - FOX
Spartans are coming off their worst loss of the year, a 48 - 3 pounding to Ohio State, handing Mark Dantonio the worst beatdown in his career in East Lansing. Now they face a Maryland team that is playing their fourth string quarterback and struggling on offense. The Spartans get back in the win column in a big way - they win by three scores.
All-time series record: Michigan State 6-2-0
Rutgers Scarlet Knights +11 at Indiana Hoosiers -11, Total 50
Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, Indiana - Noon, ET - BTN
Indiana picked up it’s first Big Ten win last week against the winless Illinois and now faces a Rutgers team that has improved immensely year and has the athletes to stay in this game. Hoosiers can’t beat anyone by 11 points and it wouldn’t surprise me to see the scarlet Knights win this game outright. The dog is barking loud and clear - take the points!
All-time series record: Rutgers 2-1-0
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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 Michigan Wolverines take on the Wisconsin Badgers, Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Noon, ET. FOX will televise the game live.
