2011 Big Ten Football Week 2 Preview, Predictions, Odds & Picks
We are providing Big 10 Football weekly matchup previews, predictions and odds for all Big 10 football teams for the games Saturday September 10, 2011. And to gain a betting edge check our out NCAA Football Handicappers as they offer their free and expert pick. Use our comprehensive and insider information to bet successfully on College Football with our recommend sportsbooks.
Only one week in and many in Bloomington are already wondering whether the Kevin Wilson hire was good at Indiana – some guys are just better coordinators than coaches. Losing the opener to Ball State was the only real surprise from the opening weekend of action although a couple of losses were closer than expected. Kudos to the Golden Gophers for holding their own against USC, meanwhile Michigan State didn’t get the memo that you are supposed to beat FCS schools a little more handily than 28-6. This week the slate holds much more interesting games including 4 contests that pit big six conferences against each other and I am not even including Notre Dame’s visit to the Big House for the first game under the lights at Michigan Stadium. This should be a much more compelling week.Listed pointspreads are provided by BetOnline.com.
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Saturday, September 11, 2011
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Florida Atlantic @ Michigan State – 12:00PM (ESPN)
The Spartans are lucky to get another snoozer of a game for a tuneup before conference plays starts up. Based on what we saw last weekend they just might need it as more difficult opponents will be coming up fast. Look for a sharper game out of MSU this weekend, one that make us believe this team could actually compete in the first ever Big 10 Championship game.
Prediction: Michigan State 38 – Florida Atlantic 9 – Bet Now
Odds: Michigan State: -32.5 – Florida Atlantic: +32.5 – Over/Under: 49.5
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Iowa @ Iowa State – 12:00PM (FOX)
This traditional instate rivalry is always early in the season and as a result can be an odd one. Rather than using this one to grab bragging rights both teams are using it to assess where there club is at before entering their conference schedule. The Hawkeyes gave up way more on the ground to Tennessee Tech than I would have liked to see…and put it on the ground too much too (3 fumbles). Their QB play was solid which was key to getting off to a good start and will become even more important as the competition ramps up. Even though they are on the road they are better than the Cyclones – although I am not sure by how much just yet. Iowa State barely beat that other Iowa team last week – FCS Northern Iowa – even though they were soundly outplayed.
Prediction: Iowa 27 – Iowa State 17 – Bet Now
Odds: Iowa: -7 – Iowa State: +7 – Over/Under: 43
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Oregon State @ Wisconsin – 12:00PM (ESPN)
As expected the Badgers throttled the Rebels but they didn’t cover, depending on what line you got. Russell Wilson looked superb and he provided the balance they were seeking but the reality is that UNLV was totally overmatched. The Oregon State Beavers are better than the Rebels even if they didn’t show it in a shocking loss to Sacramento State in OT…OUCH! (That is not a typo). I wonder that ttheir emotional state will be visiting Madison. This team is well coached but the talent may not be there like it has been in year’s past. They better be ready or it will be really ugly.
Prediction: Wisconsin 42 – Oregon State 17 – Bet Now
Odds: Wisconsin: -20.5 – Oregon State: +20.5 – Over/Under: 57
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South Dakota State @ Illinois – 12:00PM (BTN)
Illinois was pushed but performed in beating Arkansas State. QB Nathan Scheelhaase had his best day as a thrower and if that is a sign of things to come Illinois is really a team to be reckoned with. We probably won’t know for sure after this week given the competition. South Dakota State barely beat Southern Utah last week. Illinois should roll.
Prediction: Illinois 42 – South Dakota State 13 – Bet Now
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Toledo @ Ohio State – 12:00PM (BTN)
The Ohio State Buckeyes beat up on the MAC’s worst team last week so here is hoping that Toledo, who is considerably higher in the MAC pecking order, can actually defend themselves this week. OSU will still be missing some key pieces but as long as the defense is rock solid they shouldn’t have any trouble with this MAC squad this weekend either – thought they might actually score a point. If Rcokets WR has real NFL aspirations than showing up against OSU is a must.
Prediction: Ohio State 45 – Toledo 10 – Bet Now
Odds: Ohio State: -19 – Toledo: +19 – Over/Under: 50.5
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Alabama @ Penn State – 3:30 (ABC)
The Lions won easily against Indiana State but weren’t all that dominant – turnovers were a huge factor. Now they host Alabama who spanked them last year. It should be more of the same on Saturday, in fact it might actually be worse as the Alabama defense is more fearsome than last year. In 2010 the Lions fought hard but this year with maybe the worst offense and defense they have had in years it could be very embarrassing, especially for the home team in Happy Valley. This is going to be an example of why the SEC is light years ahead of other conferences.. FYI – PSU hasn’t covered against a ranked opponent since 2008.
Prediction: Alabama 38 – Penn State 17 – Bet Now
Odds: Alabama: -10 – Penn State: +10 – Over/Under: 42
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Eastern Illinois @ Northwestern – 3:30 (BTN)
QB Dan Persa didn’t play and the Wildcats still upset Boston College last Saturday. I assume they will hold him back this week even if he can go against Eastern Illinois and it shouldn’t matter anyway. Wildcats are making me look good so far…they will keep it going FCS style this weekend.
Prediction: Northwestern 31 – Eastern Illinois 10 – Bet Now
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New Mexico State @ Minnesota – 3:30 (BTN)
There aren’t too many wins on the Gophers schedule so they better take advantage of this “golden’ opportunity. After shutting out USC in the second half to make the game close last week they should actually have some confidence for this one. It will be interesting to see who takes the snaps for Minny. MarQuiese Gray was alright and Max Shortell looked good in relief. New Mexico is just plain bad and coming off a home loss to Colorado State.
Prediction: Minnesota 42 – New Mexico State 10 – Bet Now
Odds: Minnesota: -20 – New Mexico State: +20 – Over/Under: 52
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Purdue @ Rice – 3:30 (CBS Sports)
I knew the Boilermakers would have their hands full with MTSU – they needed a late TD to take a 27-24 victory. Still a win is a win and they have a chance to go 2-0 hosting Rice this weekend. This looks like it should be a carbon copy of the opener so hopefully Caleb TerBush, who was pushed into duty can keep it up. They needed all of his career best yards to win against the Blue Raiders. Does he have another one in him. He probably won’t need as many bullets in the gun to clip the Owls.
Prediction: Purdue 27 – Rice 24 – Bet Now
Odds: Purdue: -1 – Rice: +1 – Over/Under: 51.5
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Fresno State @ Nebraska – 7:00PM (BTN)
I thought Fresno State would give Cal a run for their money in the opener but they put up a pretty meek effort – coach Pat Hill is losing his mojo it seems. If they had won I might have given them a shot (long one) against Nebraska but now I think the foregone conclusion is pretty much a lock and it probably won’t be pretty for Bulldog fans. Taylor Martinez started his Heisman candidacy but he will have to win them all to compete with higher profile candidates. This might be one of the easier ones.
Prediction: Nebraska 45 – Fresno State 10 – Bet Now
Odds: Nebraska: -28 – Fresno State: +28 – Over/Under: 50
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Virginia @ Indiana – 7:00PM (BTN)
The Hoosiers choked in the opener proving that the transition their transition to success (or mediocrity) is going to be more difficult than expected. Meanwhile the Cavs spanked William and Mary but I am not sure we have learned a ton about them from that game against their little brother. UVA is definitely taking an upward path while Indiana might be heading for rock bottom before they can rise up.
Prediction: Virginia 27 – Indiana 21 – Bet Now
Odds: Virginia: -6.5 – Indiana: +6.5 – Over/Under: 54.5
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Notre Dame at Michigan – 8:00PM (ESPN)
The universe wants this to be a big game but to me that is a stretch as neither team is likely to be sniffing the top by season’s end. I had a hunch that ND was receiving too much love from just about everyone and all their opening loss to USF did was create some QB controversy. Now they head to the Big House absolutely desperate for a win or else they risk having a season of promise disappear before the month of September is even half over. Opposite from them Michigan looked pretty solid last week against Western Michigan but that’s WMU. This should likely be a see-saw battle where the last team with the ball will win. Sorry Golden Domers.
Prediction: Michigan 31 – Notre Dame 28 – Bet Now
Odds: VMichigan: +3.5 – Notre Dame: -3.5 – Over/Under: 55.5
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