2011 Big Ten Football Week 6 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 October 8, 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.
Well last week’s big game really failed to live up to expectations as the Wisconsin Badgers had their way with Nebraska. Now that same Nebraska team heads home to welcome the Ohio State Buckeyes, correction, the unranked Buckeyes. Nebraska is surely disappointed after last week but they can show a lot by how they rebound from getting swatted by Wisconsin. Also, I think there is more pleasure to be taken from beating OSU than beating the nice guys up in Wisconsin. I wrote last week that I thought lllinois vs Northwestern was a game to look out for. I wasn’t sure how Wildcat QB Dan Persa would perform with the injury layoff but 4 TDs is a pretty good introductory performance – even if it was in a loss. Now Northwestern has to regain their composure for a visiting Michigan team that is riding high. I wouldn’t be surprised if Pat Fitzgerald’s squad knocks them down a peg.
Listed pointspreads are provided by BetOnline.com.
Click Here for FREE Expert NCAA Football Picks
Saturday, October 8, 2011
 |
vs.
|
 |
Minnesota @ Purdue – 12:00 PM ET on ESPN
When I saw this matchup I was wondering how come you never see smaller conference recruit new schools (I know money). If Minnesota played in the MAC they could dominate right? Maybe. Both of these teams got hammered last week and aren’t having strong seasons. Based on the scores and circumstances Minnesota is in a worse spot and on the road there is little hope for them to upset the Boilermakers. However, I like the playmaking ability of Gopher QB MarQuies Gray. If he can escape the pocket and make plays this one could be pretty close.
Prediction: Purdue 27 – Minnesota 17 – Bet Now
Odds: Purdue: -10.5 – Minnesota: +10.5 – Over/Under: 47.5
 |
vs.
|
 |
#19 Illinois @ Indiana – 2:30 PM ET
Last week the Illini escaped against Northwestern but they shouldn’t be pushed nearly as hard this week even though they are on the road against Indiana. The Hoosiers kept it close against Penn State last week but they only have one win all season and it was against FCS South Carolina State. For those who like trends Indiana has won three of the last 4 at home. For those who prefer picking the better team, that’s Illinois for sure. This one has the second biggest spread between these two in the last 10 years.
Prediction: Illinois 35 – Indiana 21 – Bet Now
Odds: Illinois: -14.5 – Indiana: +14.5 – Over/Under: 53
 |
vs.
|
 |
Iowa @ Penn State – 3:30 PM ET on ABC
Normally a clash between these two teams would be something to get excited about but not this year. Both of these teams have just one loss but nobody really thinks they can compete for the league title, or even make it there. Penn State didn’t look good against Indiana and hasn’t had a solid offensive game against a decent opponent yet (scoring 34 against Eastern Michigan doesn’t count). Iowa has looked better beating a decent Pitt team among their four victories. In this one trends might provide a little help, Iowa has won three in a row and eight of nine against PSU. No wonder they want coach Kirk Ferentz to replace JoePa.
Prediction: Iowa 27 – Penn State 21 – Bet Now
Odds: Iowa: +4 – Penn State : -4 – Over/Under: 45
 |
vs.
|
 |
#12 Michigan @ Northwestern – 7:00 PM ET
This is the Game of the Week for me. Northwestern’s loss last week didn’t diminish their spoiler status it just means it will happen to somebody else instead of Illinois. Michigan is the perfect type of opponent as they are flying high and haven’t been challenged in a while. Northwestern is little more battle tested with all three of their FBS games being decided by a TD or less. With Dan Persa back then they should be able to keep pace against a Michigan defense which is probably not as good as the numbers suggest. The key will be whether they can slow Denard Robinson. These teams haven’t met since 2008 so they have never seen him up close.
Prediction: Michigan 35 – Northwestern 31 – Bet Now
Odds: Michigan: -7.5 – Northwestern: +7.5 – Over/Under: 59.5
 |
vs.
|
 |
Ohio State @ #14 Nebraska – 8:00 PM ET on ABC
Nebraska gets the prime time slot again but is hoping for much better results. They got steamrolled by Wisconsin last week as Russell Wilson badly outplayed Taylor Martinez. A bounce back from Martinez is imperative but he doesn’t have to be superman is Ohio State struggles on offense like they did last week. Against Michigan State the Buckeyes had only 178 yards of total offense. I don’t have the stat but I am guessing it could be their lowest total since the 80’s. Freshman QB Braxton Miller is a nice athlete but not much of a quarterback right now. The defense is still stout as they give up less than 100 yards per game on the ground and hold opponents to only 14ppg. If the D shows any cracks this week it might be game over. One factor that is hard to weigh is the return and integration of key players for OSU. Is that enough to swing the outcome in their favour at Nebraska?
Prediction: Nebraska 28 – Ohio State 21 – Bet Now
Odds: Nebraska: -11 – Ohio State: +11 – Over/Under: 44
If you are looking for the best Online Sportsbook to bet on Big 10 Football, then BetOnline.com and their 25% Bonus on EVERY deposit is the place for you. BetOnline.com has NCAA Betting Lines and Odds, so get your Big Ten football bets in early and get the best lines available!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.