Big Ten betting odds and picks: Wisconsin vs. Michigan & 3 more

Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz (5) drops back to pass. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire)

November 13th, 2020

Four SEC games have been sidelined by the pandemic, shifting the spotlight to the Big Ten. Even though Ohio State’s matchup with Maryland was delayed by the virus in College Park, one team’s return from quarantine headlines this week’s Big Ten action.

#13 Wisconsin vs. Michigan

The Badgers are back in action after spending two weeks off the gridiron. In their lone appearance on the field, they did not look like the Wisconsin of old as freshman quarterback Graham Mertz torched the competition, completing 20-of-21 passes for 248 yards and five touchdowns in a blowout victory over Illinois.

The day after the game, the Badgers’ season spiraled as Mertz and backup quarterback Chase Wolf tested positive for COVID-19. Offensive coordinator Joe Rudolph said on Wednesday he’s unsure if either will be ready in time to play at the Big House.

Will Graham Mertz be back at quarterback for the #Badgers on Saturday? #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/BlL7B9nrtj
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) November 9, 2020

Meanwhile in Ann Arbor, the woeful Wolverines have lost two straight as the Jim Harbaugh criticism grows louder and louder. Barring an improbable victory at the Horseshoe to end the season, this feels like Harbaugh’s last chance to keep the train on the tracks.

Desperate teams are dangerous, the question is are they dangerous enough to upset Wisconsin? This feels like a "stay away" line with so much uncertainty because even if Mertz plays, how effective can he be without a week of preparation in practice? There’s also a rust factor that could come into play after zero game action in more than two weeks. Take the points or back away if Mertz makes the trip to Ann Arbor.

Pick: Michigan +4

#23 Northwestern vs. Purdue

The Big Ten West could be decided Saturday afternoon in West Lafayette. The ranked Wildcats bring one of the Big Ten’s top rushing offenses (205 yards per game) to take on the conference’s top passing offenses (326.5 yards per game). The crucial edge goes to the home dogs on the Boilermakers’ defense. New defensive coordinator Bob Diaco has not turned them into an immovable force, but they’re getting off the field on third down, holding opponents to just 30.7% on the money down to halt potential scoring drives.

Pick: Purdue +2.5

Penn State vs. Nebraska

The brand names have not performed like college football powerhouses in this truncated season, combining for zero wins in five attempts. To be fair to each team, two of those losses were at the hands of Ohio State. Even so, expectations were much higher for each team, particularly Penn State, whom many believed were the second-best team in the Big Ten before the restart.

Ultimately, the Nittany Lions have too much talent to fall to 0-4. If quarterback Sean Clifford just takes care of the football (a league-high five interceptions), Penn State should be able to take care of business.

Pick: Penn State -3

#10 Indiana vs. Michigan State

The Hoosiers have been the conference’s most delightful surprise. Following a 17-point win over Michigan, Indiana moved up to No. 10 in the AP Top 25 Poll, their highest ranking since 1969. A date with Ohio State looms next week, making this the ultimate sandwich spot for Tom Allen’s team to snooze through a noon kickoff in East Lansing.