Big Ten football picks: #10 Penn State vs. #17 Iowa & 4 more

With another disappointing 2-4 week last weekend, we’re now back to .500 for the season at 14-14. We’ll try to get back into the win column this week, with another solid set of matchups in the Big Ten, highlighted by Penn State’s trip to Kinnick Stadium to take on Iowa (all games Saturday).

#10 Penn State at #17 Iowa, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC

Last time we bet against Penn State on the road, the Nittany Lions went to College Park and embarrassed Maryland 59-0 in front of a hostile, sold-out crowd. Although Kinnick in prime time is a different beast, James Franklin has done an unbelievable job to reestablish the proud Penn State program among the elite in college football.

Despite losing the likes of Saquon Barkley and Trace McSorley over the last two years, Penn State is right back in the mix to compete for a Big Ten title. As has been the case for much of Kirk Ferentz’s 21 seasons in Iowa City, points will be at a premium Saturday night, as this marquee matchup features two of the top defenses in the country.

Although the sharper side feels like Iowa, I’m going to roll with Penn State, even though the game will likely resemble Penn State's hard-fought 17-10 win against Pittsburgh and Iowa’s 18-17 road win over Iowa State. However, when it comes time to lay down my hard-earned cash, I trust Sean Clifford and this new generation of Penn State playmakers over an Iowa squad that can’t match PSU’s talent. Iowa features senior quarterback Nate Stanley, who threw his first three interceptions of the season last week against Michigan, as the Hawkeyes allowed eight sacks and finished with just one yard rushing.

Pick: Penn State -3

Michigan State at #8 Wisconsin (-10.5), 3:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network

The strength of this Michigan State team was supposed to be its front seven on defense, but bulldozer J.K. Dobbins and Ohio State piled up 323 yards on the ground over the final three quarters last week. Give me another public side in Wisconsin, as Jonathan Taylor will wear down the Spartans.

Pick: Wisconsin -10.5

#16 Michigan (-22.5) at Illinois, noon ET, ABC

In the ultra-exciting Brandon Peters Bowl, it’s unclear whether Peters will even suit up against his old team, as he recovers from an upper-body injury suffered last week in the Illini’s 40-17 loss at Minnesota. It’s hard to imagine the first quarterback Jim Harbaugh recruited as Michigan’s head coach will miss this juicy opportunity at revenge against the dude who took his job. Although it’s nearly impossible to trust Lovie Smith and this Illini squad, this is just too many points.

Pick: Illinois +22.5

Nebraska at Minnesota (-7.5), 7:30 p.m. ET, FS1

Speaking of untrustworthy teams, no squad fits that description better than the young Cornhuskers, who are now 1-5 ATS this year. More than a touchdown is a lot to lay with a Minnesota team still learning how to win, but it makes more sense with Adrian Martinez and JD Spielman questionable for the game. The Gophers wear the Huskers down late and win by 10.

Pick: Minnesota -7.5

Maryland (-3) vs. Purdue

You have to feel for Jeff Brohm, as Purdue has been decimated by injuries, but this is the week the Boilermakers find some magic in an otherwise lost season. Purdue wins outright.

Pick: Purdue +3

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