Big Ten Picks: #6 Ohio State vs. Indiana & 5 more

In my inaugural Big Ten preview for BetAmerica last week, I survived Ohio State’s beatdown of Cincinnati and went on to finish 4-1 for the weekend as Penn State woke up in the second half, Michigan State’s defense was once again dominant, Army nearly pulled off an all-time stunner for the second year in a row and Colorado finished off a dramatic comeback against a young Nebraska team still learning how to win. So let’s try to repeat that performance as I break down another great set of Big Ten games this weekend.

Ohio State (-17.5) at Indiana

As the famous saying goes, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Well, call me crazy and throw me in a padded room because I’m going to try my luck one more time and bet against the mighty Buckeyes.

Outside of Jalen Hurts and Joe Burrow, I don’t know if there’s been two more impressive performances to open the season than the work Justin Fields has put in. The former five-star recruit is finally living up to the hype now that he’s found a home in Columbus. Getting it done both on the ground and through the air, Fields has completed 38-of-50 passes for 458 years and six touchdowns and rushed for another 103 yards and three TDs in the Buckeyes’ two blowout victories over Florida Atlantic and Cincinnati.

But now things get a little bit tougher as OSU begins Big Ten play by going on the road to take on an Indiana team that went toe-to-toe with them last year before Dwayne Haskins & Co. put the Hoosiers away in the fourth quarter. In that game, IU quarterback Peyton Ramsey passed for a then-career-high 322 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. And after surprisingly losing his starting spot to redshirt freshman Michael Penix this season, Ramsey may get his chance to take out some frustration and reassert himself as the man in Bloomington as Penix is a game-time decision due to an undisclosed injury.

That will be just one of the storylines to follow as the Hoosiers look to do the impossible and pull off a program-changing win against Ohio State. Although an outright victory may be too much to ask, Indiana has played OSU tough the last two years before faltering in the second half. Finishing games and playing a complete 60 minutes has been a point of emphasis this season for third-year head coach Tom Allen and with an improved defense and an ultra motivated quarterback, the ingredients are there for IU to turn some heads this weekend and really test this talented Ohio State squad. So get the straight jacket ready for me, I’m taking Indiana and the 17.5 points.

NCAAF free pick: Indiana +17.5

Iowa (-1.5) at Iowa State

It’s a big weekend in Ames as the Cyclones welcome the hated Hawkeyes and “College GameDay” to town. And it’s certainly not going to be easy against an Iowa team led by star defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa and senior quarterback Nate Stanley, but I think Matt Campbell has the quarterback in Brock Purdy and the defense led by linebacker Mike Rose to finally gets his first win over ISU’s in-state rival.

Pick: Iowa State +1.5

TCU (-2) at Purdue

This is a tricky game on many levels, especially with Purdue quarterback Elijah Sindelar a game-time decision after suffering a slight concussion last week. However, it’s looking more promising the fifth-year QB will take the field as he did practice this week. The electric Rondale Moore should get plenty of opportunities to continue to shine against a capable TCU defense.

The loss of linebacker Markus Bailey is a big one for Purdue, but ultimately, I think questionable quarterback play from the Horned Frogs will be the difference, as I’m betting the Boilermakers get the win and cover in what should be an entertaining game.

Pick: Purdue +2

Pittsburgh at Penn State (-17.5)

There’s certainly no love lost in another matchup of in-state rivals as head coaches James Franklin and Pat Narduzzi won’t be trading Christmas cards anytime soon. I’m tempted to take the underdog Panthers, but we know Franklin isn’t scared to run the score up and he’ll take every opportunity to do just that as the Nittany Lions are the more talented team. It makes me nervous, but I’ll lay the 17.5 points and take Penn State to show no mercy at home.

Pick: Penn State -17.5

Northern Illinois at Nebraska (-14)

Coming off their heartbreaking loss to Colorado and knowing this same NIU team beat them two years ago, there’s no doubt that Scott Frost’s guys will be motivated this weekend. However, the Huskies haven’t allowed a 100-yard rusher in 17 straight games and they have a capable QB in Cal transfer Ross Bowers. That’s enough to keep the final score within two touchdowns as the young Cornhuskers continue to learn how to finish games. Give me NIU and the 14 points.

Pick: Northern Illinois +14

Arizona State at Michigan State (-14.5)

No matter how many motivational speeches Herm Edwards gives this week, they’re not going to make a difference as his true freshman quarterback Jayden Daniels has to now go into Lansing and face one of the best defenses in the country one week after nearly losing to an FCS team in Sacramento State. The Spartans win comfortably and cover the 14.5 points.

Pick: Michigan State -14.5

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