Big Ten Week 12 picks: Indiana vs. Ohio State & 3 more

Could 2020 get any weirder? The biggest Big Ten game of the year is between Ohio State and Indiana. We have betting odds and a pick for that surprisingly spicy matchup as well as three more eagerly anticipated Big Ten games.

#9 Indiana vs. #3 Ohio State

Top 10 matchups between undefeated teams typically don’t have lines this large, but Indiana is rarely a Top 10 team.

Off to their best start in Big Ten play since Michael Jackson was topping charts in the 80s, the Hoosiers’ overtime season-opening victory over Penn State propelled them to a 4-0 start. It’s an exciting time to be an Indiana fan, until you realize the four victories came over teams with a combined record of 3-13.

Ohio State has not played in as many games, but Justin Fields has been incredible. The Heisman Trophy candidate has thrown for 11 touchdowns, and has yet to throw an interception.

Even though Fields has been great, the Buckeyes aren’t what they were a year ago. J.K. Dobbins’ departure has left them without a running game. Last year’s pass defense was arguably the best in the nation, but it hasn’t been the same without a pass rush led by Chase Young.

Even so, the Buckeyes are better than Indiana in almost every single way. Despite their talent deficiency, the Hoosiers have enough mojo and big-play ability to cover the big number. Only one team in the Big Ten has completed more passes of 30 yards or more than Indiana, and the Hoosiers also lead the league in interceptions.

Ohio State will try to show off for the committee, but after two weeks off there will be just enough rust for Indiana to make a handful of plays needed to cover the spread.

Pick: Indiana +20.5

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Purdue vs. Minnesota

The weather was not on Purdue’s side a week ago. The Boilermakers fought to get back into the game, but cold rain slowed down Purdue’s passing attack too much to overcome the deficit. This week weather could once again play a role with sub-freezing temperatures in the forecast Friday night.

It would take a couple feet of snow for Minnesota’s defense to slow down anyone. The worst scoring defense in the Big Ten, Purdue only needs to get a stop or two to win a shootout. Consider parlaying this pick with the over as well.    

Pick: Purdue -2.5

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#10 Wisconsin vs. #19 Northwestern

Northwestern could make life easier for Kevin Warren if they win this game. If the Wildcats cannot pull off the upset, the Badgers might have the best argument to play in the Big Ten title game despite playing the fewest amount of games. As good as Northwestern’s played, I don’t think they’ll be doing the league any favors Saturday afternoon. 

Pick: Wisconsin -7.5

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Iowa vs. Penn State

Who wants to win this football game? Iowa has shown some fight this year, falling in close games to Northwestern and at Purdue before finally putting a notch in their belt against Minnesota.

Penn State, on the other hand, has been uninspiring. That’s a nice way to ask the question, do they even care? After getting waxed by a bad Nebraska offense, I can’t bet on James Franklin’s team until they at least look like they are trying to win. 

Pick: Iowa -2.5

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