Big Ten Football Betting Tips: Top 5 Games to Back Week 11

Pete Pistone

November 7th, 2018

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The stretch run to end the regular season is on in the Big Ten and there are huge playoff implications on the line. While Northwestern controls its own destiny in the West, Wisconsin, Purdue and Iowa – who hosts the Wildcats on Saturday – remain in hot pursuit.

Michigan remains undefeated in the conference and is now inside the top four in the College Football Playoff rankings that were released earlier this week. The Wolverines remains on a collision course with Ohio State in two weeks.

Speaking of OSU, the Buckeyes came back after their bye week with a flat performance against Nebraska. Urban Meyer’s squad ultimately won the game but it should not have been as close as the 36-31 victory turned out to be at the Horseshoe in Columbus.

Here are five games college football betting fans should consider wagering on:

1. No. 8 Ohio State at No. 24 Michigan State

   The line: Ohio State -3 at SugarHouse

   The Buckeyes cannot afford to come out as lifeless in Saturday’s visit to East Lansing as they appeared last week. Ironically, last year Iowa surprised Ohio State to derail any playoff hopes and Michigan State was next up on the schedule.

   It was an ugly blowout and one the Spartans haven’t forgotten.

   But Ohio State is the superior team in this matchup, and Meyer has beaten Michigan State three of the last four meetings.

   MSU quarterback Brian Lewerke remains banged up, which might mean another appearance by Rocky Lombardi, who threw for 318 yards and two scores in the Spartan win over Purdue two weeks ago.

   There’s much more offensive firepower on the Buckeyes’ side, and QB Dwayne Haskins can light it up against the suspect Michigan State secondary especially if he gets hot early.

   Michigan State will stay in the game but the Buckeyes will prevail. However bet Michigan State +3 at SugarHouse.

2. Northwestern at Iowa

   The line: Iowa -11 at 888Sport

   The Wildcats lost to Notre Dame last week in a non-conference game that meant everything to the Fighting Irish and not a lot to Northwestern.

   While the national spotlight was no doubt welcome, coach Pat Fitzgerald’s team returns to the business at hand this week against Iowa in the quest to win the West Division title.

   Northwestern is 5-1 in conference play and needs only to win two of its remaining three games to advance to Indianapolis on December 1 and play for the Big Ten championship.

   Saturday’s trip to Iowa figures to be the biggest challenge, with Minnesota and Illinois closing out the schedule.

   Quarterback Clayton Thorson did not have a good game against Notre Dame connecting on 16 of 29 passes for 141 yards and a TD. Northwestern rushed for just 108 yards and at 2.7 yards per pop. Things will be difficult against Iowa’s tough defense.

   Iowa’s offense revolves around quarterback Nate Stanley. They generated 393 yards of total offense against Purdue, including 275 yards through the air.

   Bet Northwestern +11 with 888Sport.

3. Wisconsin at No. 21 Penn State

   The line: Penn State -8.5 at 888Sport

   This one looked like it would have major playoff implications in the preseason. But neither Wisconsin nor Penn State has lived up to expectations. Wisconsin trampled Rutgers last week 31-17 while Penn State was run out of the building by Michigan.

   The Badgers Jonathan Taylor continues to do his part with 208 carries for 1,363 yards and 11 scores. Taiwan Deal (65 carries, 438 yards, five TD) and Garrett Groshek (45 carries, 302 yards) have been solid backups as well.

   Quarterback Alex Hornibrook remains questionable and Jack Coan may again get the nod.

   Penn State QB Trace McSorley is a beast (127 of 244 for 1,711 yards, 12 touchdowns and 5 INTs; 611 rushing yards and 9 rushing TDs). The Nittany Lions will need a big game to keep up with the Badgers in what looks like it may be an offensive shootout.

   Back Wisconsin +8.5 with 888Sport.

4. Illinois at Nebraska

   The line: Nebraska -17.5 at SugarHouse

   The Fighting Illini exploded for 55 in their win over Minnesota last week. Nebraska gave Ohio State a run for its money in Columbus.

   There is some optimism for both these schools as the season comes to an end. But Nebraska has home-field advantage and quarterback Adrian Martinez is starting to come into his own. Take Nebraska -17.5 with SugarHouse.

5. Purdue at Minnesota

   The line: Purdue -12 at 888Sport

   The Boilermakers still have an outside shot at the West title but need to be perfect the rest of the way and get some help by Northwestern losing.

   Minnesota looked rough in the Illinois loss and is playing just for pride while Pursue still have skin in the conference title game.

   Purdue quarterback David Blough and freshman back Rondale Moore will light things up against Minnesota’s defense. Purdue -12 with 888Sport.