Saturday’s Big Ten Predictions
Saturday’s Big Ten schedule features three games. Here are the predictions we like for the trio of conference contests.
No. 2 Michigan State at Northwestern, 2PM ET (FOX)
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, Michigan State is the clear favorite on the road in this game, as the Spartans are getting odds of -8 points against the Wildcats. The Spartans haven’t been great at covering, especially on the road, but they may have turned a new leaf this week. MSU went to Minnesota and won by 30 for its second cover on the road this season. Now they face a Northwestern team that they have won eight straight against and covered in six of the last seven meetings. The Wildcats don’t have the offensive firepower to keep pace with MSU if it is avoiding turnovers. I think Michigan State has new life with the other upsets in the conference this season and will look strong today. BIG TEN PREDICTIONS: MICHIGAN STATE -8
Bet on Michigan State vs. Northwestern
Indiana at Iowa, 2PM ET (ESPN)
Oddsmakers expect to see a tight game today, as Indiana is only a 2-point favorite at Iowa. Indiana owns a 77-64 win over Iowa earlier this season at Assembly Hall and the Hoosiers have won and covered in four of the last five in this series. The lone loss was in OT at Iowa. Indiana comes into today’s game with a little momentum as well, winning three straight while covering in seven of its last eight. Iowa just doesn’t play defense, allowing nearly 80 points per game. While it has the ability to put up points, shooting isn’t always there. Bad defense is consistent. I like Indiana to cover on the road. BIG TEN PREDICTIONS: INDIANA -2
Indiana vs. Iowa Matchup History
Rutgers at Maryland, 8PM ET (Big Ten Network)
Two struggling Big Ten teams meet up tonight. Maryland finds itself as a rare 11.5-point favorite against the Scarlet Knights. The Terps are just 6-9 in Big Ten play but get a break against the 3-12 Knights. The spread is big, but Maryland has won and covered in four straight against Rutgers. Maryland has actually been strong at home when it comes to sports betting. The Terps are 9-3 against the spread at home this season while Rutgers is just 1-6 ATS on the road. The public betting is strongly with Maryland tonight and I agree. Don’t let the big spread scare you. BIG TEN PREDICTIONS: MARYLAND -11.5