Idle week

Some sobering news:  Braxton Miller, Zeke Elliott (Jr.), Michael Thomas (Jr.), Vonn Bell (Jr.), Joey Bosa (Jr.), Joshua Perry, Tyvis Powell (Jr.), Darron Lee (R.So.), Adolphus Washington, Taylor Decker, and Jacoby Boren all have only 2 games left in the Shoe. 

Some bonus picks this week since the Buckeyes are idle:

B1G –

Rutgers at Wisconsin (-20.5):  Wisconsin won 37-0 last year in Piscataway.  This one is in Camp Randall.  Badger defense pretty good.  Give the points.  PREDICTION:  Wisconsin 34, Rutgers 7.

Nebraska (-10.5) at Purdue: No one has suffered more heartbreaking losses than the Huskers.  This won’t be one.  Decent Purdue team now turning into who we thought they were. PREDICTION:  Nebraska 38, Purdue 17.

Maryland (+10) at Iowa:  Hawkeyes undefeated but not dominating. Iowa only 3-9 ATS when favored by double digits. Maryland O will keep this tight. PREDICTION:  Iowa 30, Maryland 21.

Illinois (+5.5) at Penn State:  Illinois 1-2 in Happy Valley, but losses were by 3 and in OT.  This will be close – take the points.  PREDICTION:  Penn State 24, Illinois 21.

Michigan (-14) at Minnesota:  Gophers won last year and have won 3x in AA since 1978.  Haven’t won in Minneapolis during that time and haven’t held the Little Brown Jug in consecutive years since 62-63.  Michigan 6-0 in rematch after loss, with average margin 21.  Wolverines been waiting two weeks to hit something.  PREDICTION: Michigan 35, Minnesota 7.

Other –

West Virginia (+14) at TCU:  Last three times played games decided by 1, 3, and 1, with a single OT and a double OT.  2^nd consecutive road game for Mountaineers and they are 3-1 ATS in those.  Upset special alert.  PREDICTION:  TCU 40, West Va. 37.

Clemson at NC State (+10):  Tigers coming off big win at Miami and have Florida State next week.  This is classic trap game. NCST beat No. 7 Clemson in 2011 in Raleigh.  Upset special alert number 2.  PREDICTION:  Clemson 30, NC State 27.