Odds for every Big Ten football game in Week 13
After a long season of Big Ten football, we’ve arrived at the final week of the regular season. Rivalries abound in what should be one of the most exciting slates within any conference in the nation.
Here are the opening odds for every game involving a Big Ten team this week, presented by DraftKings Sportsbook.
Friday, Nov. 24
No. 17 Iowa at Nebraska (-2.5), 12 p.m.
O/U: 26.5
Another week of Iowa football presents another record-breaking over/under, with this week’s number currently sitting at just 26.5. Jokes aside, the Hawkeyes have carved out an impressive season for themselves, riding an elite defense and special teams to another Big Ten West title and a forthcoming appearance in the conference championship game. They’re slight underdogs at Nebraska to end the regular season, with the Cornhuskers looking to clinch bowl eligibility.
No. 11 Penn State (-20.5) at Michigan State, 7:30 p.m.
O/U: 43
This matchup presents the only point spread of the week over a touchdown, and for good reason. Even though the all-time series between Penn State and Michigan State is strikingly competitive, these two teams have had opposite seasons. Although the Nittany Lions didn’t quite achieve the heights they were hoping to, they’re still in a prime position to finish strong in a New Year’s Six bowl. Meanwhile, Michigan State is more concerned with finding its next head coach than it is with Friday night’s game.
Saturday, Nov. 25
No. 2 Ohio State at No. 3 Michigan (-3.5), 12 p.m.
O/U: 46
This is the best regular season matchup in college football this year. In a matchup of undefeated bitter rivals, more than just bragging rights are on the line. The winner will be crowned the Big Ten East champion and play in next’s week’s conference title game. Depending on conference championship games play out, there’s a scenario in which “The Game” become a College Football Playoff elimination bout, too.
The Wolverines are favored at home in what should be an outstanding game.
Indiana at Purdue (-3.5), 12 p.m.
O/U: 51.5
It’s been a season to forget for both Indiana and Purdue, and the game between these two in-state rivals will be far more exciting on the hardwood. Both teams are 3-8, and there’s a greater-than-zero chance this will be Tom Allen’s last game on the Indiana sideline. The Boilermakers are slight favorites and have won four of their last five games against the Hoosiers.
Northwestern at Illinois (-5.5), 3:30 p.m.
O/U: 46.5
Nobody believed in Northwestern entering the season, but the Wildcats are 6-5 heading into the final week of the regular season. Interim head coach David Braun was rightfully named the program’s permanent head coach.
Still, Illinois is a comfortable, but not overwhelming favorite Saturday afternoon. The Fighting Illini need a win to become bowl eligible and are just 1-4 against Big Ten West teams this season, although they nearly beat Iowa a week ago.
Wisconsin (-2.5) at Minnesota, 3:30 p.m.
O/U: 42
The battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe is annually one of the best rivalry games in college football, and that should be no different this time around. Although neither Wisconsin nor Minnesota has lived up to preseason expectations this year, they’ll be fired up for their last game. The Golden Gophers are home underdogs but will appreciate the familiarity of the Twin Cities after back-to-back multi-score defeats on the road.
Maryland (-1) at Rutgers, 3:30 p.m.
O/U: 44
Rutgers took advantage of a light early schedule and became bowl eligible before October ended, but has since lost three straight games — all against ranked opponents. Maryland, on the other hand, went through a major midseason slump but followed a win at Nebraska up with a game-long battle against Michigan.
Both teams have already earned a postseason game, so this one is primarily about ending the season on the right note and bettering their options come bowl season. The Terps are slight favorites, but it could go either way.
