Opening odds for every Big Ten game in Week 9
The Big Ten football season is more than halfway over, and as teams gear up for their Week 9 games, it’s becoming clearer which squads have what it takes to compete at the highest level — and which ones can’t.
Here are the opening odds for every game involving a Big Ten team this week, presented by DraftKings Sportsbook.
Note: All games this week are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 28. Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Rutgers have byes.
Maryland (-13.5) at Northwestern, 12 p.m.
O/U: 48.5
The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for Maryland. After two straight losses and mounting injuries, the Terps had a week off to regroup and heal. Despite some off-the-field distractions, they are nearly a two-touchdown favorite in their third road game of the year.
Northwestern lost to Nebraska last week, scoring just nine points. The Wildcats were also without injured quarterback Ben Bryant for the second straight game, instead starting Brendan Sullivan. Regardless of who they start, they’ll have an uphill battle.
Indiana at No. 10 Penn State (-32), 12 p.m.
O/U: 46.5
Penn State’s defense did its job against Ohio State last week, but its offense was anemic. In his first big college start, quarterback Drew Allar completed just 18 of his 42 pass attempts and never showed any semblance of explosiveness. Still, against a lowly Indiana team, Penn State is a massive favorite, boasting one of the best rosters in the conference with outstanding running backs and an elite defense.
Meanwhile, Indiana continues to crater and has a case as the worst team in the Big Ten. Expect a very comfortable Nittany Lions win.
Michigan State at Minnesota (-7), 3:30 p.m.
O/U: 40
The losses keep piling up for Michigan State on and off the field, and that is expected to continue this week when it travels to play Minnesota. The Spartans can’t seem to get out of their own way and have a real chance at finishing the conference season without a win. They were thoroughly handled by Michigan, 49-0, their last time out.
Minnesota squeaked by Iowa last Saturday and has the benefit of playing at home this week. The Golden Gophers have generally fallen short of expectations this season, but have a bit of momentum.
Purdue at Nebraska (-2.5), 3:30 p.m.
O/U: 40
In the most even matchup in the conference this week — at least on paper — the Cornhuskers play host to Purdue. The Boilermakers have struggled this season, but after a bye week followed back-to-back losses to Ohio State and Iowa, they’ll have a chance to get back on track.
On the other end of Northwestern’s low offensive output last weekend was a stout performance from Nebraska’s defense, which has allowed a combined 16 points in its last two games.
The books expect a low-scoring, close contest in Lincoln this Saturday.
No. 3 Ohio State (-14.5) at Wisconsin, 7:30 p.m.
O/U: 43.5
Ohio State has the most upward momentum in the Big Ten after defeating Penn State. Michigan has been the most dominant team in the conference but has dealt with scandal off the field, while the Buckeyes have done nothing but roll through their difficult schedule. Ohio State’s offense wasn’t particularly impressive against the Nittany Lions either, but wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. was the difference and proved that he plays for a legitimate national title contender.
Camp Randall Stadium is a tough place to play — especially at night against highly ranked opponents — however the Buckeyes are one of the most dynamic teams in the nation and have a defense that can travel anywhere.
