Big Ten Predictions and Best Bets – November 14, 2020

Iowa and Minnesota kick-off the Big Ten action on Friday night in Minneapolis. Saturday follows suit with the other 12 members of the conference in action.

Moving past the clash between the Hawkeyes and the Golden Gophers, here are my Big Ten predictions for Saturday.

10^th-ranked Indiana aims for a 4-0 start in B1G play, although navigating their way at Spartan Stadium will be easier said than done. Michigan State was embarrassed last weekend in Iowa City and desperately wants to avoid falling to 1-3 on the year.

After surrendering 49 points to a suspect Hawkeyes squad, look for Hoosiers QB Michael Penix to continue balling out.

A 1st half for the ages for Michael Penix Jr!!

22/32
254 pass yds
3 TD
0 INT@IndianaFootball #IUFB pic.twitter.com/0yjbjvF5bH

— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) November 7, 2020

The Rutgers get a breath of fresh air on Saturday. After games against Indiana and Ohio State, a matchup against the reeling Fighting Illini in Piscataway is going to feel like a piece of cake.

Keep in mind, Illinois (0-3) is allowing 475.7 yards and 39.0 points per game. After scoring 27 in Columbus, the Scarlett Knights should have no problem moving the ball versus a depleted Lovie Smith bunch.

The good news is one of these two programs is going to get off the schneid and pick up their first victory in 2020. The bad news is one of these two schools will head into week 12 winless.

After opening with trips to Ohio State and Northwestern, a home game against a sketchy group from University Park should give Scott Frost some hope. On the flip side, the Cornhuskers offense has been rather anemic thus far and is impossible to trust.

At least until we see Coach Frost hand the keys of the offense over to Luke McCaffrey.

It’s time for Luke McCaffrey to get his shot as Nebraska’s starting QB. https://t.co/8gGG9ftEOA

— Mitch Sherman (@mitchsherman) November 8, 2020

A matchup between Justin Fields and Taulia Tagovailoa makes this one of the best college football games to watch on November 14. Nevertheless, don’t get too caught up in the hype and kid yourself into thinking that Maryland can keep pace.

Ohio State offensive tackles Thayer Munford and Nicholas Petit-Frere are yet to allow a sack, and right guard Wyatt Davis is one of the most highly-regarded offensive linemen entering the 2021 NFL Draft.

It’s no wonder Justin Fields is putting up video-game-like numbers.

Justin Fields this season
? Incompletions: 11
? Passing TDs: 11 pic.twitter.com/dHNyiiowdf

— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 8, 2020

After back-to-back postponements, the Badgers are set to take the field on Saturday in Ann Arbor. One of my Big Ten predictions is that the trials and tribulations for Jim Harbaugh and his crew continue spiraling out of control.

All signs are pointing to Wisconsin’s depth chart being intact, namely Graham Mertz being available under center.

Will Graham Mertz be back at quarterback for the #Badgers on Saturday? #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/BlL7B9nrtj

— FOX Sports Wisconsin (@fswisconsin) November 9, 2020

A healthy Badgers team spells trouble for the Wolverines.

One of my best college football bets this week is to lock in the “under” in the Northwestern vs. Purdue game. In a battle of two undefeated teams from the West division of the Big Ten, what immediately stands out is how reliable each defense is.

The Wildcats give up just 12.0 ppg while the Boilermakers haven’t allowed more than 24 in either of their contests.

These are the predictions for the Big Ten I’m endorsing as bets.

I’m not in love with Rutgers by any means – I’m all about fading the current product that Illinois is putting on the field.

The recent surge from the Terps has pushed Ohio State down from a 27-point favorite (opening line) to currently sitting at -24.5. I’m all over the Buckeyes trouncing Maryland on Saturday.

Another Big Ten prediction carrying a ton of betting value is the under in West Lafayette. Northwestern drains the clock by pounding the rock (7^th in all of the FBS in run-play %) consistently. They’ve also been fantastic on defense.

Purdue has also been excellent on D as they continue waiting for Rondale Moore to take the field.