Nov. 01--Oh, how I loved it when Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio had the Spartans punch in that final touchdown in garbage time against Michigan.
It reminded players on both sides that it's a 60-minute game. It rewarded the Spartans fans who stayed till the end. It reinforced to the College Football Playoff selection committee that this was a blowout.
And it gave me my only win against the spread last week. Rather than a push at 17 points, I got the W. As did the Michigan State fans and alums who wagered. Smart guy, that Dantonio.
Wisconsin (minus 13.5) at Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights will start either a gimpy Gary Nova or green Chris Laviano and still have the edge at quarterback. But Wisconsin has Melvin Gordon and a surging D. Take the Badgers.
Maryland (plus 3.5) at Penn State: Maryland was awful last week, and Penn State almost beat Ohio State. But I smell a Nittany Lions letdown, and it is not pleasant like potpourri. Go with the Terps.
Northwestern (plus 4) at Iowa: If the Wildcats win again at Kinnick Stadium, will they paint their home locker room pink? Northwestern it is.
Indiana (plus 7) at Michigan: Loved the Hoosiers when they were getting 81/2 points, and I still cannot pick America's Most Dysfunctional Program to do anything right, let alone contain Tevin Coleman. Take Indiana.
Illinois (plus 28.5) at Ohio State: I promised myself never to pick against Urban Meyer at home. Then J.T. Barrett got, as the coaches like to say, dinged. And Illinois got confidence from a victory. So what to do? Take the points and the Illini. Reluctantly.
Last week: 1-4. Season: 28-38-2
