Nov. 15--Northwestern will break your heart -- and your record against the spread.
After witnessing the Wildcats' debacle at Iowa, there was no way I could pick them as a 1.5-point underdog to Michigan. The NU offense woke up late, but the Wildcats still lost after a failed two-point try. Final score: 10-9.
The Wildcats beat the spread. It has been that kind of season for them -- and for me.
Temple (plus 12) at Penn State: Christian Hackenberg's stats have been 50 shades of ugly. Take Temple and the points.
Ohio State (minus 14) at Minnesota: Jerry Kill's boys are 6-0 at home, but Ohio State's offense is flammable. The Bucks will not stop here.
Iowa (minus 3.5) at Illinois: Good luck figuring out these Hawkeyes. Illinois is rested and ready to save Tim Beckman's job.
Nebraska (plus 6.5) at Wisconsin: I dig the Badgers straight up, thanks to a healthier stud running back (Melvin Gordon) and phenomenal "D." But I'll take the Huskers and the points.
Indiana (plus 7) at Rutgers: Who knows? Who cares? Rutgers, at least, should be hungry with bowl eligibility on the line. So lay the points.
Northwestern (plus 18) at Notre Dame: Northwestern is historically dangerous as a double-digit underdog (see Penn State, Sept. 27). But the Irish are my pick.
Michigan State (minus 12) at Maryland: How will the Spartans respond to having their dreams dashed? The Terps aren't great, but that's too many points for a home team with a lights-out kicker.
Last week: 2-3.
Season: 32-44-2.
tgreenstein@tribune.com
Twitter @TeddyGreenstein
