Oct. 03--Randy Edsall had one of those "Wanna Get Away?" moments Tuesday during the weekly Big Ten coaches call with the media. When I asked about a Baltimore Sun report of a players-only meeting, the Maryland coach replied, "That's news to me."
Hey, we've all had those moments. I'm still seven games down after a .500 week.
On to the games:
Purdue (plus 21.5) at Michigan State: The Spartans continue to reward their fans (4-0) but not their investors. They're 0-4 against the spread. When will this even out? Not this week. Take Purdue.
Army (plus 27.5) at Penn State: If the sensational Saquon Barkley misses the game, how can anyone like the Nittany Lions to cover this beefy number? Go with the freedom protectors from West Point.
Minnesota (plus 4) at Northwestern: Not that these passing attacks are anemic, but the over-under of 40 is what Texas Tech and Baylor (88) are expected to surpass by halftime. I don't love giving more than a field goal in a low-scoring game, but with the Gophers all banged up, the play is Northwestern.
Iowa (plus 6.5) at Wisconsin: This line confuses me. I think these teams are equal on a neutral field, and the visitors have won six of the last eight in the series. See where I'm headed? Run with the Hawkeyes.
Nebraska (minus 6.5) at Illinois: The Cornhuskers are allowing an outrageous 379.5 passing yards per game, most in the nation. (Put away those foam fingers.) But the Illinois "D" also got carved up by the one Power Five team it faced. So look for the Huskers to please their 20,000 fans supposedly making the trip.
Ohio State (minus 22) at Indiana: Tough call here. I want to believe in the Little Engine That Could, but if Cardale Jones can hit a few receivers in stride, the Buckeyes will roll. It's time, Cardale. Take the Bucks.
Michigan (minus 14) at Maryland: The Terps are a disaster (see above) -- and they might need disaster relief if Hurricane Joaquin hits. But this seems like too many points considering Maryland is home and desperate. Take Maryland ... and root for the storm to fizzle.
Last week: 7-7.
Season: 18-25-1.
tgreenstein@tribpub.com
