Nov. 27--This is a weekend of major implications and modest goals. The Penn State-Michigan State game will determine who wins the Big Ten East -- and Ohio State-Michigan might.
If Iowa sputters in its "Farmageddon" clash with Nebraska, its playoff hopes evaporate.
Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, Minnesota enter with modest goals. They're all 5-6 and angling for bowl eligibility.
I can relate. My overall record is atrocious, but I'm 24-25 in Big Ten play. So a decent week here elevates me above coin-flip status. Modest goals, baby. Onto the game:
Iowa (minus 2) at Nebraska: Two points?!?! Does 11-0 mean nothing to the betting public? This is one of those, as ESPN's Lee Corso would say, "somebody knows something" lines. And I'm going to fall right into the trap and take Hawkeyes.
Ohio State (plus 1) at Michigan: The preseason spread on this game, according to RJ Bell of pregame.com, was Ohio State minus 16. Can I get those 16 points? No? I'll still take the Wolverines.
Penn State (plus 11) at Michigan State: Can I sit this one out? Michigan State has been a crummy favorite this season, but how can you pick a Penn State team converting 27.6 percent of third downs? Sparty on.
Indiana (minus 7) at Purdue: Not sure why this line isn't higher. Or why anyone would watch. Take the Hoosiers.
Maryland (minus 1) at Rutgers: When the final gun goes off, everyone should shout: "Hallelujah!" Take the Scarlet Knights, if you must.
Northwestern (minus 3.5) vs. Illinois (Soldier Field): Bill Cubit awaits formal determination of his fate. No pressure. I'm picking Northwestern 20-16, so the Wildcats get the slightest of nods.
Wisconsin (minus 2.5) at Minnesota: What's up with the sudden curse of the Badgers tailbacks? Go with the Gophers.
Last week: 4-3.
Season: 42-51-1.
