B1G picks against the spread: Finally, Week 1 has arrived

The B1G season is back! Yes, we finally made it.

With a new year of B1G football comes another season of our weekly picks against the spread. We know you really just want to get to our selections, so we’ll keep the introductions short. Here’s who will be competing this fall:

• Ryan O’Gara: B1G Columnist, Saturday Tradition
• Connor O’Gara: National Columnist, Saturday Tradition/Saturday Down South
• Paul Harvey: News Desk Writer, Saturday Tradition
• Dustin Schutte: Managing Editor, Saturday Tradition

Paul is the 2019 winner and defending champion of the weekly picks. Connor (2018) and Dustin (2017) are one-time winners of the weekly selections, and Ryan is the newbie of the group.

Now, without further ado, here are our weekly picks against the spread for Week 1 in the B1G:

Friday, Oct. 23

Illinois vs. #14 Wisconsin (-20)

In 2019, Illinois was a 30.5-point underdog but upset the 6th-ranked Badgers on a last-second field goal from James McCourt. Can the Illini overcome another huge spread, or is revenge on Wisconsin’s mind in Week 1?

• Ryan O’Gara: Illinois (+20)
• Connor O’Gara: Wisconsin (-20)
• Paul Harvey: Wisconsin (-20)
• Dustin Schutte: Illinois (+20)

Saturday, Oct. 24

Nebraska vs. #5 Ohio State (-26)

A battle between the two programs most influential in restoring a fall football season in the B1G in 2020. Off the field, they’ve been allies, but that changes on Saturday at noon.

• Ryan O’Gara: Ohio State (-26)
• Connor O’Gara: Ohio State (-26)
• Paul Harvey: Ohio State (-26)
• Dustin Schutte: Ohio State (-26)

Rutgers vs. Michigan State (-13)

Two programs that went through offseason coaching changes. Does Mel Tucker get his first win at Michigan State? Or is does the second run for Greg Schiano at Rutgers start off with a bang?

• Ryan O’Gara: Rutgers (+13)
• Connor O’Gara: Rutgers (+13)
• Paul Harvey: Michigan State (-13)
• Dustin Schutte: Michigan State (-13)

#8 Penn State (-6.5) vs. Indiana

An interesting matchup between two B1G East teams. Penn State is considered the biggest challenger to Ohio State in the B1G, but Indiana is an up-and-coming team after an 8-win year in 2019. This one should be a lot of fun.

• Ryan O’Gara: Penn State (-6.5)
• Connor O’Gara: Penn State (-6.5)
• Paul Harvey: Penn State (-6.5)
• Dustin Schutte: Indiana (+6.5)

Iowa (-3) vs. Purdue

Purdue is 0-3 in season openers under Jeff Brohm, while Iowa has lost only lost one Week 1 game since 2001. Without Brohm on the sideline this weekend due to a positive COVID-19 test, the Hawkeyes have an advantage.

• Ryan O’Gara: Iowa (-3)
• Connor O’Gara: Iowa (-3)
• Paul Harvey: Iowa (-3)
• Dustin Schutte: Purdue (+3)

Maryland vs. Northwestern (-11)

Both Maryland and Northwestern finished the 2019 season with 3-9 record, and both finished 1-8 in B1G play. This game is huge for the psyche of both programs, hoping to rinse the bad taste of a dreadful season out of their mouths.

• Ryan O’Gara: Northwestern (-11)
• Connor O’Gara: Northwestern (-11)
• Paul Harvey: Maryland (+11)
• Dustin Schutte: Northwestern (-11)

#18 Michigan (-3.5) vs. #21 Minnesota

The Game of the Week. Minnesota opened the game as a favorite, but the line quickly shifted in favor of Michigan. This game has huge implications for the championship aspirations of both squads. Oh, and the Little Brown Jug is at stake.

• Ryan O’Gara: Minnesota (+3.5)
• Connor O’Gara: Minnesota (+3.5)
• Paul Harvey: Minnesota (+3.5)
• Dustin Schutte: Minnesota (+3.5)