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Quietly, Week 4 might be one of the most important weekends of the season in the B1G.
To state the obvious, an undefeated matchup between Northwestern an Purdue in primetime could give us a pretty indication of which team is the top contender in the B1G West. Also in the night slot is Wisconsin-Michigan, with the Badgers hoping to make a statement after a two-week absence due to COVID-19 concerns. Michigan, on the other hand is hoping to end a two-game losing streak.
Both Penn State and Nebraska are looking for their first wins, Indiana hopes to enter its matchup against Ohio State in Week 5 with an undefeated record and Floyd of Rosedale is on the line Friday night with Iowa taking on Minnesota. It’s going to be a fun weekend in the B1G.
Now, for the picks. Here are last week’s results, as well as the overall records:
- Dustin Schutte, Managing Editor: 4-2 (12-7)
- Paul Harvey, News Editor/Writer: 4-2 (11-8)
- Connor O’Gara, National CFB Columnist: 3-3 (9-10)
- Ryan O’Gara, B1G Columnist: 2-4 (7-12)
Here’s a look at our Week 4 B1G selections against the spread:
Iowa (-3.5) vs. Minnesota
The best rivalry trophy in the B1G, Floyd of Rosedale, is on the line on Friday night. Both Iowa and Minnesota got their first wins of the 2020 season last weekend. Someone will improve to .500 on the year while the other will fall to a lowly 1-3.
Dustin: Iowa (-3.5)
Paul: Minnesota (+3.5)
Connor: Minnesota (+3.5)
Ryan: Iowa (-3.5)
#10 Indiana (-7.5) vs. Michigan State
Another great rivalry trophy at stake as Indiana and Michigan State battle for the Old Brass Spittoon. The Hoosiers are a little more than a touchdown favorite, despite clobbering Michigan last week and the Spartans’ 42-point loss to the Hawkeyes.
Dustin: Indiana (-7.5)
Paul: Indiana (-7.5)
Connor: Michigan State (+7.5)
Ryan: Indiana (-7.5)
Illinois vs. Rutgers (-6.5)
For the first time in five seasons, Rutgers is a favorite in a B1G game. With a win over the Illini, the Scarlet Knights would improve to 2-2 on the year. It’s desperation time for Illinois, which may not win a game all season if it can’t beat Rutgers this weekend.
Dustin: Illinois (+6.5)
Paul: Illinois (+6.5)
Connor: Rutgers (-6.5)
Ryan: Rutgers (-6.5)
Penn State (-3.5) vs. Nebraska
Who would’ve thought a matchup between Penn State and Nebraska would feature a pair of winless teams in Week 4? But here we are. One team picks a much-needed victory while another will have to endure another tough week after a loss.
Dustin: Nebraska (+3.5)
Paul: Penn State (-3.5)
Connor: Penn State (-3.5)
Ryan: Penn State (-3.5)
#13 Wisconsin (-4) vs. Michigan
How will Wisconsin’s two-week break affect the Badgers? What will Michigan’s mindset be after back-to-back losses to Michigan State and Indiana? On paper, the Badgers should dominate this game, but there are some factors that give the Wolverines a real shot.
Dustin: Michigan (+4)
Paul: Michigan (+4)
Connor: Michigan (+4)
Ryan: Wisconsin (-4)
#23 Northwestern (-3) vs. Purdue
To the winner goes the No. 1 spot in the B1G West. This should be a fun game that pits Northwestern’s tough pass defense against Purdue’s explosive pass offense. Buckle up, folks.
Dustin: Purdue (+3)
Paul: Northwestern (-3)
Connor: Purdue (+3)
Ryan: Purdue (+3)
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB