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Week 13 Big Ten picks against the spread are ready to go for the second-to-last regular season week of the season!
This season has been wild across the country, but through 12 weeks in the B1G, 4 main contenders have held strong all season. That group consists of Oregon, Ohio State, Indiana and Penn State, and 2 of those teams will meet this weekend in Columbus between the Hoosiers and the Buckeyes.
No matter the result of that game, it’s likely the B1G still has a great shot at 4 teams reaching the final Playoff field barring pure chaos down the stretch. But this college football late in November, so buckle up.
As for our picks, I’m coming off a great bounce-back performance after a disastrous Week 11. I went 5-2 in Week 12 to get back to .500, so the final stretch gives me a chance to finish above the break-even mark for the season.
As for our trend of home teams in 2+ time zone games, that group was 1-1 outright and 1-1 ATS. That brings the season-long numbers of home teams in 2+ time zone games to 18-8 outright and 16-10 ATS.
Now, onto Week 13!
All lines are featured via bet365.
Hammer’s Week 10 results: 5-2 ATS (Season record: 53-53)
Purdue at Michigan State (-13.5)
- PICK: Michigan State (-13.5)
I have concerns about picking the Spartans at such a big number. They haven’t beaten an FBS team by 13 points all season. But then again, this is Purdue. As in, historically awful Purdue that is likely to finish 1-11 overall. I just can’t pick anything positive from the Boilermakers.
Illinois (-1) at Rutgers
- PICK: Illinois (-1)
A true coin-flip game, but I am still surprised this line is not larger for the Illini. Outside of a dud against Minnesota, Illinois has been a positive all season. Rutgers has stabilized with back-to-back wins, but I still have Illinois outright here.
Indiana at Ohio State (-13.5)
- PICK: Indiana +13.5
If I were picking this game outright, I would favor Ohio State. The Buckeyes are at home and have a bit more experience in high-stakes games, both this year and in the past under Ryan Day. But I have a high view on Indiana, and the reports of a season-ending injury for center Seth McLaughlin only complicates Ohio State’s offense. The Hoosiers need a strong performance, and I think coming off a bye will afford a wrinkle or two to give IU a fighting chance.
RELATED: Ready to take the plunge on Ohio State’s Week 13 odds and the push for a national title? Use Tradition’s Ohio betting apps to get started!
Iowa (-6.5) at Maryland
- PICK: Iowa -6.5
Maryland has lost 3 straight and 5 of the past 6 by 14+ points. The lone win came against USC. Iowa has some major question marks at QB as Kirk Ferentz described the situation as “clearly cloudy,” but I’m not sure it matters. Kaleb Johnson is due for a bounce back after the bye. It should allow the Hawkeyes to clear the number fairly easily.
Northwestern at Michigan (-10.5)
- PICK: Northwestern +10.5
Michigan gets this game as the home finale, so it could result in a big swing for the Wolverines. But their 3 B1G wins this season have come by a total of 13 points. I don’t see Michigan as capable of a blowout this year, including against the Wildcats.
RELATED: This season hasn’t been kind for the Wolverines, but fans can still use Tradition’s Michigan sports betting apps for the best offers and all your gaming needs!
Penn State (-11.5) at Minnesota
- PICK: Penn State -11.5
I think this game is tougher for Penn State than it’s being billed. Minnesota leads the B1G and is tied for 8th nationally with a +12 turnover margin, including 16 interceptions, which are the 2nd-most in the country. The Gophers’ problem is that Penn State can stretch them with the ground attack, and Drew Allar knows how to protect the football (5 interceptions on the season). A late touchdown will give Penn State the cushion.
Wisconsin at Nebraska (-2.5)
- PICK: Wisconsin +2.5
Nebraska is 0-6 under Matt Rhule in November, 2-9 in 1-score games and winless in 8 tries to punch a 6th win and get to a bowl game. And yet, I think the Huskers should win against the Badgers. That means the safest bet here is to simply take the 2.5, and the Badgers covering in a loss would be a true homage to the old B1G West.
USC (-4.5) at UCLA
- PICK: UCLA +4.5
USC is winless in true road games this season, and Lincoln Riley was favored all 4 times. The Trojans are favored yet again. Simple as that.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.