Week 14 Big Ten picks against the spread are here! And just like that, we’re in Rivalry Week for the dramatic end to the 2024 regular season.

We’ve been tracking my results all season long, and I must admit that they are less than desired. Down the stretch of November, I have sandwiched one of my best weeks of the season between my two worst weeks and leaves me needing a big swing to get back to .500 on the year.

Once again, we are tracking the results of home teams in 2+ time zone games all season long, and that group did not have any matchups in Week 13. USC playing its rivalry against Notre Dame will be the final result to add to the season-long numbers of home teams in 2+ time zone games. (Home teams are currently 18-8 outright and 16-10 ATS.)

Now, onto Week 14!

All lines are featured via bet365.

Hammer’s Week 13 results: 2-6 ATS (Season record: 55-59)

Minnesota at Wisconsin (-1)

  • PICK: Minnesota +1

Wisconsin and Minnesota have similar records, so this one simply boils down to who do I trust more. The Badgers have 5 losses by 15+ points; the Golden Gophers have just 1 such loss this season. Considering what’s going on with the Badgers, it’s hard not to like Minnesota outright.

Nebraska at Iowa (-3.5)

  • PICK: Nebraska +3.5

This year’s Heroes Game is about programs that are in vastly different positions healthwise to end the season. Nebraska is coming off its best showing of the season while Iowa is rolling out Jackson Stratton as the starting QB in the finale. I think Dana Holgorsen will get the Huskers in a position to score some points. And even if Kaleb Johnson powers the Hawkeyes to victory, I doubt it’s a runaway.

Illinois (-7.5) at Northwestern (Wrigley Field)

  • PICK: Illinois -7.5

I think Illinois has the most to play for in this rivalry game. After blowout wins in 2021 and 2022, the Illini gave up 45 points in a close loss last season. I think the Illini have a shot to reach 40+ points for a 4th straight game in the rivalry series. I don’t think Northwestern can match that.

Michigan at Ohio State (-19.5)

  • PICK: Ohio State -19.5

Ryan Day needs a win in The Game, but he also needs a statement. After hearing his comments early in the week, it’s safe to say he’s out for blood. I know it’s still a “throw out the records” game. But it won’t matter. Ohio State rolls.

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Fresno State at UCLA (-8.5)

  • PICK: UCLA -8.5

After strong seasons under Kalen DeBoer and Jeff Tedford, Tim Skipper will have the Bulldogs playing in a 4th straight bowl game. But I don’t see a path to Fresno hanging with a confident and hungry UCLA program.

Maryland at Penn State (-24.5)

  • PICK: Penn State -24.5

Maryland has produced a rocky season, and don’t expect Penn State to enter this game feeling like a Playoff spot is locked up. If the Nittany Lions needed a wake-up call, they got one against Minnesota. This one could be ugly early.

RELATED: It hasn’t been a pretty season for the Terps, but fans can still find all their gaming action with Tradition’s Maryland betting sites.

Notre Dame (-7) at USC

  • PICK: Notre Dame -7

USC plays much better at home. But Notre Dame is likely facing a “win-and-in” scenario for the Playoff. Ultimately, this Fighting Irish team lives off their defense (2nd nationally with a +16 turnover margin), and that could be the difference here.

Rutgers at Michigan State (-2)

  • PICK: Michigan State -2

Aidan Chiles vs. a Greg Schiano defense is risky. But the Spartans are playing for a bowl bid, and we’ve seen how the Scarlet Knights struggle to put things away. Jonathan Smith gets this one at home, so advantage MSU.

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Purdue at Indiana (-29)

  • PICK: Indiana -29

Give me any number in this game, I’ll probably pick Indiana regardless. Have you seen Purdue this season? I have, and Curt Cignetti’s group knows this is a rivalry, and they probably have some built-up aggression from last week’s result.

Washington at Oregon (-18.5)

  • PICK: Oregon -18.5

If Dan Lanning wasn’t winless against the Huskies, I might feel differently. The talent level this season leans heavily in favor of Oregon. Washington is also an entirely different team away from Seattle. The Ducks blow this one open early.