Week 2 in the Big Ten season is here! With all 18 teams getting things rolling in Week 1, the Week 2 slate begins with a pair of Friday night contests before another jam-packed Saturday.

During Week 1, the B1G almost pulled off an 18-0 start to the season. Minnesota lost to UNC, missing a game-winning field goal at the buzzer, the only team in the league to lose its opener.

Now, we’ll see how everyone fares in Week 2 as several teams move into matchups against Power 4 opponents, including Michigan’s marquee showdown with Texas. The first conference game of the season also goes down between Michigan State and Maryland.

So, let’s get to the picks!

All lines featured via FanDuel Sportsbook.

Hammer’s Week 1 results: 9-6 ATS

Northwestern (-2.5) vs. Duke

  • PICK: Duke +2.5

Northwestern actually beat Miami (Ohio) by a touchdown in Week 1 after I had David Braun’s squad on upset alert. It’s a solid win, but it won’t change my regular outlook for the Wildcats. Play with fire (turnovers and lackluster offense) often enough and you will get burned.

Michigan vs. Texas (-7.5)

  • PICK: Texas -7.5

Riding with a road favorite — in a top-10 matchup no less — by more than a touchdown is risky. But all I can go off of is what I know about these teams with Week 1 as evidence. I think Michigan falls hard in Week 2.

Don’t get caught sleeping on the best offers of the season. Use Tradition’s Michigan sportsbook apps to find your best deals.

Penn State (-34.5) vs. Bowling Green

  • PICK: Penn State -34.5

One of the highest lines of the weekend, there is some hesitation in picking a team favored by 30+ points. However, the Nittany Lions looked the part against a Power 4 opponent in Week 1. Even with the second string playing a lot, this will be a major blowout.

Iowa (-2.5) vs. Iowa State

  • PICK: Iowa -2.5

Iowa has won 7 of the past 8 against Iowa State, and all 7 wins were by 3+ points. Considering Iowa State has not eclipsed 17 points in 5 consecutive games against Iowa, this stacks up as an easy pick for Week 2’s game in Iowa City.

Michigan State at Maryland (-9.5)

  • PICK: Michigan State +9.5

Maryland is probably feeling a touch too confident after what was an essentially flawless opener against UConn. Meanwhile, Michigan State knows it has plenty to clean up after a rocky debut from Aidan Chiles. I think it leads to a closer-than-expected Week 2 matchup, but I’d still go with the Terrapins outright.

The Terps are looking to get back to a bowl game. Use Tradition’s MD sports betting links and apps to track the lines and action all season long.

Washington (-25.5) vs. Eastern Michigan

  • PICK: Washington -25.5

Eastern Michigan headed east to UMass in Week 1 before turning around for a West Coast trek to Washington in Week 2. Meanwhile, the Huskies looked just right in Jedd Fisch’s debut, and there shouldn’t be a hiccup yet.

Illinois vs. Kansas (-5.5)

  • PICK: Kansas -5.5

Illinois has improved. However, it hasn’t improved enough to fully shut down a healthy Jalon Daniels. Even getting this game in Champaign, the No. 19 Jayhawks look like a team equipped to win by a touchdown.

Ohio State (-37.5) vs. Western Michigan

  • PICK: Ohio State -37.5

Ohio State had a slow start in Week 1, but that slow start felt different than the myriad slow starts witnessed throughout 2023. Once Will Howard dialed in his passing, the offense took off for the rest of the game. I don’t think we’ll see that same sluggishness in Week 2.

Ohio State remains among the favorites to win the national title at DraftKings. Use Tradition’s DraftKings Ohio bonus to get in on the action.

Nebraska (-7.5) vs. Colorado

  • PICK: Colorado +7.5

Before anyone loses their minds, I have Dylan Raiola and Nebraska outright against the Buffs. But we can’t act like there isn’t some inexperience at play for the Huskers with an electric Colorado offense coming to town. Nebraska in a nail-biter feels like the right play here.

Oregon (-18.5) vs. Boise State

  • PICK: Oregon -18.5

Boise State is 3-0 against Oregon, but the best thing possible for the Ducks entering this game could have been the rocky showing against Idaho. Dan Lanning wants to see Oregon hit its standard this week. That’s bad news for Boise State.

USC (-28.5) vs. Utah State

  • PICK: USC -28.5

The Trojans might have a slight letdown after the emotional Sunday night win over LSU, but it’s not enough to change the outlook against Utah State. Provided the Week 1 defense was not a mirage, this should be a big win for USC.

Indiana (vs. Western Illinois), Wisconsin (vs. South Dakota), Rhode Island (at Minnesota), Rutgers (vs. Akron) all unlisted.