Week 3 B1G picks against the spread

Weird, isn’t it?

Just a few weeks ago, we all thought Penn State, Iowa and Minnesota would be sitting near the top of their respective divisions. After hitting double-digit win totals a year ago and returning a good chunk of talent, those were three teams we thought for sure would be just fine in the early portion of the season.

Instead, we’re two weeks in and those three teams are a combined 0-6 this year. In 2019, they lost 7 total games. On the flip side, Purdue, Indiana and Northwestern are all at 2-0 in B1G play — the first time ever in the league’s history. Ohio State makes up the fourth unbeaten in the conference, but we all knew that was coming.

So, we’ve got some interesting football on our hands this week. It’s desperation time for some programs, while others look to keep the magic alive in Week 3. Speaking of magic, some of us had it last weekend while making our picks, while others were waving a broken wand. Here’s the updated standings, as well as last week’s results:

• Dustin Schutte, Managing Editor: 8-5 overall (4-2)
• Paul Harvey, News Editor/Writer: 7-6 overall (5-1)
• Connor O’Gara, National Senior Columnist: 6-7 (2-4)
• Ryan O’Gara, B1G Columnist: 5-8 (2-4)

How are we picking the Week 3 games? Let’s dive right in, shall we?

#23 Michigan (-3.5) vs. #13 Indiana

Indiana hasn’t beaten Michigan since 1987. But over the last two seasons, the Hoosiers have snapped an Associated Press Poll drought, defeated a Top 10 team for the first time in three decades and started 2-0 in B1G play since 1991. Can Tom Allen finally lead IU over a hungry Michigan team looking to bounce back after a loss to rival Michigan State?

Dustin: Indiana (+3.5)

Paul: Indiana (+3.5)

Connor: Michigan (-3.5)

Ryan: Michigan (-3.5)

Nebraska vs. Northwestern (-4)

Seven of the nine meetings played between the two programs have been decided by one possession since Nebraska joined the league. This one is always a fight. Will Northwestern improve to 3-0? Or do the Huskers get win No. 1 in 2020?

Dustin: Northwestern (-4)

Paul: Northwestern (-4)

Connor: Nebraska (+4)

Ryan: Nebraska (+4)

Michigan State vs. Iowa (-6.5)

The Spartans looked pretty good last week in a win over Michigan. Iowa built an early 17-0 lead over Northwestern but blew the first half advantage. This is a huge game for both programs, but feels more important for Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes.

Dustin: Iowa (-6.5)

Paul: Iowa (-6.5)

Connor: Iowa (-6.5)

Ryan: Michigan State (+6.5)

Maryland vs. Penn State (-25)

You better believe Penn State is going to come out angry after an 0-2 start. But Maryland found a little offensive magic last week in a thrilling 45-44 win over Minnesota. Does talent prevail for the Nittany Lions, or can the Terrapins shock the world?

Dustin: Penn State (-25)

Paul: Penn State (-25)

Connor: Penn State (-25)

Ryan: Penn State (-25)

Minnesota (-7) vs. Illinois

Two teams off to really bad starts. Both are 0-2 and both rank last in the B1G in pass defense, allowing 309.5 yards per game through the air. Someone has to win this game, and it’s going to be absolutely devastating for the loser.

Dustin: Illinois (+7)

Paul: Minnesota (-7)

Connor: Minnesota (-7)

Ryan: Minnesota (-7)

Rutgers vs. #3 Ohio State (-38)

Rutgers looks a lot better than the past four years, but it probably won’t be enough to take down the Buckeyes. The big question here is whether or not the Scarlet Knights have improved enough to cover the spread?

Dustin: Rutgers (+38)

Paul: Ohio State (-38)

Connor: Rutgers (+38)

Ryan: Rutgers (+38)

Canceled: Purdue vs. #10 Wisconsin