Big Ten Preview: Week 5

With Penn State playing on Friday night, you have all day to take in conference play – if you still feel like watching college football. If that’s the case, these are the Big Ten games that you can view on Saturday.

SATURDAY NOON WINDOW

Michigan (3-1, 0-1) at Minnesota (3-1, 1-0), 12 p.m. on FOX

Details: Two teams with very different outcomes last week. Luck finally ran out for the Wolverines, who lost on the final play of the game against Iowa. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s feisty pass rash slowed Washington in Seattle. With the Big Noon treatment, it’s interesting to see the Wolverines as a road favorite. The second tier of the Big Ten is definitely in flux and this is an opportunity for one of these teams to assert themselves as a contender behind the big boys.

Line: MICH -5.5, Total 43.5

Should I watch this one: Both of these teams are future Penn State opponents, so sure…assuming you still want to watch college football after Penn State’s Friday night game.

Michigan State (2-2, 0-1) at Wisconsin (3-1, 1-0), 12:30 p.m. on BTN

Details: There’s a different vibe around Madison after the Badgers’ second half last Saturday in Happy Valley. It’s hard to say that things are all solved with Luke Fickell’s squad, but they should be good enough to knock off a Michigan State team that is coming off back to back losses and feels like an old Big Ten West team.

Line: WIS -10, Total 43.5

Should I watch this one: Have it on in the Quad Box.

SATURDAY LATE AFTERNOON WINDOW

Ohio State (3-1, 1-0) at Iowa (4-0, 1-0), 3:30 p.m. on CBS

Details: This is Iowa’s chance – and they’re a big, big road underdog. The Hawkeyes probably don’t have enough offense to hang around in this one, but it is Kinnick in a big spot. Ohio State seems content to just play defense and throw the ball to Jeremiah Smith as often as possible. Actually, this feels like a pretty good strategy – even against a stingy defense.

Line: OSU -14.5, Total 45.5

Should I watch this one: This is the big Big Ten game of the week…so, yes.

Maryland (2-2, 0-1) at Nebraska (4-0, 1-0), 4 p.m. on FS1

Details: Maryland looks lifeless and a road trip to Nebraska isn’t likely to end well. Meanwhile, maybe the Huskers are a year later in the typical Matt Rhule rebuild.

Line: NEB -14.5, Total 52.5

Should I watch this one: I wouldn’t.

Purdue (1-3, 0-1) at Illinois (2-2, 0-1), 4:15 p.m. on BTN

Details: I will keep bringing up this stat: Purdue hasn’t won a conference game since back in November 2024. A couple years ago, the Boilermakers and Illini played a wildly entertaining offensive shootout in Champaign. The line points to a lot of scoring here, too. But that’s about all I can say to get you to watch this one.

Line: ILL -10, Total 61.5

Should I watch this one: I definitely wouldn’t.

SATURDAY NIGHT WINDOW

Washington (3-1, 0-1) at USC (4-1. 1-1), 7:30 p.m. on NBC

Details: USC is in the NBC primetime slot for three straight weeks. This time, it’s another former Pac 12 foe headed into the Coliseum. Things didn’t go so well last week as the Trojans couldn’t keep up with Oregon and its backup quarterback. Washington is smarting from its first loss of the season and the Huskies are now making their first road trip of the season.

Line: USC -9.5, Total 58.5

Should I watch this one: Again – if Penn State wins, this season is still interesting and these two teams are ahead on the schedule. So, hopefully you’re still wanting to watch by Saturday night.

Indiana (4-0, 1-0) at Rutgers (1-3, 0-1), 8 p.m. on BTN

Details: Indiana is unbeaten, but the Hoosiers haven’t had the same level of detail that they’ve been renowned for the past two seasons. Maybe a trip away from Bloomington can get the Hoosiers focused? Meanwhile, Rutgers got its first win. But, it still feels like we are counting down the days until Greg Schiano is fired.

Line: IU -24.5, Total 56.5

Should I watch this one: Nah.