Big Ten Week 14 picks: Ohio State vs. Michigan State & 3 more

The Buckeyes are fighting COVID-19 to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive. While talking heads debate the merit of their admission to the event, the conference is working to make an exception for Ohio State to play in the Big Ten Championship Game. However, that could all be derailed this weekend if there’s some magic in East Lansing.

Let's dive into Ohio State vs. Michigan State and three more Big Ten marquee matchups. 

#3 Ohio State vs. Michigan State

The Ohio State football program’s pause due to COVID-19 has left the sport reeling. There are so many unanswered questions without head coach Ryan Day: Who else has tested positive? Will the game even be played?

The uncertainties should cause the wise gambler to pause until we receive more clarification on gameday. If Justin Fields, Master Teague and Chris Olave are good to go, let it rip. If one of or more of the Buckeyes’ key offensive contributors are out, you have to go with Michigan State. Even without absences, Sparty might be the play of the day.

Fresh off an upset victory over Northwestern, Mel Tucker has built a solid defense in his first season. No unit in the Big Ten is better at limiting explosive plays than Michigan State. Ohio State lives off the big play. Even though the Buckeyes have one of the best scoring offenses in America, Michigan State will muck it up. They won’t score many points either, so taking the Under is the right play.

Pick: Under 59

#10 Indiana vs. #18 Wisconsin

The Badgers stumbled in their best chance to keep their Big Ten title hopes alive by turning it over repeatedly against Northwestern. Now they have a chance to prove to the rest of the world that they can actually compete with the best of the best by laying the smackdown on Indiana.

The poor Hoosiers were dreaming of roses not that long ago. Even after coming up short against Ohio State, they could have found a way into the New Year’s Six. Unfortunately, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. tore his ACL against Maryland, ending his sensational season. Even though Indiana still has playmaking weapons, they’ve lost their heart and soul, leaving the door open for Wisconsin to romp.

Pick: Wisconsin -14.5

Nebraska vs. Purdue

This is a HUGE game for each program. Nebraska has been underwhelming for the entirety of the Scott Frost era. Purdue fans were talking about contending for the Big Ten West title just a few weeks ago. Then a bad pass interference cost them a chance to win at Minnesota and the spinning wheels flew off against Rutgers.

Reeling without starting quarterback Aidan O'Connell, their defense will also miss linebacker Derrick Barnes in the first half from a targeting call. If the Boilermakers can’t use their run game to string drives alive, Nebraska can leave with a win. 

Pick: Nebraska +1

Penn State vs. Rutgers

The Scarlet Knights chopped away last week in West Lafayette, grinding out a win with two quarterbacks rotating in and out of the game. It’s not exactly a recipe for long-term success, but this team is fighting for head coach Greg Schiano. Can you say the same about the Nittany Lions and James Franklin? I don’t think so.

Pick: Rutgers + 11.5

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