Week 10 Big Ten Picks

All 14 teams are in action this week, as we begin the final month of the season. Purdue, Indiana, and Michigan State could all be eliminated from bowl consideration with a loss. The Big Ten West is also still an absolute mess, as there is a scenario where Purdue wins it at 4-5 in the league. The conference also returns to Wrigley Field this week.

#1 Ohio State (8-0, 5-0) at Rutgers (6-2, 3-2) Noon, CBS

Rutgers is one of the few teams that has made Michigan sweat this year. Ohio State has struggled at least slighty with a few close games. Since this is at home, can Rutgers keep it close? The Scarlet Knights are not a bad team. This one might be closer than expected. Ohio State 31, Rutgers 17

Wisconsin (5-3, 3-2) at Indiana (2-6, 0-5) Noon, BTN

Indiana had a chance to spring the upset at Penn State last week, but cowardly settled for a field goal and things turned quickly. Wisconsin is waiting for a door to open with an Iowa loss so it can steal the West. If it can't beat Indiana it won't win the West. Wisconsin 35, Indiana 14

Nebraska (4-3, 3-2) at Michigan State (2-6, 0-6) Noon, Fox Sports 1

The Nebraska rebuild is ahead of schedule. Their defense was dominant last week in the win over Purdue. You can tell this Nebraska team is better because four turnovers did not lead to disaster like it often did under Scott Frost. They are somehow only a three point favorite over a Michigan State team that is a dead team walking. Nebraska 24, Michigan State 13

#11 Penn State (7-1, 4-1) at Maryland (5-3, 2-3) 3:30pm, FOX

September Maryland is apparently very real, as the Terrapins have lost three in a row after a 5-0 start. It looks like it will be four striaght after this week, but Penn State kept Indiana in it far too long last week. Will Penn State get caught looking ahead ot Michigan? Penn State 31, Maryland 16

Iowa (6-2, 3-2) vs. Northwestern (4-4, 2-3) at Wrigley Field 3:30pm, Peacock

Northwestern might be the surprise of the conference this year. I did not think they would win a conference game. Now they are approaching bowl eligibility. David Braun deserves coach of the year consideration if he gets the Wildcats to the postseason. This game is at Wrigley Field, so don't be shocked if the punchless Iowa offense puts up a baseball score. Northwestern 15, Iowa 12

Illinois (3-5, 1-4) at Minnesota (5-3, 3-2) 3:30pm, BTN

Both of these teams are hard to figure out. Technically Minnesota controls its own destiny in the West thanks to its win over Iowa, but two of its three conference wins over Nebraska and Iowa have come about due to some final minute shenanigans. Their defense is still good, and that should be enough this week. Minnesota 20, Illinois 10

Purdue (2-6, 1-4) at #3 Michigan (8-0, 5-0) 7:30pm, NBC

I really expected more from Purdue at Nebraska last week, but the offense had one of its worst outings in quite a while. It was even worse than the Ohio State game, to be honest, because at least against the Buckeyes Purdue got into scoring range of its own accord multiple times. The last two weeks Purdue has been unable to score unless it gets a turnover in opponent territory. That does not bode well against the best defense in the nation. Michigan 45, Purdue 7

Boiler Upload is an affiliate partner with Homefield Apparel, a premium collegiate apparel brand based in Indianapolis. They feature licensed vintage designs for over 150 different colleges and universities from the Colorado School of Mines all the way to most of the Big Ten. This, of course, includes Purdue. I can speak from experience that their Purdue line is fabulous, including the awesome 1967 Rose Bowl retro tee. Visit Homefield and use code BOILERUPLOAD for a discount on their unique designs.