Tag: Big Ten football

Michigan State Football opens week as massive favorite over Rutgers

The Michigan State Football season has been going through an epic rough patch the last month and a half or so, so Michigan State is probably due for a win, right? Vegas thinks MSU will be the winner against Rutgers Saturday and has them at 23-point …

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The Michigan State Football season has been going through an epic rough patch the last month and a half or so, so Michigan State is probably due for a win, right? Vegas thinks MSU will be the winner against Rutgers Saturday and has them at 23-point favorites over the Scarlet Knights.

Odds via BetMGM. Access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated 11/18/2019 at 10:20 a.m. ET.

If Michigan State can’t get past lowly Rutgers, I don’t know what to tell you guys.

“Want to get in on the action? Place your bet now at BetMGM.” 

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Big Ten football power rankings after week 12: Movement at the top?

We’ve got the latest Big Ten football power rankings. Is there some movement at the top with Minnesota’s loss? What about Ohio State?

The season is now hitting the home stretch in the Big Ten and in college football in general. We’re now eleven weeks into the college football season, and we have a fairly good feel about who’s in this thing, and who’s not. Michigan continues to be a bit resurgent, Ohio State has clearly separated  itself, and everyone else is looking to position themselves for the postseason.

We’re here to make sense of it all, and teams like Penn State and Wisconsin are still right there for a trip to Indy.

As we do each week, here’s your Big Ten football power rankings after the latest round of games. As always, give me a break on these, after being in vacation in Mexico, I had to catch up on This is Us, A Million Little Things, and The Purge. The struggle is real.

14. Rutgers – (Last week 14)

Things aren’t good when a 35-point loss is a moral victory, but that’s what we had when the Scarlet Knights were able to put up 21 points against the Ohio State defense Saturday.

13. Maryland – (Last week 13)

Nothing to see here really. The Terps were on a bye week and it’s still the same Maryland team that’s quite on the season.

12. Northwestern – (Last week 12)

The Wildcats stepped out of conference and finally got another win. It’s still an awful season for Pat Fitzerald and crew.

11. Nebraska – (Last week 11)

Another week, another loss for everybody’s preseason dark horse in the West Division. The ‘Huskers now have to win their last two games just to get to a bowl. That’s sounds like a proverbial corn maze with a gain against Iowa to end things. It’s doable, but you have to make all the right turns.

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Next … 10 thru 6

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Big Ten Football 2019 Bowl Projections, College Football Playoff picks after week 12

Here’s the latest look at where we project Big Ten teams to be playing in the postseason, as well as a look at the Playoff projections.

The Big Ten has a rich, rich history in historical bowl games, and the expectations are set for that to continue in 2019. Here at Buckeyes Wire, we’re keeping with tradition and giving you a peek at where we think all the teams in the conference will end up when all the dust settles on the season.

We reassess after each week of games and project based on what we’ve seen.

And as a reminder, don’t get too upset with these just yet. The season might be a rounding the corner into the home stretch, but there’s still a lot that could — and will — happen. So this whole things remains in flux and we’ll adjust each and every week.

Keep in mind that these scenarios are very complicated with projecting when there’s not enough teams from certain conferences with tie-ins, and the agreements with bowls to not repeat the same program over a certain time-frame if at all possible.

Here’s a look at the projections now after twelve weeks of results on the field.

Quick Lane Bowl

Thursday, December 26
8:00 ET, ESPN
Ford Field, Detroit, MI
ACC vs. Big Ten

Projection: North Carolina vs. Michigan State

New Era Pinstripe Bowl

Friday, December 27
3:20 ET, ESPN
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
ACC vs. Big Ten

Projection: Illinois vs. Louisville

San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl

Friday, December 27
8:00 ET, FS1
SDCCU Stadium, San Diego, CA
Big Ten vs. Pac-12

Projection: Michigan vs. USC

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Next … Continued

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Badgers move up to No. 14 in Week 13 Amway Coaches’ Poll

After a big road victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Wisconsin moved up to No. 14 in the latest Amway Coaches’ Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. Even more importantly, the Badgers (8-2) took care of business, and got some help from the Iowa …

After a big road victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Wisconsin moved up to No. 14 in the latest Amway Coaches’ Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Even more importantly, the Badgers (8-2) took care of business, and got some help from the Iowa Hawkeyes, who beat the Minnesota Gophers, dropping their first game of the season. Up next, Wisconsin is set to host the Purdue Boilermakers at Camp Randall, where they are expected to cruise to a victory.

Minnesota (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten), who had arguably the biggest day in the country on last week, fell four spots to No. 11 after losing to the aforementioned Hawkeyes. The loss opened the door for the Badgers to win the Big Ten West, setting up a potentially massive game in Minnesota the final week of the season. The Badgers travel to play the Golden Gophers Nov. 30 in their final game of the regular season, potentially with some major implications in the Big Ten West race.

Wisconsin is one of an impressive six Big Ten teams in the Amway Coaches’ poll. The Big Ten conference has proven again to be one of the toughest football conferences in the country, with five teams in the top 15 alone. Indiana fell out of the poll this week after losing to Penn State.

 

Ohio State beats Rutgers to go to 10-0, now the season really begins

Ohio State put it on Rutgers, and has been fantastic to date. But now, the season really begins with Penn State and Michigan on tap.

Ohio State may not have looked as good as it has in previous weeks against Rutgers, but it was still a convincing win nonetheless. The Buckeyes raced out to a quick lead, put in some backups and won going away 56-21.

To date, the Buckeyes closest game — if you can believe it — was against FAU in week one. They only managed to win that one by 24 points. Since then, it’s been beat down after beat down. Along the way, Ohio State eviscerated one of the best defenses in the country when it whitewashed Wisconsin 38-7. It scored over 70 points twice, held its opponents to ten points or below ten times, and scored at least 34 points in every game.

Heck, there’s even be three guys in the Heisman conversation. Quarterback Justin Fields, running back J.K. Dobbins, and defensive end Chase Young have all had magical years so far.

Simply put — the Buckeyes have been on cruise control and haven’t been tested to date.

But now it’s about to get into the meat of the schedule. What’s happened to date has little bearing on what needs to occur over the next two weeks when OSU welcomes a top ten Penn State squad, then hits the road for the annual grudge match between Michigan — er … TTUN.

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Has Ohio State been dominant, fantastic, marvelous and all the above so far in 2019? Yes, it sure has. In fact some of the things we’ve seen this year may not happen for a long, long time. We may not even know how truly historic this season is until it’s over and we look back on it.

But … in order for it to be that type of year, the Buckeyes have to finish the deal. Lose against Penn State and the Nittany Lions likely go to Indianapolis. Lose to Michigan and, — well … let’s just not go there.

In some ways, what’s happened up until now seems like a precursor in a blockbuster movie right before the climax begins.

So, strap it up men. The focus and execution has been outstanding to date. But remember, there’s a countdown clock in the Woody that has the real finish line. It’s time to show Penn State THEY AREN’T, and Michigan that it still can’t hold a candle to THE Ohio State University.

Practice is going to be fun this week. It’s time to finish this thing.

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College Football Betting Advice, Final Thoughts: Week 12

The final thoughts, a few predictions, and some investment advice to make your life a heck of a lot better than it currently is. 

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The final thoughts, a few predictions, and some investment advice to make your life a heck of a lot better than it currently is. 

Week 12 Fearless Predictions, Game Previews 
AAC | ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | Pac-12 | SEC
– CFN Fearless Predictions & Game Previews
– Week 12 Expert Picks & Predictions
– 10 Best Predictions Against The Spread

– Contact/Follow @PeteFiutak

This is all for spits, giggles, and entertainment purposes only, however, just in case you dabble …

Week 12 Final Thoughts, Investment Advice
ACC | Big 12 | Big Ten | Pac-12 | SEC

Before we get started, as a public service announcement, I have been ridiculously stupid off on my weeknight picks this week. A few weren’t my fault – really, Buffalo, REALLY?! A few just went the wrong way – ALL the North Carolina kicker had to do was miss in regulation – and there was a whiff or two – thanks, Toledo.

So keep that in mind on these first two picks …

Can Louisiana Tech’s offense get hot? I’m sort of under the belief that 1) yes, the Bulldogs haven’t played anyone, but 2) they’re that good offensively and now they get to prove it. Marshall is at home, but the line has moved up to Herd -6.5. That’s a lot to give the Tech offense. The 54.5 seems low, too.
– CFN Game Preview, Prediction
– Bet on this, BetMGM latest line

Fresno State – San Diego State is almost certainly going to be 24-17. The hard part is guessing which way it goes, since all San Diego State games seem like they’re around the 24-17 range. The Aztec O is SO bad, but it’s down to a PICK in some places? With that SDSU D at home? Thanks.
– CFN Game Preview, Prediction
– Bet on this, BetMGM latest line

ACC Betting Advice, Final Thoughts

If you’re really that weird and want in on the Alabama State – Florida State game, BetMGM does have it at Noles -41.5. This is for bowl eligibility or FSU, so it’s going to try and it should be up big in the first half, and then empty the bench in a hurry. As FCS paycheck games go, be warned, the Hornets aren’t that bad.
– CFN Game Preview, Prediction
– Bet on this, BetMGM latest line

Of course Clemson is going to roll past Wake Forest. Of course there won’t be that much drama, and of course the team is going to try to make a statement, especially on Senior Day. The Tigers get two weeks off after this, but just be careful here. The Demon Deacons won’t win, but the world is giving the 13th-best offense in America – granted, without WR Sage Surratt – 34.5 points. It’s a not-that-crazy risk to take.
– CFN Game Preview, Prediction
– Bet on this, BetMGM latest line

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You’re teasing me, aren’t you? You’re mocking an exhausted man who hasn’t slept for over two months by telling me and the fine people reading this that Virginia Tech is only giving up six points to Georgia Tech? I know the Yellow Jackets are playing better, but you could make it 16 and I might not blink.
– CFN Game Preview, Prediction
– Bet on this, BetMGM latest line

Don’t think hard here. Duke bad, Syracuse really bad. The 10 seems like a lot for a struggling Blue Devil team to be giving away to anyone right now. but the Orange are winless in a miserable ACC for a reason.
– CFN Game Preview, Prediction
– Bet on this, BetMGM latest line

Am I late to the party here? Have I missed the moment when NC State did anything this year to suggest that it should be just a +4 against any team on the verge of bowl eligibility? The Pack will make it a fight against Louisville, but this is a bad State team.
– CFN Game Preview, Prediction
– Bet on this, BetMGM latest line

Week 12 Final Thoughts, Investment Advice
Big 12 | Big Ten | Pac-12 | SEC

NEXT: Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12, SEC

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Ohio State vs. Rutgers: Five snarky reasons the Buckeyes win

Ohio State is almost assured a victory Saturday on the road against Rutgers. Here’s five tongue-in-the-cheek reasons the Buckeyes win.

It’s off to the next tuneup for Ohio State. Thanks goes out to Jim Delany for bringing in the television markets of New York and the D.C. area while also getting two more bye-weeks for the Big Ten East division contenders.

After treating Maryland like a whipped omelet, the Buckeyes now head east to take on a Rutgers team that’s still trying to figure out how to play the game of football since helping invent it.

We normally do five reasons Ohio State beats its next opponent, but this time we’re taking a little different tact because there’s little rationale for believing the Scarlet Knights can put up more resistance than a light breeze on Saturday.

So, here’s five snarky reasons the Buckeyes beat back the Scarlet Knights this weekend. And before we get any vitriol pointed in our direction by one of the few dozen Rutgers’ fans, remember it’s all in good fun.

Next … Influenza?

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2019 Michigan Football Week 12 Rooting Guide

Michigan Football takes on Michigan State on Saturday in their annual rivalry game. What other games should you focus on this week?

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With a week off, Michigan football is back this week. While they have a huge game against Michigan State, there are other big games happening around the country. Michigan fell a spot in the latest College Football Playoff rankings to 15 and they will need some help to get moving back up on the rankings.

There are four games this week that Michigan fans should pay attention too as they could help Michigan in the long run. Check out which four below.

Game 1: Indiana vs. No. 9 Penn State

This is for the Big Ten Championship hopes here. Penn State suffered their first loss last week to Minnesota, and the Wolverines need them to lose two more times this season. Indiana is up next for Penn State and they won’t be an easy win.

Indiana is ranked inside the AP polls and while they don’t matter anymore, a win over Penn State could put them into the CFP Top 25, and that means if Michigan wins over Michigan State this week, it will be an even bigger and tougher game next week against Indiana. Indiana looking tough means if Michigan beats them they look good too.

Root for: Indiana

Game 2: No. 4 Georiga vs. No. 12 Auburn

Another week where Auburn is featured on this list. Georgia is on pace to make the SEC title game, and a win over Auburn could push them over Clemson at the number three spot. Auburn is high for two losses, and a third should knock them out of the top 15.

Auburn getting out of Michigan’s way would be nice and they could even see a fourth loss to Alabama to close the season out. This week though, Georgia is the team you need to root for here.

Root for: No. 4 Georgia

Game 3: No. 8 Minnesota vs. No. 20 Iowa

Minnesota jumped Michigan after beating Penn State last week. Would Iowa defeating Minnesota do the same thing? No. Iowa has three losses and lost to Michigan earlier this season. Michigan looks stronger if Iowa wins so that only helps Michigan’s case for a solid bowl game later in the season.

Root for: No. 20 Iowa

Game 4: No. 10 Oklahoma vs. No. 13 Baylor

An undefeated team ahead of Michigan that has a chance of losing this week is Baylor. The two teams here most likely will play for the conference championship in a few weeks, but this game means more now as it has playoff implications with it. Baylor needs this win to show they are a threat, while Oklahoma needs this win to show that one loss doesn’t mean they are out of it.

Michigan would love it if both could lose, but the stronger team in its path is Baylor. Baylor losing will knock them down a few spots, and enough to fall below Michigan and out of their way. Michigan could move up big this week, and a loss to Baylor helps that even more.

Root for: No. 10 Oklahoma
Contact/Follow @WolverinesWire/ @BKnappBlogs

Ohio State vs. Rutgers: How and where to watch and listen to the game Saturday

Ohio State is looking to lay waste to another Big Ten opponent, Rutgers. Here’s how you can watch, stream, or listen to the game Saturday.

Okay, It’s off to the next challenge that probably won’t be much of one. After administering a public flogging against Maryland last week at home, Ohio State travels to the garden state to take on a Rutgers team that is having a worse year than a Donald Trump phone conversation.

The Buckeyes are favored by a gazillion or something like that, and this one doesn’t figure to be close for very long. But, they must play the game as they say, so we know you’ll be watching. As will we.

On that note, in case you need to know where to watch, stream, listen, or catch the smoke signals from the game against the Scarlet Knights, we got all the information you need on the next page.

Let’s keep it going.

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Next … television, radio, streaming, game time, and venue

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Ohio State vs. Rutgers Enemy Territory preview. Get to know the Scarlet Knights

Ohio State travels to New Jersey to take on the state school better known as the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Uh-oh, things could get messy.

Before every game, we provide a preview of Ohio State football’s opponent for the upcoming week. It’s a twelve game slate to the regular season, so there’s plenty to talk about, and plenty of opponents to get up to speed on.

Of course, some you’ll know better than others.

So, if you want to impress your friends while watching the game, we’ve got your cheat code right here. We do the research, you drop nuggets. You win on Saturdays. It’s as simple as that.

Ohio State’s tenth game of the year is against a Rutgers team that is sorely outmatched and outmanned. There’s almost no way the Scarlet Knights stay competitive in this one short of an act of God, a virus strain breaking out in the Ohio State locker room, or an unscheduled, long and blustery blizzard.

But none of that will be in the cards, so this one could be one of the most lopsided Power Five conference games of the year. Anyway, you still need to know the opponent, so here’s all you need.

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Next … Rutgers all-time vitals

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