Northwestern Wildcats betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Illinois at Northwestern odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Illinois at Northwestern odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 25 Illinois Fighting Illini (8-3, 5-3 Big Ten) and Northwestern Wildcats (4-7, 2-6) meet Saturday. Kickoff from Wrigley Field is scheduled for noon ET (Big Ten Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Illinois vs. Northwestern odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Illinois leads the all-time series 57-55-5, with the Wildcats taking last season’s meeting in Champaign in a wild 45-43 shootout. While the Illini have won 2 of the past 3 in the series, including a 41-3 rout in Evanston Nov. 26, 2022, Northwestern is 7-2 straight up (SU) and 6-3 against the spread (ATS) in the past 9 installments.

Illinois has rolled up wins against Michigan State and Rutgers in the past 2 weekends, scoring 38 points in each game, to secure 8 wins and a solid bowl game in the Big Ten. The Over has cashed in each of the 2 outings. While Illinois is just 2-2 SU in 4 road games, it is a solid 3-1 ATS while splitting the Over/Under (O/U).

Northwestern has struggled this season, and it was manhandled 50-6 at Michigan last weekend, ending any faint hopes of bowl eligibility. The Wildcats have dropped 4 of the past 5 games, although they’ve covered 2 of the past 3outings. The Over is 3-1 in the past 4 games and 5-2 across the past 7 contests.

Rankings – US LBM Coaches Poll: Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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Illinois at Northwestern odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Friday at 11 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Illinois -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Northwestern +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
Against the spread: Illinois -8 (-110) | Northwestern +8 (-110)
Over/Under: 43.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Illinois at Northwestern picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 19, Northwestern 12

Moneyline

Illinois (-300) will cost you 3 times your potential return, and that’s way too much in this rivalry game which Northwestern (+240) has dominated in recent seasons.

PASS.

Against the spread

Back NORTHWESTERN +8 (-110) to keep this within 1 score.

The Wildcats have had a pretty good defense, for the most part, but Northwestern has struggled to score points. It should be able to throw a blanket on Illinois -8 (-110), keeping the Illini within 1 score.

Over/Under

UNDER 43.5 (-105) is a low number, but it’s the best play in this game.

Temperatures will be in the mid-20s for this game, and winds will be sustained at 12-14 mph, making for a very raw days in Wrigleyville at this time of year, even if they’re blowing out of the west.

Points are going to be at a premium in this Big Ten finale in Wrigleyville.

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Ohio State at Northwestern odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Ohio State at Northwestern odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The 2nd-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (8-1, 5-1 Big Ten) and Northwestern Wildcats (4-5, 2-4) meet Saturday at Wrigley Field. Kickoff from the Friendly Confines is scheduled for noon ET (BTN). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Ohio State vs. Northwestern odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Buckeyes worked over Purdue at The Horseshoe last weekend by a 45-0 count, covering as 37-point favorites. It was the second shutout of the season for the Ohio State defense and the 8th time in 9 tries that the defense has allowed 17 or fewer points. Ohio State has covered back-to-back games for the first time since Sept. 28-Oct. 5, too. It hasn’t covered 3 in a row since Nov. 4-18, 2023.

Thanks to the shutout, the Under (56) cashed last week against the Boilermakers, and the total has gone Under in 3 in a row, and 5 of the past 6 games for Ohio State.

The Wildcats, who are coming off a bye, host this game at Wrigley Field as Ryan Field in Evanston is being renovated. The Northwestern defense has been fierce at times, but the offense has been lacking. In their last game, the Wildcats topped Purdue 26-20 in overtime Nov. 2, cashing as 2.5-point underdogs. The Over is 4-1 in their past 5 outings.

The last time these teams met, Ohio State eked out a 21-7 road win Nov. 5, 2022 on a day with extremely gusty conditions which limited the aerial attack with QB C.J. Stroud.

Rankings – US LBM Coaches Poll: Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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Ohio State at Northwestern odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated at 5:52 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Ohio State -20000 (bet $20,000 to win $100) | Northwestern +3500 (bet $100 to win $3,500)
Against the spread: Ohio State -28.5 (-106) | Northwestern +28.5 (-114)
Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Ohio State at Northwestern picks and predictions

Prediction

Ohio State 30, Northwestern 12

Moneyline

Ohio State (-20000) will cost 200 times the potential return. In this day and age, 50 cents doesn’t buy you much, and it’s an especially poor idea to risk $100 to just to win those 2 quarters.

AVOID.

Against the spread

Back NORTHWESTERN +28.5 (-114) at Wrigley Field catching more than 4 touchdowns.

The Wildcats have the defense to make life miserable for Ohio State, but the Buckeyes will be able to brush off Northwestern after a while. The Wildcats offense just isn’t a threat, and the Buckeyes won’t be caught looking ahead to the titanic matchup with Indiana next week.

Weather won’t be a concern, either, like the last time these teams met in Evanston.

Over/Under

UNDER 43.5 (-105) is a low number, but it’s the play. The Northwestern defense will give Ohio State fits, at least early on. The Wildcats will struggle to be able to move the ball against the Buckeyes. Plus, playing in the strange dimensions of Wrigley Field will affect both offenses early, until they’re both able to adjust.

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Indiana at Northwestern odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Indiana at Northwestern odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Indiana Hoosiers (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) visit the Northwestern Wildcats (2-2, 0-1) Saturday. Kick from Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Indiana vs. Northwestern odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Indiana enters Saturday undefeated after taking care of Maryland 42-28 Sept. 28 as a 7.5-point home favorite. QB Kurtis Rourke went 22 of 33 for 359 yards with 3 TDs and 2 INTs. His top receiver was WR Elijah Sarratt, who hauled in 7 catches for 128 yards and a TD. On the ground, RB Ty Son Lawton carried the ball 19 times for 93 yards and a TD.

Northwestern fell 24-5 against Washington Sept. 21 as a 12-point road underdog. QB Jack Lausch went 8 of 27 for 53 yards and 2 INTs while leading the team in rushing with 13 carries for 21 yards with 2 fumbles. WR A.J. Henning hauled in 5 receptions for 41 yards.

Indiana is No. 24 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Indiana at Northwestern odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated at 6:40 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Indiana -600 (bet $600 to win $100) | Northwestern +425 (bet $100 to win $425)
Against the spread (ATS): Indiana -13.5 (-115) | Northwestern -13.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Indiana at Northwestern picks and predictions

Prediction

Indiana 38, Northwestern 13

Moneyline

PASS.

There is no value on Indiana (-600) to take down Northwestern.

Against the spread

BET INDIANA -13.5 (-115).

The Wildcats will be no match for Rourke and Indiana Saturday. Indiana has flourished this season, scoring 31 or more points in each game, including 42 or more in each of the last 4. It has allowed 14 or fewer points in 4 of its 5 games. While Northwestern should be expected to perform better than it did against Washington, expect this game to be over well before the 4th quarter.

Over/Under

BET OVER 41.5 (-105).

The Hoosiers have hit the Over while scoring 42 or more points in each of their last 4 games. They will carry a majority of the load in this matchup, but any scoring from the Wildcats will help put this game above 42 points and cash the Over.

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Northwestern at Washington odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Northwestern at Washington odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Northwestern Wildcats (2-1) travel to meet the Washington Huskies (2-1) Saturday at Husky Stadium in Seattle for the Big Ten opener for both sides. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (FS1). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Northwestern vs. Washington odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Wildcats suffered a rough 26-20 loss in 2OT against Duke Sept. 6 at home. It rebounded with a 31-7 win over FCS Eastern Illinois last Saturday, but Northwestern failed to cover as a 26-point favorite. The Wildcats are now 1-2 against the spread (ATS), and the Under has cashed in 2 of 3 outings.

The Huskies play their 1st-ever Big Ten conference game against the Wildcats after moving from the Pac-12 this past offseason.

Washington is coming off a disappointing 24-19 loss to rival Washington State in the Apple Cup game in Seattle last weekend. The Huskies had difficulty trying to corral QB John Mateer of Wazzu. The Under has cashed in all 3 games for the Huskies so far, allowing just 16.5 PPG in 2 games against FBS opponents.

The Wildcats aren’t nearly as set under center, as QB Jack Lausch takes over as the new starter over Vandy transfer QB Mike Wright.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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Northwestern at Washington odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated 9:35 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Northwestern +360 (bet $100 to win $360) | Washington -480 (bet $480 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Northwestern +12 (-110) | Washington -12 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Northwestern at Washington picks and predictions

Prediction

Washington 30, Northwestern 16

Moneyline

Washington (-480) will cost you 5 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not nearly enough reward.

Over the long haul, betting such heavy favorites is a losing betting strategy, and not recommended on a regular basis, either straight up or as part of a multi-leg parlay.

AVOID.

Against the spread

Play WASHINGTON -12 (-110) laying the points, as it is going to be awfully ornery after losing to its rivals last weekend at Lumen Field.

This is a historic game, too, and the Huskies will want to get off on the right foot in Big Ten play under new coach Jedd Fisch. QB Will Rogers has completed 77.1% of his passes for 825 yards, 6 TD and 0 INT, while hooking up with WR Giles Jackson for 24 receptions, 326 yards and 1 TD.

The Huskies aren’t a pass-only team, though, as RB Jonah Coleman is a handful. He is averaging 7.5 yards per attempt, piling up a team-best 306 rushing yards and 3 TD.

The Wildcats don’t have the same kind of offensive talent or depth, and it will show in the 2nd half when the Huskies pull away.

Over/Under

OVER 42.5 (-110) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most.

The Under has cashed in 2 of 3 games for Northwestern, and the offense is averaging just 16.5 PPG in 2 games against FBS opponents.

For Washington, it is averaging 24.5 PPG in 2 games against FBS foes, while holding teams to 16.5 PPG.

Northwestern will have trouble moving the ball and scoring, but Washington should do enough to get this one across the finish line for an Over result.

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Duke at Northwestern odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Duke at Northwestern odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Duke Blue Devils (1-0) and Northwestern Wildcats (1-0) clash Friday in Evanston, Illinois. Kickoff at Martin Stadium will be at 9 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s .. FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Duke vs. Northwestern odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Duke scored in every quarter and did not allow any points until the final minute of its 26-3 season-opening win Aug. 30 vs. FCS Elon. QB Maalik Murphy helped make up for a lackluster Blue Devil ground game with a 26-of-40, 291-yard passing performance.

Northwestern opened its season — and its new temporary lakeside gridiron facility — with a dominant defensive performance in a 13-6 victory Aug. 31 over Miami (Ohio). The Wildcats held MU to just 267 total yards.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Duke at Northwestern odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:28 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Duke +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Northwestern -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Duke +2.5 (-105) | Northwestern -2.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 37 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Duke at Northwestern picks and predictions

Prediction

Duke 21, Northwestern 17

Moneyline

Duke and Northwestern met last Sept. 16 in Durham, N.C. The Blue Devils won that game 38-14 and since 2017 have won 5 straight against the Wildcats.

Duke is the lean here, but with a low-total scoring environment, look to leverage the Devils plus the points.

PASS.

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Against the spread

Look for the visitors to leverage a field-position edge and better big-play abilities. Expect NU to struggle in punching drives into the end zone.

QB Riley Leonard is gone, having transferred to Notre Dame. But last year’s Duke triumph was built more on the ground game. The Devils racked up 268 rushing yards in the 22-point victory.

BET DUKE +2.5 (-105).

Over/Under

The Over cashed in last year’s meeting and is 2-1 across the last 3 DU-NU games. The total has gone Over in 7 of Duke’s last 8 games on the road.

Peg both defenses as being mostly untested in August games against non-power-conference foes. In the exposed-to-Lake Michigan stadium, wind could be more of a factor than it was in the Wildcats-Redhawks game last week. But there is enough upside to the Duke offense and the two sides getting decent ground gains to warrant a play on the OVER 37 (-110).

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March Madness: Northwestern vs. UConn odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Northwestern vs. UConn odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Northwestern Wildcats (22-11) and UConn Huskies (32-3) meet Sunday in 2nd-round action in the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from the Barclays Center is slated for 7:45 p.m. ET (truTV). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Northwestern vs. UConn odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Northwestern bounced FAU in the 1st-round 77-65 in overtime, dismissing one of last season’s Final Four teams. Now, the Wildcats draw the defending champs.

Northwestern had won just once in 4 games prior to its slight upset of FAU in Round 1, cashing the Under (142.5) despite the extra session. The Under is 2-0 in the postseason for the Wildcats, while going 7-3 in the previous 10 outings.

The No. 1 overall seed UConn spanked 16-seed Stetson on Friday 91-52 as it covered as 27.5-point favorites. The Under (146) hung on, and is 3-1 in 4 postseason games for the Huskies. The total has also gone low in 5 of the past 6 games since March 6 at Marquette, allowing 60 or fewer points in 4 of the past 5 contests.

UConn has been hot against the number, too, going 3-1 against the spread (ATS) in 4 postseason outings, while going 7-1 ATS in the past 8 games, and 10-2 ATS across the previous 12 contests.

UConn was No. 1 in the final USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll of the regular season, while Northwestern was unranked.

Northwestern vs. UConn odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:43 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Northwestern +800 (bet $100 to win $800) | UConn -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100)
Against the spread: Northwestern +14.5 (-115) | UConn -14.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 135.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Northwestern vs. UConn and predictions

Prediction

UConn 76, Northwestern 57

Moneyline

UConn (-1400) will set you back 14 times your potential return, and while it should go without saying, there is never a reason to bet such a heavy favorite, either straight up or as part of a parlay.

AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

UCONN -14.5 (-105) is an awfully big number, but it’s worth playing lightly.

Northwestern +14.5 (-115) took advantage of sloppy play by FAU in the opening game, particularly in the 1st half. The Wildcats coaxed the Owls into 21 turnovers, while Northwestern was a plus-6 in the rebounding department. That’s simply not going to happen against a well disciplined and experienced Huskies team.

The Wildcats might hang for the 1st half of the 1st 20 minutes, but look for the defending champs to pull away in the 2nd half, and perhaps flirt with a 20-point win before the dust settles.

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Over/Under

UNDER 135.5 (-105) is a low number, but the Huskies just don’t allow a lot of open looks.

The Wildcats were hitting a lot of circus shots, particularly in the 2nd half and into overtime against FAU, but Northwestern is going to struggle against the suffocating defense of UConn. And the Huskies aren’t going to give up nearly the same amount of open looks from the perimeter which Northwestern saw on Friday.

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March Madness: Northwestern vs. FAU odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Northwestern vs. FAU odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Northwestern Wildcats (21-11) and FAU Owls (25-8) meet Friday for an NCAA Tournament 1st-round game. Tip-off from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Northwestern vs. FAU odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Northwestern lost 70-61 to No. 24 Wisconsin in its 1st game of the Big Ten Tournament, and the Wildcats are just 1-3 straight up (SU) in the past 4 games. On a positive note, 9th-seeded Northwestern is 10-4 against the spread (ATS) across the past 14 games since Jan. 24. The Under has cashed in 4 of the past 6 outings.

FAU is still smarting after falling 74-73 to Temple in the AAC Tournament semifinals as a 14-point favorite. It didn’t cost the Owls a spot in the NCAA Tournament, but it likely hurt its seeding. However, FAU is an 8-seed, which is its highest-ever seed in 3 all-time trips to the tournament. The Owls advanced to the Final Four last season as a 9-seed.

This is just the 2nd-ever meeting between these teams on the college hardwood. Northwestern won 69-59 in Evanston, Ill., on Nov. 21, 2005.

– Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Northwestern vs. FAU odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:02 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Northwestern +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | FAU -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
Against the spread: Northwestern +3.5 (-115) | FAU -3.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 142.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Northwestern vs. FAU picks and predictions

Prediction

FAU 74, Northwestern 71

Moneyline

FAU (-165) is worth a play on the moneyline, if you want action on the game, but don’t want to fiddle around with the points.

Northwestern (+135) has dropped 3 of the past 4 games, although the past 2 are against teams in the NCAA Tournament field, including Michigan State, which has already advanced to the 2nd round.

Against the spread

NORTHWESTERN +3.5 (-115) is worth playing in what could be a tight 8 vs. 9 game in Brooklyn to open Friday’s play.

FAU -3.5 (-105) opened as a 1.5-point favorite at most shops, and the money has come in on the Owls quite frequently, as a trip to the Final Four last season really caught the attention of the public.

The Owls will be without Tre Carroll, a key reserve, due to an elbow injury. However, the Wildcats are also dealing with an injury, as C Matthew Nicholson is out indefinitely due to a leg ailment.

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Over/Under

OVER 142.5 (-110) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most.

The Wildcats averaged just 74.1 PPG this season, which was rather middle of the road, as far as the rest of the country is concerned. And Northwestern allows 69.0 PPG, which is pretty good defensively, although it allowed the opposition to hit 35.5% from behind the 3-point line, and that’s a concern.

The Owls cashed the Over in both games of the AAC Tournament, and the total has gone high in 4 straight outings. FAU averaged 83.0 PPG in the regular season, and it hits triples at a 36.2% rate.

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Penn State at Northwestern odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Penn State at Northwestern odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No.7 Penn State Nittany Lions (4-0, 2-0 Big Ten) take a trip to Evanston, Ill., to play the Northwestern Wildcats (2-2, 1-1) on Saturday. Kickoff from Ryan Field is set for noon ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Penn State vs. Northwestern odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Nittany Lions shut out the formerly No. 22-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes 31-0 last Saturday. QB Drew Allar overcame poor weather conditions to complete 25 of 37 passes for 166 yards and 4 TDs. Penn State’s defense continued to show why it is one of the best squads in the nation, forcing 6 fumbles while also getting 3 sacks and 5 tackles for loss. It is allowing just 8.8 points per game (5th of 133).

Northwestern pulled off an improbable comeback to secure a 37-34 OT win Saturday vs. the Minnesota Golden Gophers, winning as an 11-point underdog. The Wildcats trailed 31-10 with 12 minutes left in the 4th quarter before scoring 21 unanswered points, including the game-tying TD pass by QB Ben Bryant with 2 seconds left in the game. Minnesota scored a field goal 1st in OT, but Bryant struck again with a 25-yard TD pass on Northwestern’s 1st play of OT to win it.

Penn State is No. 7 in the US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

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Penn State at Northwestern odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:31 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Penn State -10000 (bet $10000 to win $100) | Northwestern +1600 (bet $100 to win $1600)
Against the spread (ATS): Penn State -27.5 (-105) | Northwestern +27.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 45.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Penn State at Northwestern picks and predictions

Prediction

Penn State 35, Northwestern 10

Moneyline

PASS.

Penn State will pick up the win here, but -10000 favorites are never worth the risk of betting on. Bet on the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

LEAN WILDCATS +27.5 (-115).

Northwestern has been competitive in past games vs. the Nittany Lions, even when outmatched. Penn State hasn’t beaten Northwestern by 27-plus points since 2002 when it won 49-0.

This play is only a lean because of how talented this Penn State team is and how dominant it has proven to be on the defensive side of the ball.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 45.5 (-105).

A matchup between the Nittany Lions and Wildcats hasn’t hit the Over number of 45.5 since 2012 when the Nittany Lions won 39-28, meaning thr Under has hit 4 straight in the series. The Nittany Lions defense is so good I expect the Wildcats to simply have too much trouble scoring to help push this game to hit the Over.

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March Madness: Northwestern vs. UCLA odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Northwestern Wildcats vs. UCLA odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The 7th-seeded Northwestern Wildcats (22-11) and No. 2 UCLA Bruins (30-5) will battle in a Saturday NCAA Tournament game in Sacramento. The West Region 2nd-round game at the Golden 1 Center will tip off at 8:40 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Northwestern vs. UCLA odds as we make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Northwestern advanced with a 75-67 win over Boise State Thursday. The 75 points marked the most in a Wildcats road or neutral-site game since Jan. 25 (78 vs. Nebraska). Northwestern committed just 7 turnovers Thursday; NU has averaged just 7.9 TO per game according to sports-reference.com.

UCLA is No. 6 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

The Bruins downed UNC Asheville 86-53 Thursday, and the win sealed the program’s 10th 30-win season. UCLA has allowed just 59.3 points per game in going 13-1 since Feb. 2 (sports-reference.com).

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Northwestern vs. UCLA odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:10 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Northwestern +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | UCLA -340 (bet $340 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Northwestern +7.5 (-112) | UCLA -7.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 126.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Northwestern vs. UCLA picks and predictions

Prediction

UCLA 70, Northwestern 64

Moneyline

UCLA is a worth 75% favorite here, so there is not enough return on the underdog side and too much of a price on the favorite side. PASS.

Against the spread

UCLA figures to keep this one right around a 2-possession lead. No lean on this spread. PASS.

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Over/Under

The Over is 2-1 in NU’s last 3 games and 4-2 in UCLA’s last 6.

Some regression in defensive field-goal percentages is the forecast here, and in a slow-vs.-moderate battle, figure this total as being a touchdown too low.

The Bruins have been getting to the line more of late. Look for chances there and on putbacks to fuel some higher scoring here.

BACK THE OVER 126.5 (-110).

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March Madness: Boise State vs. Northwestern odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Boise State vs. Northwestern odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The 10th-seeded Boise State Broncos (24-9) and No. 7 Northwestern Wildcats (21-11) battle in a West Region first-round game of the NCAA Tournament. The contest at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento will tip off at 7:35 p.m. ET (truTV). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Boise State vs. Northwestern odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Boise State sports an efficient defense and a good shooting touch from distance. The Broncos, after a 12-2 run in a 14-game stretch from Jan. 3-Feb. 22, stumbled at the finish line going 2-3 in their last 5. But even in that stretch, BSU is shooting 39.8% from 3-point range.

Northwestern, similarly, had a strong late-winter run that faded in recent weeks. The Wildcats went 8-2 from Jan. 23-Feb. 19, but are just 1-4 since. Still, NU went 12-8 to tie for 2nd-place in a powerful Big Ten Conference.

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

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Boise State vs. Northwestern odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 8:38 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Boise State +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Northwestern -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Boise State +1.5 (-108) | Northwestern -1.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 128.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

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Boise State vs. Northwestern picks and predictions

Prediction

Northwestern 67, Boise State 65

Moneyline

Three of Northwestern’s recent 4 losses were by margins of 4 points or less. Two of those losses were in overtime. Look for a bounce-back from a Wildcats team that could show some regression to form in shooting numbers — helping in both cases — on offense and defense.

Late-season improvements in offensive rebounding and perimeter defense figure to serve NU well in this spot. But look for a bit more value than what’s offered up here. PASS, but consider a line watch: Northwestern is worth some partial-unit action at -125 or better.

Against the spread

Better value can be found on the total and perhaps on the moneyline. PASS.

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Over/Under

The Over is 4-2 across Boise’s last 6 games.

Look for a decent number of 3s and shots near the rim in this battle. Not enough to way past the overall slower-than-average pace but enough to tip this game into the 130s.

BACK THE OVER 128.5 (-108).

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For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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