Northwestern Wildcats betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets – Page 3

Northwestern at Penn State odds, picks and predictions

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

The Northwestern Wildcats (1-3) visit the Penn State Nittany Lions (4-0) Saturday with kickoff from Beaver Stadium set for 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we look at the Northwestern vs. Penn State odds from Tipico Sportsbook; check back for all our college football picks and predictions.

Northwestern started the season with a 31-28 Big Ten win over Nebraska, but has lost 3 straight since — to Duke (31-23), Southern Illinois (31-24) and Miami of Ohio (17-14).

After starting the season off with a tight 35-31 Big Ten win over Purdue, Penn State has been rolling. They have yet to score under 33 points in a game and both the offense and defense have looked solid. Sixth-year QB Sean Clifford is off to strong start with 8 TDs and only 1 INT. He’s hit 64.1% of his passes (75-of-117) for 890 yards while only playing 4 quarters in 1 of 4 games this season.

Penn State is No. 12 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

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Northwestern at Penn State odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 3:02 p.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Northwestern +1100 (bet $100 to win $1,100) | Penn State -3000 (bet $3,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Northwestern +26.5 (-105) | Penn State -26.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 52.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Northwestern at Penn State picks and predictions

Prediction

Penn State 35, Northwestern 13

Money line

PASS. Penn State (-3000) will win, but no one should make this bet – odds with so much juice.

The game should be a blowout for Penn State. The Lions’ lone close game came in Week 1 against Purdue, and ever since that they’ve won by an average margin of 28 points, including a 29-point win at Auburn in Week 3. Northwestern’s lone win was against a lackluster Nebraska team. Clifford seems to be rolling along with true freshman RB Nick Singleton (averaging 9 yards per carry) and transfer WR Mitchell Tinsley (3 TDs).

Against the spread

LEAN NORTHWESTERN +26.5 (-108)

Penn State has covered the spread in 3 of their 4 games this season, but the 1 time they didn’t was last week against Central Michigan. In the last 3 games Penn State has pulled their starters after gaining the lead and while the backups have proven they can score against lackluster opponents, I’m not sure that will be enough to beat Northwestern by 26.5 points or more.

Penn State is also 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. opponents with a losing record.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 52.5 (-112)

To me this is the 2nd safest bet in this game. The under is 7-0 in Penn State’s last 7 home games against opponents with losing records, and I don’t see that changing here. Expect Penn State to get a huge lead going into the end of the 3rd quarter and then pull their starters and start milking the clock.

I don’t see Penn State’s tough secondary giving up many yards or points to a pass-heavy Northwestern offense. This secondary leads FBS in pass break-ups with 41, the next closest being Illinois and Pittsburgh at 25. A defense led by CB Joey Porter Jr. shouldn’t allow more than 2 scores.

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Nebraska vs. Northwestern odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Northwestern Wildcats odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers open the season Saturday against the Northwestern Wildcats at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Nebraska vs. Northwestern odds, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Cornhuskers and Wildcats were each 3-9 SU last season, but it was a tale of 2 seasons. Despite a putrid record, Nebraska was actually pretty competitive with all 9 losses by single digits, including 8 one-score games.

Nebraska looks to QB Casey Thompson, a transfer from Texas, to turn things around in Lincoln.

The Wildcats lost their final 6 games, too, but Northwestern was drummed by 26 or more points in 5 of those outings. It also suffered a 56-7 blasting at the hands of Big Red in Lincoln on Oct. 2.

Check out: AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY sports

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Nebraska vs. Northwestern odds

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

Money line (ML): Nebraska -550 (bet $550 to win $100) | Northwestern +400 (bet $100 to win $400)
Against the spread (ATS): Nebraska -13 (-108) | Northwestern +13 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Nebraska vs. Northwestern picks and predictions

Prediction

Nebraska 29, Northwestern 13

Money line

Nebraska (-550) will set you back quite a few pints of Guinness, or 5 1/2 times your potential return. That’s too much risk for not much gold at the end of your betting rainbow.

While Northwestern (+400) would have to find several 4-leaf clovers on the grass at Aviva Stadium for some luck to pull off the miracle win, it’s best to PASS on the Huskers at this expensive price point.

Against the spread

Back NEBRASKA -13 (-108) laying the points against the beleaguered Northwestern +13 (-112) side.

The Huskers have a Power 5 quarterback under center, while the Wildcats have a lot of holes to fill. Look for the Huskers to get off to a good start, and watch for an early connection from Thompson and WR Omar Manning to set the tone early.

Over/Under

The UNDER 50.5 (-110) is worth playing. Both of these teams might have some jet lag with the long trip overseas.

The last time we saw a game played on Irish shores in 2016 at Aviva, Georgia Tech edged Boston College in a game which saw the Under easily cash.

With Northwestern’s lackluster offense, look for another Under to cash here.

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Big Ten Tournament: Northwestern vs. Iowa odds, picks and predictions

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

The No. 12 seed Northwestern Wildcats (15-15) will battle the fifth-seeded Iowa Hawkeyes (22-9) Thursday in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Northwestern vs. Iowa odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Iowa is 8-2 its last 10 games. The Hawkeyes finished 12-8 in the conference and 19-12 against the spread (ATS) overall. They are the top ATS team (19-12) in the Big Ten and are led by star F Keegan Murray, who averages 23.3 points per game. Iowa is ranked 23rd in the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Northwestern squeaked by Nebraska 71-69 in an opening-round game Wednesday. The Wildcats tied for 10th in the Big Ten with a 7-13 conference mark and were 13-15-1 ATS overall. Against ranked opponents, they are 3-4-1 ATS. Northwestern, which is on a two-game win streak, is led by 6-foot-10 F Pete Nance, who averages 14.7 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.

Northwestern vs. Iowa odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:09 a.m. ET.

Money line: Northwestern +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | Iowa -370 (bet $370 to win $100)
Against the spread: Northwestern +7.5 (-108) | Iowa -7.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 147.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Northwestern vs. Iowa odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Iowa 81, Northwestern 70

Money line

PASS.

Iowa is the superior team, but it’s March. Betting a -370 money line in March with the desperation found in some of these lower seeds just isn’t smart. Northwestern’s lone matchup against Iowa was a 21-point loss.

Against the spread

LEAN to IOWA -7.5 (-112).

Iowa has been a covering machine this season and already destroyed Northwestern. The Hawkeyes were 10.5-point home favorites in that 82-61 victory Feb 28.

Iowa is 14-10 ATS this season as a favorite. While Murray leads the show, Iowa has four players averaging double figures in points on a routine basis. That’s going to bode well over the course of a tournament.

Iowa is also 7-3 ATS with a rest advantage, which it will have here with Northwestern having to play in the first round Wednesday.

Lastly, Northwestern was just 9-11-1 ATS against conference opponents.

Over/Under

LEAN to the OVER 147.5 (-107).

Northwestern will put up more of a fight this time around, but there’s no reason to expect Iowa’s offense won’t be just as efficient.

Iowa put up 82 points the first time around which was actually below their 83.3 points per game average, which ranks fifth in the country. Iowa is 19-11-1 O/U this season.

Northwestern is 13-16 O/U this season and put up 71 against Nebraska in the opening round. If it can duplicate that, which should be possible against Iowa, which allows 71.0 points per game, the Over should be the better side of the total.

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Northwestern at Iowa odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Monday’s Northwestern at Iowa odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets in an AAC battle.

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The Northwestern Wildcats (13-14, 6-12 Big Ten) visit the Iowa Hawkeyes (20-8, 10-7) Monday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we look at the Northwestern vs. Iowa odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Wildcats are in freefall, losing four of the past five games to slip back under .500. Northwestern suffered a 67-60 loss at Penn State last time out Friday as the Under cashed for the fifth time in the past six games.

The Hawkeyes have posted three consecutive games and six of the past seven outings overall. Iowa has covered just two of the past five games at home.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Northwestern at Iowa odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:15 a.m. ET.

Money line: Northwestern +420 (bet $100 to win $420) | Iowa -600 (bet $600 to win $100)
Against the spread: Northwestern +9.5 (-102) | Iowa -9.5 (-122)
Over/Under (O/U): 151.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Northwestern at Iowa odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Iowa 78, Northwestern 71

Money line

Iowa (-600) is back on its home hardwood after an 88-78 win at Nebraska Friday. The Hawkeyes have won three of the past four at home, while going 13-0 SU in 13 games as a favorite of 9.5 or more points. However, you cannot risk six times your potential return, no matter how certain the result appears.

PASS.

Against the spread

NORTHWESTERN +9.5 (-102) is worth playing, as the Wildcats are 3-1 ATS in the past four instances as an underdog of eight or more points. Iowa -9.5 (-122) is a dangerous team with Keegan Murray leading the charge. However, the Hawkeyes are just 2-3 ATS in the past five as a favorite of 9 or more points.

Over/Under

The play is for the UNDER 151.5 (-108) here. For Northwestern, the Under has connected in five of the past six games overall, while going 4-0 in the past four as an underdog. For Iowa, the Over has been the rule lately, and it has a powerful offense. But Northwestern is not as good on offense, and will help keep the total Under.

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Northwestern at Ohio State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Northwestern Wildcats at Ohio State Buckeyes odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Northwestern Wildcats (8-4, 1-2 Big Ten) and No. 12 Ohio State Buckeyes (9-3, 3-1) clash Sunday for a Big Ten showdown in Columbus, Ohio. Tip-off from Value City Arena is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Northwestern vs. Ohio State odds and lines and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Northwestern is coming off back-to-back home losses and is visiting Columbus to mark its first road game since Dec. 5. The Wildcats have logged January losses to Michigan State and Penn State, both of which were decided by two or fewer possessions. Northwestern is 1-4 in games that have been decided by that close of a margin this season.

The Buckeyes faltered in a 67-51 loss at Indiana Thursday. Ohio State shot just 30.8% from the floor in having a five-game win streak snapped. OSU is 6-0 at home this season. Among those half-dozen wins is a 71-66 conquest of current No. 2 Duke Nov. 30.

Northwestern at Ohio State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:20 a.m. ET.

Money line: Northwestern +270 (bet $100 to win $270) | Ohio State -360 (bet $360 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Northwestern +7.5 (-108) | Ohio State -7.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 139.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Northwestern at Ohio State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Ohio State 75, Northwestern 67

Money line

PASS.

Against the spread

The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings between OSU and NU and the Buckeyes are 4-1 ATS in their last five games following an ATS loss.

Ohio State is back at home where it has registered impressive wins over Duke and Wisconsin. The Buckeyes are on a solid trend line overall, and they have an edge in athleticism in this one.

This game is a tough ask for a Wildcat team playing its first road game in over a month. NU takes care of the basketball, but look for OSU’s 3-point shooting to be enough of a difference-maker…just barely. BACK THE BUCKEYES -7.5 (-112).

Over/Under

OSU plays a slow-down style, but the Over is 8-4 across the Buckeyes’ 12 games and it’s 6-1 in the Ohio State’s last seven games as a favorite.

Buckeye three-pointers and trips to the foul line will add up to a cushion here, and this is likely the top play in this contest: TAKE THE OVER 139.5 (-115).

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Iowa at Northwestern odds, picks and prediction

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

The No. 16 Iowa Hawkeyes (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) and Northwestern Wildcats (3-5, 1-4) meet Saturday at Ryan Field in Evanston, Ill. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Iowa vs. Northwestern odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings according to the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

The Hawkeyes fell 27-7 at Wisconsin last week, a second consecutive setback and non-cover after a 6-0 SU/5-1 ATS start. The 27 points allowed were a season high, and Iowa has yielded 25.5 PPG across the past two while averaging just 7.0 PPG.

The Wildcats also enter on a two-game skid. They were outscored 74-21 in two games at Michigan and home to Minnesota during the span. They enter 0-2 ATS in the past two, and 2-6 ATS overall.

Iowa at Northwestern odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:29 a.m. ET.

Money line: Iowa -500 (bet $500 to win $100) | Northwestern +360 (bet $100 to win $360)
Against the spread (ATS): Iowa -11.5 (-110) | Northwestern +11.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 40.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Iowa at Northwestern odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Iowa 26, Northwestern 17

Money line

Iowa (-500) will cost you five times your potential return. That’s risky considering it’s on the road and in the midst of a two-game win streak. It’s also risky since the Hawkeyes have managed just 14 total points across the past two outings.

AVOID.

Against the spread

NORTHWESTERN +11.5 (-110) catching double digits at home is the play. The Wildcats have really struggled offensively this season, putting up just 19.0 PPG. But they’re decent defensively, and Iowa has had offensive issues of its own lately.

Look for the Hawkeyes to win, but the Wildcats to keep it within one score.

Over/Under

OVER 40.5 (-110) is the lean here, although don’t expect a track meet. Winds gusting 12-15 mph might wreak havoc on the kicking game, too. That’s always a concern in a tight game when playing the Over. I still expect a total in the 40’s as Iowa gets well against Northwestern.

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Northwestern at Michigan odds, picks and prediction

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

The Northwestern Wildcats (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten) and No. 6 Michigan Wolverines (6-0, 3-0) meet for a Saturday noon ET game at Michigan Stadium. Below, we look at the Northwestern vs. Michigan odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Northwestern is coming off a 21-7 victory over Rutgers. The Wildcats allowed a 97-yard touchdown drive early in the second quarter and almost nothing else in a contest that saw them hold the Scarlet Knights to 222 total yards. On the season, NU has struggled in finishing on drives. The Wildcats’ red-zone scoring percentage (68.2%) ranks 122nd in the nation.

The Wolverines are coming off a bye week after a three-point win (32-29) at Nebraska Oct. 9. Michigan covered a 2.5-point spread against the Cornhuskers and has gone 5-1 against the spread this season. UM has been stingy against both the run and the pass in holding foes to 15.5 points per game (eighth FBS).

Northwestern at Michigan odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 5:26 a.m. ET.

Money line: Northwestern +900 (bet $100 to win $900) | Michigan -2000 (bet $2,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Northwestern +23.5 (-110) | Michigan -23.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)

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Northwestern at Michigan odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Michigan 31, Northwestern 14

Money line

Peg the true odds as being sandwiched in the substantial middle area here: AVOID.

Against the spread

The Wildcats are 5-1 ATS against winning teams. The underdog is 4-1 over the last five Michigan-Northwestern contests.

With just the slightest fade to Michigan’s offense but with little faith in the Wildcats offense, BACK NORTHWESTERN +23.5 (-110). What faith there is in the visitors is invested in a passing game that may give Michigan defensive backs trouble.

Over/Under

The Under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings between these Big Ten crossover foes. Saturday may not offer up idea weather conditions for scoring in the Detroit area.

TAKE THE UNDER 50.5 (-105).

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Rutgers at Northwestern odds, picks and prediction

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

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-3, 0-3 Big Ten) and Northwestern Wildcats (2-3, 0-2) meet for a noon ET tussle Saturday at Ryan Field in Evanston, Ill. Below, we look at the Rutgers vs. Northwestern odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Rutgers is coming off a rough stretch against Big Ten undefeated Michigan, Ohio State and Michigan State. The RU defense has been solid: the Knights rank in the FBS top-50 in pass defense (yardage), and the team’s 366.8 yards allowed per game ranks a respectable 60th in the nation. Rutgers had three giveaways in a 52-13 loss to Ohio State but has otherwise had just two over the rest of its slate. That ball security has fed into a plus-5 in overall turnover margin.

The Wildcats are back at home after a bye week that came on the heels of a 56-7 loss at Nebraska. Northwestern allowed 657 total yards in that game, including 427 on the ground. On the season, NU ranks 126th in the nation in run defense (237.2 yards per game).

Rutgers at Northwestern odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:20 a.m. ET.

Money line: Rutgers -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Northwestern +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
Against the spread (ATS): Rutgers -2.5 (-107) | Northwestern +2.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 45.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Rutgers at Northwestern odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Rutgers 27, Northwestern 21

Money line

For a number of reasons — mainly that the analytics for these teams fall in the muddy middle in a lot of categories — this contest is one that’s tough to figure all around.

There is a bit more belief in Rutgers, especially if you toss the contest against a much more Ohio State Buckeyes squad from Oct. 2. And that’s the way the public has started to shade this one late in the week. But the Scarlet Knights coming off three tough, physical games and going on the road for a potentially sleepy early Saturday game does make for some skepticism.

PASS on the money line and look to leverage the 2.5 points against the spread.

Against the spread

Rutgers is 7-0 ATS in its last seven road games.

The Knights outgained Michigan, 352 yards to 275, in a game they lost, 20-13. Two weeks later at home against Michigan State, RU was undone by two explosive-play touchdowns in the second half. The Knights led that game, 14-13, midway through the second quarter.

A bit of marginal regression toward average in converting key third downs and red-zone opportunities would make for confirmation of a Big Ten East team on the rise.

BACK RUTGERS -2.5 (-107). Consider a partial-unit play here, as the lean is not a strong one.

Over/Under

Peg this one as having enough of a chance at a close-throughout contest, one that spirals the total into the high-40s or low 50s. Keep an eye on the forecast for a windy-by-the lake day in the Chicago area, but BACK THE OVER 45.5 (-107). Again, consider this one a very close call — a partial-unit play may be wise.

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Northwestern at Nebraska odds, picks and prediction

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

The Northwestern Wildcats (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) and Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-3, 0-2) clash in a Saturday night Big Ten West battle in Lincoln, Neb. Kickoff for the contest at Memorial Stadium is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Northwestern vs. Nebraska odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Northwestern is coming off a 35-6 home win over the Ohio Bobcats. The Wildcats piled up 7.3 yards per carry in bolting for 373 rushing yards in that game. For the season, NU has rushed for 214.0 yards per game and 5.1 YPC; both figures rank fourth in the Big Ten.

The Cornhuskers are coming off back-to-back one-score losses against ranked foes. Nebraska was undone 23-20 by then-No. 21 (AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports) Michigan State last week. The ‘Huskers outgained the Spartans, 440 yards to 254, in that game.

The Wildcats won last year’s meeting 21-13, battling back from a 13-7 halftime deficit in the process. Northwestern won four of the last six meetings between the two Big Ten West foes. The Cornhuskers lead the all-time series, 8-6.

Northwestern at Nebraska odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 11:10 a.m. ET.

Money line: Northwestern +340 (bet $100 to win $340) | Nebraska -475 (bet $475 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Northwestern +11.5 (-112) | Nebraska -11.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 51.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Northwestern at Nebraska odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Nebraska 31, Northwestern 17

Money line

PASS on the juice-obscured true odds in this play. Nebraska is the lean but not at a price heavier than -400.

Against the spread

The Cornhuskers are 5-0-1 ATS in their last six games following a straight-up loss.

Nebraska has outdistanced three of four foes in yardage by a wide margin. Its performance against a talent gap in the Sept. 18 loss at Oklahoma was a building block. Both Nebraska and Northwestern have been steady on defense and the ‘Huskers have displayed enough drive-efficiency upside to be worthy of a near-two-touchdown figure here.

TAKE NEBRASKA -11.5 (-108).

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Over/Under

Look for both teams to lean on the run and a moderate exchange of scoreless drives wouldn’t be a surprise either. Neither would some red-zone stalls.

It all spells decent value on the UNDER 51.5 (-107).

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Michigan State at Northwestern odds, picks and prediction

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

The Michigan State Spartans and Northwestern Wildcats meet Friday in the season opener for both teams at Ryan Field in Evanston, Ill. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Michigan State at Northwestern odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Spartans were able to trip up the Wildcats 29-20 last season in East Lansing, one of a few bright spots in an otherwise bleak first campaign for head coach Mel Tucker. Sparty has a pretty decent defense, but the offense will be breaking in a new quarterback and the run game should struggle, too.

The Wildcats turn to former Clemson recruit QB Hunter Johnson under center, and he has one of the top backs in college football to take the pressure off of him. RB Cam Porter has the chance to be one of the top tailbacks in the Big Ten, and OL Peter Skoronski is a star up front.

Michigan State at Northwestern odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:55 a.m. ET.

Money line: Michigan State +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Northwestern -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Michigan State +3.5 (-125) | Northwestern -3.5 (+102)
Over/Under (O/U): 46.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Michigan State at Northwestern odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Northwestern 26, Michigan State 17

Money line

NORTHWESTERN (-170) isn’t terribly expensive if you would like to just bet them straight up and avoid messing with the points.

The Wildcats, the defending West Division champs in the Big Ten, likely have had this game circled on the schedule for a long time. Not because it is the opener, but because they’re looking for revenge after a loss in East Lansing last season.

Against the spread

NORTHWESTERN -3.5 (+102) is worth a look laying the 3 and a hook, especially at plus-money. The Wildcats will have a very good rush attack and should be able to make noise against a Michigan State side which is very average. If the Wildcats grab the early lead, Sparty doesn’t quite have the pieces in place in the pass game to clap back.

Over/Under

The play is UNDER 46.5 (-110), even though a line in the 40s in this era of college football is rather low but Northwestern is old school, chewing up clock in the run game, while playing suffocating defense.

The lack of top-notch skill position players for Michigan State will make the Wildcats D look even better, too.

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