Tag: Northwestern Wildcats betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Iowa at Northwestern odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Iowa Hawkeyes at Northwestern Wildcats sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks, tips and predictions.

The No. 8 Iowa Hawkeyes (11-2 overall, 5-1 Big Ten) visit the Northwestern Wildcats (6-5, 3-4) Sunday for a noon ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the Iowa-Northwestern college basketball betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

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

Iowa at Northwestern: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:50 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Iowa -600 (bet $600 to win $100) | Northwestern +425 (bet $100 to win $425)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Iowa -10.5 (-105) | Northwestern +10.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 159.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Iowa at Northwestern: Three things to know

  1. Iowa beat Northwestern 87-72 as an 11.5-point home favorite Dec. 29. Leading 63-60 with 10:41 to go, the Hawkeyes went on a 13-2 run and the Wildcats trailed by double-digits the rest of the way. Senior G Jordan Bohannon hit three of his six 3-pointers in the final 6:14 – he sank five second-half 3’s – and finished with a game-high 24 points for the Hawkeyes.
  2. Iowa enters on a four-game win streak, last playing Jan. 10 when it beat visiting Minnesota 86-71 as a 10.5-point favorite. Thursday’s home game vs. Michigan State was postponed due to COVID-19 issues in the MSU program. Senior C Luka Garza is second in the country with 27.6 points per game and averages a team-best 8.6 rebounds per game.
  3. Northwestern has dropped four in a row and went 0-4 ATS after opening the season 6-1 overall and 3-0 in Big Ten play. The slide started with the Dec. 29 setback to Iowa, followed by losses at currently-No. 8 Michigan (85-66 Jan. 3), at home to now-No. 13 Illinois (81-56 Jan. 7) and at Ohio State (81-71 Wednesday). Junior F Pete Nance, son of former NBA star Larry Nance Sr., scored a career-high 21 points in the loss at Iowa and averages 11.5 PPG and 5.7 rebounds per game. Junior F Miller Kopp leads the Wildcats at 14.0 PPG.

Special College Basketball Betting Promotion!

Bet $1 on any college basketball team money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer today. Promotion available in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV. IA and PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM‘s risk-free, first-bet offer! MI residents, BetMGM is coming to your state soon – register early for special promotion.

Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Iowa at Northwestern: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Iowa 84, Northwestern 70

Money line (ML)

PASS. The Hawkeyes will sweep the season series, but the -600 price is way too high.

Against the spread (ATS)

IOWA -10.5 (-105) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager. Northwestern lost its last four games by an average of 17.3 PPG. Iowa, which has won its last four contests by 13.5 PPG, will be the best team the ‘Cats face this season.

The Hawkeyes have won the last five in the head-to-head series and went 4-1 ATS.

ATS: Iowa 9-4 | Northwestern 5-5

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 159.5 (-110) is the way to go. While the Hawkeyes rank third in the nation in scoring with 91.9 PPG, their average drops to 84.0 in conference play. The Wildcats average 78.4 PPG, but they’re only scoring 69.9 PPG in Big Ten action.

Another reason I like the Under: Iowa is 1-3 vs. the O/U in its last four games.

O/U records: Iowa 9-4 | Northwestern 6-4

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Johnny’s 2020-21 CBK record / Strongest plays 31-26 / 12-16
CBK record since Jan. 1 / Strongest plays 16-9 / 7-6
2021 overall record (all sports) / Strongest plays 26-14 / 13-8
2020 overall record (all sports) / Strongest plays 178-147-4 / 87-61-1

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

Illinois at Northwestern odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Illinois Fighting Illini at Northwestern Wildcats sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Illinois Fighting Illini (8-3 overall, 4-1 Big Ten) travel upstate for a Thursday night battle against the Northwestern Wildcats (6-3, 3-2). The all-Illinois tilt at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston is slated for a 9 p.m. ET tip. Below, we analyze the Illinois-Northwestern college basketball betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Illinois is No. 12 in the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Illinois at Northwestern: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated 12:20 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Illinois -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Northwestern +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Illinois -6.5 (-110) | Northwestern +6.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 148.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Illinois at Northwestern: Three things to know

  1. Northwestern dropped out of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll after losing games at Iowa and Michigan last week. NU was out-rebounded in both of those losses and has now been outdone on the boards in all five of its Big Ten games. The Wildcats are an above-average team on the defensive glass, but offensive rebounding analytics peg Northwestern as a bottom-50 team.
  2. Illinois swept two games from NU last season (75-71 at home, 74-66 in Evanston) and has won four in a row against the Wildcats (all four decided by 8 or fewer points). Against the spread, the Illini are 9-1-1 in 11 head-to-head games since 2015. Six-foot-5 G Ayo Dosunmu averaged 18.0 points and 5.0 assists per game in last season’s UI wins over Northwestern. Dosunmu leads this year’s team in scoring, at 23.0 points per game.
  3. The Illini are shooting 41.8% from 3-point range this season. That mark ranks eighth in the nation. The Wildcats rank right behind at 41.1%, good for 11th. Threes account for a larger portion of the NU offense, as the Wildcats attempt 23.2 triples per game, 5.5 more than Illinois.

Special College Basketball Betting Promotion!

Bet $1 on any college basketball team money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer today. Promotion available in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV. IA and PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM‘s risk-free, first-bet offer! MI residents, BetMGM is coming to your state soon — register early for special promotion.

Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Illinois at Northwestern: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Illinois 82, Northwestern 71

Money line (ML)

Illinois is the hard lean, but the -300 price here is exorbitant. STEER CLEAR.

Against the spread (ATS)

Illinois was sharp in its last road game, a 98-81 win at Penn State Dec. 23. Two road games back was a disappointment at Rutgers with a 91-88 loss Dec. 20. UI led most of the way but was uncharacteristically shaky on the defensive glass and was outscored 25-11 at the free-throw line.

Peg this one as a possibility for getting away from Northwestern if 3s don’t fall.

BACK THE ILLINI -6.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

THE OVER 148.5 (-110) IS A STRONG PLAY.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

Northwestern at Michigan odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Wolverines sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks, tips and predictions.

In a Top 25 battle, the 22nd-ranked Northwestern Wildcats (6-2 overall, 3-1 Big Ten) visit the No. 15 Michigan Wolverines (8-0, 3-0) Sunday for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip. Below, we analyze the Northwestern-Michigan college basketball betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Northwestern at Michigan: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:05 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Northwestern +300 (bet $100 to win $300) | Michigan -400 (bet $400 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Northwestern +8.5 (-120) | Michigan -8.5 (+100)
  • Over/Under: 144.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Northwestern at Michigan: Three things to know

  1. Northwestern suffered its first Big Ten loss of the season with an 87-72 setback at No. 11 Iowa Tuesday as an 11-point underdog. Wildcats junior F Pete Nance scored 17 of his career-high 21 points in the first half as NU trailed 45-36 at the break. The ‘Cats cut the deficit to 63-60 with 10:41 to go, but the Hawkeyes closed with a 24-12 run. Junior F Miller Kopp’s 14.6 points per game lead four Wildcats in double-figure scoring.
  2. Michigan is the only remaining undefeated team in the Big Ten, a conference that boasts 9 programs in the Top 25 of the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll. The Wolverines have won the last 3 in their head-to-head series vs. the Wildcats, the most recent being a 79-54 rout on the road as 5.5-point favorites Feb. 12.
  3. The Wolverines are coming off back-to-back road victories at Nebraska (80-69 Dec. 25) and at Maryland (84-73 Thursday). Freshman C Hunter Dickinson, Michigan’s leading scorer at 16.6 PPG, tallied 26 points on 10-for-11 shooting with 11 rebounds in the Nebraska win. The Wolverines trailed 54-50 with 15:05 to go before Dickinson scored 9 points in a 23-5 run as Michigan pulled away.

Special College Basketball Betting Promotion!

Bet $1 on any college basketball team money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer today. Promotion available in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV. PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM‘s risk-free, first-bet offer! MI residents, BetMGM is coming to your state soon – register early for special promotion.

Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Northwestern at Michigan: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Michigan 83, Northwestern 72

Money line (ML)

PASS. Northwestern has lost its last nine at Michigan, but the Wolverines’ -400 price is too chalky and not worth the risk.

Against the spread (ATS)

The play is MICHIGAN -8.5 (+100). Northwestern has two impressive home wins vs. then-No. 4 Michigan State and then-No. 23 Ohio State, but Iowa exposed the ‘Cats when they hit the road vs. a very good team. The Wolverines have quietly opened 8-0 overall and have covered 5 of their last six games. They’re a very good team.

ATS records: Northwestern 5-2 | Michigan 6-2

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 144.5 is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager. Northwestern averages 83.6 PPG, just a tad bit more than Michigan’s 82.3 PPG. In Big Ten games only, the ‘Cats average 74.0 PPG and the Wolverines are scoring 75.3 PPG. If they stick with their averages, this one finishes above 150.

O/U records: Northwestern 4-3 | Illinois 5-3

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Johnny’s 2020-21 CBK record / Strongest plays 17-17 / 6-10
2019-20 CBK record / Strongest plays 5-3 / 5-0
2021 overall record (all sports) / Strongest plays 8-2 / 4-1
2020 overall record (all sports) / Strongest plays 178-147-4 / 87-61-1

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

Citrus Bowl: Auburn vs. Northwestern odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Auburn Tigers vs. Northwestern Wildcats Citrus Bowl sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Auburn Tigers (6-4) will lock horns with the Northwestern Wildcats (6-2) Friday in the VRBO Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff. Below, we analyze the Auburn-Northwestern college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Northwestern is ranked No. 17 in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Auburn vs. Northwestern: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:37 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Auburn +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Northwestern -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Auburn +4 (-110) | Northwestern -4 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 43.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Auburn vs. Northwestern: Three things to know

  1. Northwestern ranks fifth in scoring defense, allowing just 15.5 points per game. The Wildcats are coming off a grinder of a Big Ten Championship Game, a 22-10 loss to Ohio State Dec. 19. The 22 points allowed marked NU’s second-most in a game this season – it allowed 29 in a nine-point loss at Michigan State Nov. 28).
  2. Auburn last played Dec. 12, a 24-10 win at Mississippi State. The day after, the Tigers fired head coach Gus Malzahn and hired Boise State head coach Bryan Harsin. Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will serve as interim head coach vs. Northwestern.
  3. Auburn freshman RB Tank Bigsby could prove to be a big key against an NU defense, which was torched for 399 rushing yards (9.1 yards per carry) by Ohio State. Bigsby is coming off a 26-carry, 192-yard performance against Mississippi State. On the season, he’s rushed for 834 yards on 138 carries (6.0 yards per attempt). But Bigsby is also a feature name on a crowded midweek injury report (undisclosed-questionable). His status is one worth tracking down to the wire.

Get some action on this game or any other matchup with a legal, online bet at BetMGM in CO, IN, NJ, PA, TN and WV. Risk-free first bet up to $500, paid in free bets. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Auburn vs. Northwestern: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Northwestern 20, Auburn 14

Money line (ML)

A lot of jobs will be auditioned for the changing-of-the-guard Tigers. But a lot of bodies could also be on the shelf for this one – and on both sides. PASS.

Against the spread (ATS)

The Tigers are 0-4 ATS against winning teams. The Wildcats are 4-0 ATS in such situations.

The Northwestern defense does a tremendous job of keeping offenses off schedule and then forcing turnovers. On what figures as breezy day in Central Florida, look for more of the same against an Auburn offense which hasn’t had answers and is ready to move forward with new answers and new personnel.

Take NORTHWESTERN -4 (-110) but perhaps as a partial-unit play on a light-to-moderate lean.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is 7-1 in NU’s eight games … and 5-0 in follow-up games after AU straight-up wins.

That’s the lean in a game with quite a few understudies manning the controls. Take the UNDER 43.5 (-105).

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Northwestern at Iowa odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Northwestern Wildcats at Iowa Hawkeyes sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks, tips and predictions.

The No. 22 Northwestern Wildcats (6-1 overall, 3-0 Big Ten) visit the 11th-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes (7-2, 1-1) Tuesday for a 9 p.m. ET tip. Below, we analyze the Northwestern-Iowa college basketball betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Rankings courtesy of USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll.

Northwestern at Iowa: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:40 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Northwestern +500 (bet $100 to win $500) | Iowa -700 (bet $700 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Northwestern +11.5 (-115) | Iowa -11.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under: 158.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Northwestern at Iowa: Three things to know

  1. Northwestern has been a huge surprise in the early part of the season. The Wildcats enter on a 4-game win streak, including three consecutive Big Ten upsets: 79-65 as 7.5-point home underdogs vs. then-No. 4 Michigan State (Dec. 20), 74-67 as 9-point dogs at Indiana (Dec. 23) and 71-70 as 2.5-point dogs vs. No. 20 Ohio State (Saturday). Junior F Miller Kopp and sophomore G Boo Buie lead the Wildcats in scoring with 15.1 and 14.4 points per game, respectively. Junior F Pete Nance, whose father is former NBA star Larry Nance, leads the team in rebounding with 6.9 rebounds per game while adding 10.6 PPG.
  2. Iowa is coming off a 102-95 overtime loss as a 6.5-point favorite at Minnesota on Christmas Day. Senior C Luka Garza, who leads the country with 28.8 PPG, scored a game-high 32 points with a season-best 17 rebounds in the defeat. Sophomore G CJ Fredrick added 23 points, including a 5-for-6 performance from 3-point land. It was the Hawkeyes’ second loss in their last three games, and they dropped six spots in the rankings.
  3. Iowa has won the last four meetings vs. Northwestern and is 6-1 in the last seven in the series. In the most recent matchup, Garza netted a game-high 27 points on 10-for-14 shooting to lead Iowa to a 75-62 road win Jan. 14.

Special College Basketball Betting Promotion!

Bet $1 on any college basketball team money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer today. Promotion available in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV. PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM‘s risk-free, first-bet offer! MI residents, BetMGM is coming to your state soon — register early for special promotion.

Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Northwestern at Iowa: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Iowa 84, Northwestern 77

Money line (ML)

PASS. Betting on Iowa (-700) requires risking 7 times your potential return. That’s not smart gambling. At +500, Northwestern is very tempting. I wouldn’t blame anyone – or laugh at them – for giving it a shot since the ‘Cats are hot and it pays 5-to-1, but I don’t see the Hawkeyes losing after just getting beat in Minneapolis.

Against the spread (ATS)

NORTHWESTERN +11.5 (-115) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager. The Wildcats are the Big Ten basketball version of the 2020 Indiana Hoosiers football team, which went 7-0 ATS during the regular season. Everyone expects them to eventually start losing, but it just doesn’t happen.

Don’t be alarmed if the Wildcats find themselves facing a large deficit but claw their way back and at least cover the double-digit spread.

ATS records: Northwestern 5-1 | Iowa 6-3

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the OVER 158.5 (-110) for HALF YOUR USUAL WAGER. The Hawkeyes rank second in the country at 95.1 PPG, but more importantly, they’re allowing 74.1 PPG, which ranks 249th. Iowa’s disappointing defense has been exposed in losses to Gonzaga (99-88 Dec. 19) and recently to Minnesota.

O/U records: Northwestern 4-2 | Iowa 8-1

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Johnny’s 2020 CBK record / Strongest plays 11-17 / 4-9
2019-20 CBK record / Strongest plays 5-3 / 5-0
2020 overall record (all sports) 174-145-4
Strongest plays (all sports) 86-59-1

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

Ohio State at Northwestern odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Ohio State Buckeyes at Northwestern Wildcats sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Ohio State Buckeyes (7-1, 1-1 Big Ten) visit the Northwestern Wildcats (5-1, 2-0) Saturday for a 2 p.m. ET tip at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Ill. Below, we analyze the Ohio State-Northwestern college basketball betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Ohio State at Northwestern: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 1:55 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Ohio State -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Northwestern +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Ohio State -2.5 (-105) | Northwestern +2.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 141.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Ohio State at Northwestern: Three things to know

  1. The Buckeyes bounced back from a loss at Purdue with a neutral-site victory over UCLA and a convincing 80-68 win over Rutgers last time out at Value City Arena as three-point favorites. It’s the first time this season the Buckeyes have covered consecutive games.
  2. Ohio State and Northwestern played just once last season, with the Buckeyes coming away with a 71-59 win in Evanston as 6.5-point favorites as the Under (132) connected. They’re 3-1 SU/ATS across the past four meetings with the Wildcats, too.
  3. Northwestern ranks 22nd in the nation with 87.7 PPG, and they’re eighth in the country hitting 3-pointers at a 42.7 percent clip. Defensively they’re very good, too, allowing just 61.0 PPG, and holding the opponent to a 36.7 field-goal percentage, 21st in the nation.

Special College Basketball Betting Promotion!

Bet $1 on any college basketball team money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer today. Place your legal, online college basketball bets online in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV at BetMGM.

New customer offer, terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Ohio State at Northwestern: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Northwestern 72, Ohio State 69

Money line (ML)

NORTHWESTERN (+115) is a sharp play as short ‘dogs at home. They have split the past two at Welsh-Ryan Arena against Ohio State (-140), and if they’re hitting their triples on a consistent basis they’re a danger to beat anyone in the land.

Against the spread (ATS)

NORTHWESTERN +2.5 (-115) rolls in with a lot of confidence after dropping Indiana and Michigan State in the past two outings. The win in Bloomington against the Hoosiers came as nine-point underdogs, and the win over Sparty came on this floor as 7.5-point ‘dogs. Dating back to last season Northwestern is 4-1 SU/ATS as an underdog in regular-season play.

Over/Under (O/U)

The O/U 141.5 will be too close to call here. My lean would be to play the Under ever so slightly, but the best bet is to just stay away completely. PASS.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

Northwestern at Indiana odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Wednesday’s Northwestern Wildcats at Indiana Hoosiers sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Northwestern Wildcats (4-1, 1-0 Big Ten) visit the Indiana Hoosiers (5-2, 0-0) Wednesday for an 8:30 p.m. tip at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind. Below, we analyze the Northwestern-Indiana college basketball betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Northwestern at Indiana: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:07 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Northwestern +333 (bet $100 to win $333) | Indiana -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Northwestern +8.5 (-110) | Indiana -8.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 138.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Northwestern at Indiana: Three things to know

  1. The Wildcats are coming off an impressive 79-65 win over then-No. 4 Michigan State Sunday, easing the pain for Northwestern fans and alumni after the football team’s loss in the Big Ten Championship Game. The basketball Wildcats are 4-1 SU/3-1 ATS, with only a one-point loss (71-70) to Pittsburgh Dec. 9 as the lone setback.
  2. Indiana pushed past in-state rival Butler 68-60 in Indianapolis, narrowly covering a 7.5-point number Saturday. The Hoosiers have covered four in a row, and six of seven, while hitting the Under in each of the past three, and five of six. Indiana has also covered four of the past five at home.
  3. Northwestern ranks 13th in the country with 90.4 PPG, and ranks fifth with a 43.5% behind the 3-point line. Defensively the Wildcats are holding the opposition to just a 34.8 field-goal percentage. Indiana’s offense has been so-so, posting just 73.3 PPG, while allowing only 61.0 PPG to rank 34th.

Special College Basketball Betting Promotion!

Bet $1 on any college basketball team money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer today. Place your legal, online college basketball bets online in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV at BetMGM.

New customer offer, terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Northwestern at Indiana: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Indiana 71, Northwestern 66

Money line (ML)

Indiana (-450) is a good bet to win outright at home, but not if you have to risk four and a half times your potential return. That’s a poor long-term betting strategy. PASS.

Against the spread (ATS)

NORTHWESTERN +8.5 (-110) should be able to keep Indiana within hailing distance. The ‘Cats have a high-octane offense which could give the Hoosiers fits, although in the end, the home side will come out on top. Indiana topped Northwestern in the only meeting last season, winning 66-62 as a 13-point favorite Jan. 8.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 138.5 (-105) should hang on, although you should bet this one very, very lightly. The Under is 12-2 in Indiana’s past 14 following a straight-up win, and 6-0 in the past six following a cover. The Under is also 4-1 in the past five against winning teams. For Northwestern, the Under has hit in five of the past six against winning sides.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

Big Ten Championship Game: Northwestern vs. Ohio State odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Big Ten Championship Game between the Northwestern Wildcats and Ohio State Buckeyes, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Northwestern Wildcats (6-1) will clash with the Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0) in the Big Ten Championship Game Saturday at noon ET. The contest between the East Division champion Buckeyes and West Division champion Wildcats will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. Below, we analyze the Northwestern-Ohio State college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Ohio State is No. 4 in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. Northwestern is ranked No. 14.

Northwestern vs. Ohio State: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 8:15 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Northwestern +680 (bet $100 to win $680) | Ohio State -1100 (bet $1,100 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Northwestern +20 (-105) | Ohio State -20 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 56.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Northwestern vs. Ohio State: Three things to know

  1. The Wildcats’ 14.6 points per game allowed is a stingy total ranking second in the nation. In yardage measures, Northwestern ranks 21st in FBS against both the run (121.9 yards per game) and the pass (192.0 YPG).
  2. Ohio State’s 46.6 PPG on offense ranks fourth in the nation. OSU’s ground game (251.0 YPG) ranks seventh. The Buckeyes’ 281.4 passing yards per game rank 24th. QB Justin Fields has thrown 56 touchdown passes in his 19-game Ohio State career. He has also scored 15 rushing TDs with OSU.
  3. OSU and NU also met in the Big Ten title game two years ago (Dec. 1, 2018). The Buckeyes won that game 45-24. The Bucks and ‘Cats met in the 2019 regular season in Evanston, Ill., with OSU winning 52-3.

Special Big Ten Betting Promotion!

Bet $1 on ANY Big Ten team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY BIG TEN team scores a touchdown this week! Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV at BetMGM, The King of Sportsbooks.

New customer offer, terms and conditions apply. Bet now at BetMGM!

Northwestern vs. Ohio State: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Ohio State 48, Northwestern 17

Money line (ML)

Peg the true odds on both sides as being well-bracketed by a wide berth in these figures. PASS.

Against the spread (ATS)

The Buckeyes may still be dealing with some COVID-19 player unavailability, but the talent on the field can still dominate in every phase of the game. OSU’s stutter-start-and-stop schedule of late is a bit of a concern, especially for the passing game, but the way the Bucks handled their Michigan State game (52-12 road win two weeks back) chips away at that concern adequately.

Northwestern has been dinged by running quarterbacks, and Fields will be the best the Wildcats have seen by a healthy measure. Look for a drop-seven-or-eight style to challenge the Ohio State passing game, especially in the red zone. Ultimately, expect a tremendously efficient OSU offense to get its points.

Figure on healthy respect between the head coaches and maybe a sluggish afternoon for Buckeyes running backs factoring into some four-score game-control stuttering but THERE IS CERTAINLY VALUE IN OHIO STATE -20 (-115).

Over/Under (O/U)

There is a lot of defensive talent on both sides in this one. What wins out in the lean on the total is the 70-degree living-room climate, the speed carpet, and the modern game in general. BACK THE OVER 56.5 (-110).

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Illinois at Northwestern odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Illinois Fighting Illini at Northwestern Wildcats sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Illinois Fighting Illini (2-4 overall, 2-4 Big Ten) stop by Ryan Field Saturday to visit the No. 14 Northwestern Wildcats (5-1, 5-1) for the Land of Lincoln Trophy at noon ET. Below, we analyze the Illinois-Northwestern college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

The Wildcats are No. 14 in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Illinois at Northwestern: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 2:39 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Illinois +425 (bet $100 to win $425) | Northwestern -600 (bet $600 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Illinois +14.5 (-125) | Northwestern -14.5 (+105)
  • Over/Under: 40 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Illinois at Northwestern: Three things to know

  1. Northwestern had an impromptu bye last week because its scheduled game against Minnesota was canceled due to COVID-19 complications within the Golden Gophers program. The Wildcats suffered their first loss (outright and ATS) as 13.5-point road favorites at Michigan State Nov. 28.
  2. Illinois opened last week’s game vs. Iowa with a 14-0 lead before giving up 35 unanswered points in a 35-21 loss. The Fighting Illini were unable to cover as 13.5-point underdogs and the loss snapped a two-game win streak.
  3. Despite not playing last week, Northwestern clinched the Big Ten West Division title and a berth in the Big Ten Championship. It’s the Wildcats’ second division title in the past three seasons.

Special Big Ten Betting Promotion!

Bet $1 on ANY Big Ten team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY BIG TEN team scores a touchdown this week!

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV at BetMGM, The King of Sportsbooks. New customer offer, terms and conditions apply. Bet now at BetMGM!

Illinois at Northwestern: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Northwestern 19, Illinois 17

Money line (ML)

Northwestern has won five consecutive Land of Lincoln trophies and it will most likely be a sixth this weekend. However (spoiler alert), I’m on the Fighting Illini plus the points. So, if anything, I’d lean Illinois (+425) for a quarter-unit. Officially, I’ll PASS and hit the spread.

Against the spread (ATS)

GIMME ILLINOIS +14.5 (-125) for 1.5 units.

First, it’s insane to lay more than two touchdowns with a Northwestern team that has nothing to play for and a terrible offense. The Wildcats are 121st in yards per play, 115th in yards per rush and 89th in points per game.

Second, the market is hitting Illinois, hence the vig, and more money is wagered on the Fighting Illini, while more bets are placed on the ‘Cats, according to Pregame.com. The money is the sharp side of the market usually.

Finally, the projected total of Illinois-Northwestern is very low. If there isn’t going to be a lot of points scored, why wouldn’t I take a double-digit cushion?

Over/Under (O/U)

The total is so low because there’s inclement weather in the forecast in Evanston, Ill. As of this publishing, there’s a 90% chance of rain, 21 MPH winds and temps expected to be in the lower 40s Saturday.

Both these teams love to run the ball. Illinois is 29th in rushes per game and 17th rush play percentage, while Northwestern is 31st in rushers per game. Also, the reason Northwestern is such a heavy favorite is that its defense is one of the country’s best units.

I only lean UNDER 40 (-110) for a half-unit because it’s a dangerously low total. Any defensive touchdown or special teams lapse could push this game Over.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Northwestern at Michigan State odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan State Spartans odds, picks and prediction sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Northwestern Wildcats (5-0 overall, 5-1 Big Ten) visit the Michigan State Spartans (1-3, 1-3) Saturday for a Big Ten matchup in Spartan Stadium at 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Northwestern-Michigan State college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

The Wildcats are No. 13 in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Northwestern at Michigan State: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 8:37 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Northwestern -556 (bet $556 to win $100) | Michigan State +400 (bet $100 to win $400)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Northwestern -13.5 (-106) | Michigan State +13.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 41.5 (O: -106 | U: -115)

Northwestern at Michigan State: Three things to know

  1. Northwestern earned one of the biggest victories in program history with an upset of then-No. 12 ranked Wisconsin 17-7 at home last week. The Wildcats closed as 7-point underdogs at kickoff.
  2. Michigan State’s previous game with Maryland was canceled due to a COVID outbreak in the Terrapins program. The week before, the Spartans were shut out 24-0 at home against Indiana Nov. 14.
  3. The Wildcats are hoping to avenge last season’s 31-10 loss at home to the Spartans. Northwestern won the previous two meetings and has covered three of its past four games against Michigan State.

Special Big Ten Betting Promotion!

Bet $1 on ANY Big Ten team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY BIG TEN team scores a touchdown this week!

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV at BetMGM, The King of Sportsbooks. New customer offer, terms and conditions apply. Bet now at BetMGM!

Northwestern at Michigan State: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Northwestern 26, Michigan State 10

Money line (ML)

This is the ultimate strength on weakness matchup with Northwestern’s elite defense going against a trash Michigan State offense. Northwestern is 2nd in the country in opponent’s points per play, 13th in opponent’s yards per game and 8th in opponent’s third-down conversion percentage.

Michigan State is 124th in points per play, 113th in yards per game and 96th in third-down conversion percentage. The Spartans are 123rd out of 127 charted teams in havoc allowed and Northwestern’s defense is 31st in havoc created.

It would be very unfortunate if Northwestern had its Big Ten title game hopes jeopardized by losing its first game to an inferior Michigan State team.

PASS ON THE MONEY LINE.

Against the spread (ATS)

I loathe the idea of laying close to two touchdowns on the road in a conference game. But since 2016, Northwestern has the best ATS record in the Big Ten (31-23-3), the best ATS record against conference opponents (27-13-2) and is 4-2-1 in games where it is a road favorite.

It’s hard to argue that the backdoor cover is open for a Michigan State team that’s scored a combined 7 points in its previous two games, both against teams that don’t have Northwestern’s defense.

According to Pregame.com, 94% of the money and 78% of the bets placed are on the Wildcats, which moved the number from a 10.5-point line to the current price.

I’ll roll with the sharps and public and TAKE NORTHWESTERN -13.5 (-106) for 1 unit.

Over/Under (O/U)

Northwestern’s 0-5 Over/Under record is so Northwestern. Since 2016, the Wildcats have the 4th-highest Under percentage in the nation and have a 17-24-1 O/U record against Big Ten teams.

The one caveat in this handicap is that Michigan State is minus-9 in turnover differential and it could give Northwestern points. However, the Under is being steamed because the market knows how this game should typically play out.

GIMME UNDER 41.5 (-115) for 1 unit.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional college football coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]