Simulation Picks
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
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Expert Picks
Given Pat Fitzgerald's record as an underdog, particularly in conference games, it's hard to go against the Cats getting so many points. At the same time, Ohio State is so much better that it's scary to go against them here. Either Ohio State blows Northwestern out, or Northwestern makes this a lot closer than anyone anticipated. There is no in between, but neither scenario features a lot of points. Ohio State might win 42-7. It might win 24-17. Either way, it's staying Under.
Ohio State has the look of a team that is ready to make a serious run at the national championship. Normally, this is the type of game that can give a team like the Buckeyes trouble. Their game against Michigan State -- and how flat they were initially -- was the wake-up call they needed to regain focus. The Buckeyes' focus, combined with Northwestern's inconsistency on offense, should make this one an easy one for Ohio State. Lay the points with the Buckeyes.
This is a classic trap game for Ohio State. The Big Ten Game of the Year, against No. 6 Wisconsin, looms eight days after the Buckeyes take on Northwestern. And even if Friday's game against the Wildcats gets out of hand, don't expect Ohio State, with the Badgers on deck, to extend its starters deep into the fourth quarter, giving Northwestern a chance at a backdoor cover. Even though the Wildcats have lost three straight games, the defense has been solid. My model says Northwestern covers in almost 70 percent of simulations, so you're getting good value at this point spread.