The writer picks Washington, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Penn State and Oregon to win this week’s six Big Ten matchups, after going 14–4 overall and .500 against the spread during nonconference play. Maryland–UCLA and Oregon–USC are projected as one-point games.
The projected scores are Washington 27–20 Minnesota, Indiana 38–20 Northwestern, Maryland 31–30 UCLA, Michigan 20–17 Iowa, Penn State 28–13 Wisconsin and Oregon 34–33 USC. The writer’s Washington pick depends in part on limiting Minnesota’s offense and finishing drives; Wisconsin is expected to struggle to move the ball against Penn State.
The analysis notes Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover’s 10 touchdowns and no interceptions, and UCLA’s 2,300-mile trip to Maryland. The writer calls Oregon–USC hard to predict, citing Oregon’s defensive struggles and concerns about USC’s defense.
