Maryland vs Indiana (-7)
New head coach Curt Cignatti has made an impactful start at Indiana leading the Hoosiers to a
4-0 start. The offense is putting up big numbers, over 50 points a game, fifth best in the nation.
The defense, just as stellar, allowed an average of 9 points, 7th best in the country. Before we
get carried away, Indiana has had the third easiest schedule, beating some weak teams. Still,
the Hoosiers are getting it done with 6th-year senior Kurtis Rourke who has completed 75% of
his passes, thrown for over 1,000 yards and has 8 TD’s with no interceptions. Indiana hasn’t
turned the ball over once and has seven takeaways. Maryland is 3-1 with the lone loss coming
at home against Michigan State. The Terps are putting up 453 yards of offense a game, but the
Hoosiers will be too much on this day.
THE PICK: Indiana -7
No. 19 Illinois (+17.5) vs No. 9 Penn State
Penn State opens conference play while Illinois comes off an upset win in Nebraska as a 9 point
underdog. Both teams are undefeated but the Fighting Illini have had the harder path beating
Kansas and the Cornhuskers. Illinois has unheralded Luke Altmyer at the helm and he’s shown
he can play throwing for 862 yards, 10 touchdowns and no interceptions while completing 71%
of his throws. Penn State has dominated this series at Happy Valley going 8-2 SU but covered
just in three of games vs Illinois. The Nittany Lions will likely prevail here but this just seems like
too many points.
THE PICK: Illinois +17.5
Notre Dame Fighting Irish -5 (-110) over Louisville Cardinals
After a devastating loss to Northern Illinois in Week 3, The Fighting Irish know they have zero
margin of error if they want to make the playoffs. And that also means they have to handily
defeat their opponents. Notre Dame’s defense is one of the best in the nation allowing just 39
total points in four games. It’s a big step up in class for Louisville despite putting up big scores
on weaker competition. Last week against Georgia Tech they gave up 410 yards, converted just
2 of 9 third down opportunities, committed 7 penalties, and averaged just 2.6 yards a carry, yet
they won and somehow covered. Notre Dame is much stronger, and determined. This line
could creep up to a touchdown by kickoff. Take the Fighting Irish.
THE PICK: Notre Dame -5.5
Washington vs Rutgers (-2.5, U44)
With a rematch of last year's National Championship game on the horizon, could the Huskies
overlook Rutgers as they await the Wolverines at home next week? They are on the road for
the first time this season and come off a game where they looked really good. The concern here
is the travel, flying coast to coast isn’t easy and playing Friday, instead of Saturday doesn’t help.
Both defenses are strong but let’s lean towards the home team and the under.