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McMaster’s Big Ten Football Pick’em: Week 12

Posted on by Pranco
McMaster’s Big Ten Football Pick’em: Week 12

From the heart of the Big Ten Conference in Chicago, HuskerMax’s self-proclaimed “Big Ten expert” Matt McMaster gives his picks against the spread.

Point spread via ESPN.

Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr (2) runs with the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions.

November 9, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr (2) runs with the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State won 35-6. / Matthew O’Haren-Imagn images

UCLA @ Washington (-4.5)

This is a cheat. It’s one of those feel-it-in-your-bones type games. You would think that with UCLA riding a huge wave after back-to-back wins and the Washington Huskies coming off a horrible loss to Penn State, this line would be more favored against the Bruins. The fact that the Huskies are giving up more than a field goal makes this line feel like a trap I won’t fall into.

The choice: Washington (-4.5)

Caden Curry (92) of Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after deflecting the punt in the first half at Ohio Stadium.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Caden Curry (92) celebrates after deflecting the punt in the first half at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 9, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. / Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ohio State @ Northwestern (+29)

I’m shocked this limit isn’t higher. OSU scored more than 35 points last week against a Purdue team that nearly beat the Wildcats a few weeks ago. I know this game is labeled as an away game for the Buckeyes. But with the venue being moved from the low-capacity Northwestern lakefront stadium to historic Wrigley Field, I expect it will be a more favorable crowd for OSU.

The pick: OSU -29

Illinois Fighting Illini running back Josh McCray (6) runs for a touchdown during the first half against Minnesota.

November 2, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Josh McCray (6) runs for a touchdown during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Memorial Stadium. / Ron Johnson-Imagn images

Michigan State @ Illinois (-2.5)

Michigan State’s play falls squarely on the shoulders of sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles. When Chiles is at his best, MSU can compete with any of this conference’s non-elite teams. The Spartans could lose to anyone in the Big Ten if Chiles plays at a lower level. Additionally, MSU’s offensive line is one of the worst in the country, with just over three sacks per game, while the Illini rank in the 30s for sacks per game, with an average of 2.5. Chiles will run all over the field, while the Illinois offense will do what they do best: dictate the tempo of the game.

The pick: Illinois -2.5

Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren (44) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Huskies.

November 9, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren (44) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. / Matthew O’Haren-Imagn images

Penn State @ Purdue (+28.5)

My biggest moneymaker this year is my “PAP” method, or the “Pick Against Purdue” method. The Boilermakers are 1-7 underdogs against the spread this season and are 0-2 as underdogs of 25 or more points. I expect the fourth-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions to hit the road and blow the doors off of Purdue.

The pick: Penn State -28.5 (McMaster’s lock of the week)

Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule talks to officials during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins.

November 2, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule talks to officials during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Memorial Stadium. / Dylan Widger-Imagn images

Nebraska @ USC (-7.5)

I understand that Nebraska is in trouble after their three-game losing streak, but this sentence is completely disrespectful. USC is a bad football team that has repeatedly underperformed and failed to close games. I understand why they are favorites at home, but there is no way this USC team should get a touchdown against any Big Ten opponent. Five games were decided by seven points or fewer in their seven conference games. This is going to be a close game, so give me the Huskers and the points.

The pick: Nebraska +7.5

Maryland Terrapins quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) runs with the ball during the first half against Minnesota.

October 26, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) runs with the ball during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. / Matt Krohn-Imagn images

Rutgers @ Maryland (-5.5)

This is a good matchup for the Terrapins. Their defense ranks in the bottom half of the country overall, but their rush defense is above average. They are playing against a team that relies on running the ball for almost all of their offense. Their offense can’t run the ball to save their lives, but they like to throw it. They play a Rutgers defense that ranks in the bottom third in the country in every defensive passing metric. Things could get ugly in College Park on Saturday.

The pick: Maryland -5.5

Oregon offensive lineman Gernorris Wilson scores a touchdown as the Oregon Ducks host the Maryland Terrapins.

Oregon offensive lineman Gernorris Wilson scores a touchdown as the Oregon Ducks host the Maryland Terrapins at Autzen Stadium on Saturday, November 9, 2024 in Eugene, Oregon. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Oregon @ Wisconsin (+13.5)

This is a really hard game to bet. Wisconsin suffered a tough loss in Iowa, but has proven this season that they can compete at their best with the top of this conference. At the same time, less than two touchdowns against the Oregon Ducks is not enough for me to favor the Badgers in this one.

The pick: Oregon -13.5

Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota are not in action this week.

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