Take the Northwestern Wildcats +16.5. In the last 4 games Northwestern offense has gained 396, 477, 545, and 430 yards. Also in the last 4 games they have had a plus turnover ratio +9. The young cats are getting better and better each week. The last two weaks they gave good games to Michigan State and Ohio State. The public still has the perception of them getting blown out at Air Force in their opening game. They have actually won the last 3 games they have played in the dome and 9 out of the last 10 games played by these teams the average margin has been 4.9.
Minnesota's defense is slightly overrated the easy opening schedule has made their defensive stats a little deceiving. Against the 3 quality opponents they have played they have been outgained by Toledo, and Purdue. They outgained a mediocre Illinois team by 3yards. The 3 cupcakes they had were SW Texas St, La Lafayette and Buffalo.
Take those 16.5 as I see Minnesota winning the game but not by more than the 16.5.
Minnesota's defense is slightly overrated the easy opening schedule has made their defensive stats a little deceiving. Against the 3 quality opponents they have played they have been outgained by Toledo, and Purdue. They outgained a mediocre Illinois team by 3yards. The 3 cupcakes they had were SW Texas St, La Lafayette and Buffalo.
Take those 16.5 as I see Minnesota winning the game but not by more than the 16.5.
moneyline might be worth the risk. The fact is that Big Ten games are rarely blowouts.