Big Ten Pick'em: Week 12

Ohio State 24, Michigan 20
I can see this game being closer than most think and there probably is some scenario out there where Michigan pulls off the improbable upset (there always is in rivalry games). With that being said, the Wolverines are headed in the wrong direction and there are too many distractions off the field for them to prepare the kind of gameplan that would be needed to win Saturday.

Iowa 21, Minnesota 13
In my worst pick of all-time, I took the Gophers in this game a year ago and Iowa won 55-0. I can promise you that won’t happen again as the Hawkeyes have played down to their opponents way too many times this season. Still, Minnesota’s offense is reeling and Iowa still has that great defense.

Northwestern 28, Wisconsin 27
The Badgers are clicking on all cylinders right now but this has trap game written all over. Wisconsin’s last three opponents were Purdue, Indiana and Michigan — hardly tough opponents. Northwestern is not only better than those three teams, but the Wildcats happen to be playing their best football of the season right now. The Badgers might have a false sense of confidence right now, they haven’t been great on the road this season and they always tend to struggle in Evanston. Kitty Cats pull off the upset.

Indiana 31, Purdue 30
Another tough game to call, but for two 4-7 teams this one actually means a lot for both programs. In my opinion, Purdue and Indiana have overachieved this season and a win in this rivalry game would go a long way in carrying some momentum into the offseason. When in doubt, take the home team.

Michigan State 24, Penn State 20
The most points the Nittany Lions have given up this season is 24 and Darryl Clark should be able to score on MSU’s weak secondary. Still, the reality hidden in some of Penn State’s wins is that they have left the door open to inferior teams and got a little lucky when the defense bailed them out. This is an important game for the Spartans who can guarantee a bowl trip with the win and they are at home with a good offense. That’s enough to pull off the upset when Clark turns the ball over late.