Old Rivals are Top Bets - Big Ten Power Poll

This Week: Away @ Northwestern, Home vs. Illinois

2: Penn State Nittany Lions (11-7-1 ATS, 18-8 SU) (7-5-1 ATS, 7-6 SU in Big Ten) (LW: 1) A three-game losing streak both SU and ATS came to an end for the Nittany Lions with a huge 68-63 win over Minnesota. They’re just 2-4 SU on the road in conference play this year, and if they lose these next two games, could find themselves in the NIT.

This Week: Away @ Illinois

3: Michigan State Spartans (12-8-1 ATS, 20-4 SU) (7-4-1 ATS, 10-2 SU in Big Ten) (LW: 4) The Wolverines couldn’t even challenge Michigan State last week. The Spartans rolled to their third straight victory by beating Big Blue by a dozen, and have now covered five out of six. The #9 team in the land has a favorable schedule left, and could find themselves on the 1-line in the NCAAs when it’s all said and done.

This Week: Away @ Purdue, Home vs. Wisconsin

4: Illinois Fighting Illini (12-8-1 ATS, 21-5 SU) (6-5-1 ATS, 9-4 SU in Big Ten) (LW: 2) Illini bettors were dealt a rough break when they couldn’t cover the two-point spread in a 60-59 win over Northwestern in the middle of last week. They responded by cruising past Indiana for an easy cover to right the ship, but the squad has still only covered two games since January 20th.

This Week: Home vs. Penn State, Away @ Ohio State

5: Iowa Hawkeyes (11-9 ATS, 13-13 SU) (6-7 ATS, 3-10 SU in Big Ten) (LW: 5) Iowa’s offense has been downright atrocious of late. The unit ranks 309th in the nation, and hasn’t scored more than 60 points in seven straight games. Fortunately, after losing 49-45 to Purdue on Saturday, the Hawkeyes will have a full week off before hosting Big Blue. Iowa has covered two straight at home.

This Week: Home vs. Michigan

6: Minnesota is on the schedule twice in the next five games. Michigan probably has to sweep the Gophers and hold serve at home to put itself in a position to make the Dance.