The calendar has just turned to October, but it's already judgement week for both Michigan and Michigan State.
The Spartans have the unenviable task of facing the league's best team, but Columbus has been kind in the past. Michigan meanwhile must show it has learned its lesson from that trip to Wisconsin, or certainly will suffer the same fate.
Last week: 4-3
Overall ATS: 23-25-1 (.479)
On to this week's picks:
Nick Wass | AP Photo
MARYLAND at RUTGERS
When: 12 p.m. Saturday
TV: BTN | fuboTV
Latest line: Maryland -13.5
First one to score wins? Both the Terrapins and Scarlet Knights are coming off shutout losses last week, one of them a little more unexpected than the other. What wasn't a surprise was that Rutgers fired Chris Ash, only the timing a bit. Here's where Maryland's offense gets a little mojo back, and here's where Rutgers gets its first points against a Big Ten team this season. Aside from that, you shouldn't be watching this game. Maryland 28, Rutgers 10
Nick Wass | AP Photo
PURDUE at PENN STATE
When: 12 p.m. Saturday
TV: ESPN | Hulu
Latest line: Penn State -28
One play Saturday sent the Boilermakers' season into an even further tailspin. QB Elijah Sindler suffered a broken clavicle, and star WR Rondale Moore had to leave with a leg injury and is out indefinitely. Meanwhile, the Nittany Lions are riding high and have this tuneup before a three-game gauntlet that begins with Iowa next week. Expect KJ Hamler to get loose against the Boilermakers defense, just not quite enough to cover a four-TD spread. Penn State 38, Purdue 14
Andy Manis | AP Photo
WISCONSIN vs. Kent State
When: 12 p.m. Saturday
TV: ESPNU | Hulu
Latest line: Wisconsin -36.5
Even though Jonathan Taylor shouldn't be in this game past halftime, there should be plenty of highlights. Of the 130 FBS teams, Kent State ranks 130th against the run. Should be perfect for a Wisconsin team that sputtered a bit in a grinder against Northwestern, and now gets a breather before hosting Michigan State next week. The Golden Flashes bring an up-tempo offense, but the Badgers will have their eyes on a third shutout of 2019. Wisconsin 48, Kent State 0
Michael Conroy | AP Photo
ILLINOIS at MINNESOTA
When: 3:30 p.m. Saturday
TV: BTN | fuboTV
Latest line: Minnesota -14
One of a couple curious lines this week. The Illini are coming off a bye and did put up a fight against Nebraska. But the Gophers are 4-0 after their most complete win of the season. Illinois won the meeting between these two teams last year in blowout fashion. Tanner Morgan was nearly perfect for Minnesota against Purdue. If the Gophers keep him upright, they should pull away. But this might be head-scratching close. Minnesota 34, Illinois 24
Andy Manis | AP Photo
NORTHWESTERN at NEBRASKA
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
TV: FOX | fuboTV
Latest line: Nebraska -7.5
A couple lost souls when it comes to the Big Ten West race. The Wildcats have had some bad injury luck and a tough schedule, while the Cornhuskers just seem to be a step or two behind everyone's 2019 expectations. How Nebraska responds to last week's thumping by Ohio State will determine if this one is close or not. Because Northwestern doesn't have the offense to hang around in any type of shootout. Nebraska 24, Northwestern 14
Mike Mulholland | MLive.com
MICHIGAN STATE at OHIO STATE
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
TV: ABC | Hulu
Latest line: MSU +20
Mark Dantonio has pulled off some stunners against Ohio State, and this one would rank right up there. The Buckeyes' offense has yet to be held under 40 points, but this will be more about the defense snuffing out whatever progress MSU seemingly has made. And if Michael Penix Jr. is going to carve up the Spartans' defense, what does that mean for Justin Fields? Michigan State often rises to the occasion in this season, which is the only reason this will be a little close. Ohio State 41, Michigan State 20
Mike Mulholland | MLive.com
MATT WENZEL's pick: Michigan State needed a late go-ahead field goal to pull out a win at home against Indiana last week -- the same team Ohio State plastered 51-10 in Bloomington earlier this season. The Buckeyes rank in the top 10 in the nation in total offense and defense, have as much talent as about any team in the nation and will be playing at home. The Spartans have pulled off upsets at the Horseshoe before but will have to put together their best performance of the season, by far, to have a chance to win. Ohio State 31, Michigan State 17
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Mike Mulholland | AP Photo
MICHIGAN vs. IOWA
When: 12 p.m. Saturday
Latest line: Michigan -3.5
How is Michigan favored? Guess that shutout of Rutgers really turned it all around. The reality is the Hawkeyes are far more like Wisconsin, with a stout defense and talented running backs, with a better quarterback. Iowa's offense has only one turnover this season and Michigan hasn't exactly been getting after people, aside from last week's exhibition. The Wolverines will be limited on the ground, which means this game falls in the hands of Shea Patterson. Iowa 27, Michigan 20
Mike Mulholland | MLive.com
AARON McMANN'S pick: Michigan got back on track last week with a 52-0 win over Rutgers, but it was just Rutgers. The foe this week, Iowa, is much like Wisconsin -- big and physical up front, has a stingy defense (the Hawkeyes are ranked fifth nationally) and doesn't turn the football over much. The good thing for the Wolverines, though, is there's Jonathan Taylor to worry about. This ends up being a close game, but we're all still waiting to see if Michigan can get its offense going against a Power 5 opponent.Iowa 27, Michigan 24
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