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First of all, let me start this post lamenting the fact that we're already in the tenth week of the season. I wait all damn year for college football season to begin, and then once it gets here it seems to fly by.
And, no, I'm not just talking about the passage of time because I no longer have first place to myself, don't be silly. I would never do that.
Oh hey by the way did you see that Brandon is no longer in last place? That's right, the young pup has gotten his shit together the last few weeks. After it looked like he'd be doomed to last place Birkhead has gone 8-1 the last two weeks, winning $275. He's actually got the second highest bankroll in the competition right now.
We're all so proud of him.
Before we get to this week's picks, if you're new to You Bet Your Ass, here's how it works.
Each participant will bet on every Big Ten game being played that weekend, and they can bet either the point spread or the over/under.
The participant will assign an amount to their bet, which can be either $25, $50 or $100. Each participant is allowed only one $100 bet per week. Everybody starts with a $0 balance, and balances can be negative.
So let's continue with the picks without talking about how I'm no longer in first place.
Illinois at Penn State (-10), Over/Under: 56.5
Fornelli: $50 on Penn State -10
Primiano: $25 on Over 56.5
Birkhead: $25 on Under 56.5
Cassidy: $100 on Penn State -10
From Birkhead: You know what? I think Illinois has a chance this week. Am I going to pick it? No. I am not insane. But there is a chance.
From Cassidy: Tailspin. It's over. Illinois football's stretch run, same story year after year. Loss, loss, loss. Then another loss.
Wisconsin (-9.5) at Iowa, Over/Under: 48.5
Fornelli: $25 on Wisconsin -9.5
Primiano: $50 on Wisconsin -9.5
Birkhead: $50 on Wisconsin -9.5
Cassidy: $25 on Over 48.5
From Primiano: Iowa isn't bad, but Wisconsin is demonstrably better.
From Cassidy: Wisconsin can put up some points. Iowa ... they've scored on occasion. An underrated team and an Iowa can put together some scores, I believe.
Ohio State (-31.5) at Purdue, Over/Under: 56.5
Fornelli: $50 on Over 56.5
Primiano: $25 on Ohio State -31.5
Birkhead: $50 on Ohio State -31.5
Cassidy: $25 on Ohio State -31.5
From Primiano: That's a huge spread even with Purdue being terrible.
From Fornelli: The thing is, Purdue has won the last two games in West Lafayette and covered four of the last five. The other thing is this is a much different Purdue, but that spread is so big that I think the over is just a safer play.
Minnesota at Indiana (-9.5), Over/Under: 66
Fornelli: $25 on Indiana -9.5
Primiano: $25 on Minnesota +9.5
Birkhead: $50 on Minnesota +9.5
Cassidy: $25 on Under 66
From Cassidy: That Big Ten game every week that rightfully draws no fans or viewers? Yeah.
From Fornelli: I'm not exactly a believer in Minnesota just yet. Maybe this week it can convince me.
Michigan at Michigan State (-6), Over/Under: 46.5
Fornelli: $25 on Michigan State -6
Primiano: $50 on Michigan State -6
Birkhead: $25 on Under 46.5
Cassidy: $50 on Michigan State -6
From Birkhead: That Michigan State defense is the truth. They should be able to limit Michigan's opportunities. Even though Michigan State's offense put up 42 against us, I don't think they can do that against a team with some good defensive players.
From Fornelli: Mark Dantonio approaches this game the same way Michigan and Ohio State do for each other. That's why Michigan State has covered in five straight in this series. However, the Legends Division is stupid, so I don't want to risk much money on it.
Northwestern at Nebraska (-7), Over/Under: 58.5
Fornelli: $25 on Over 58.5
Primiano: $50 on Nebraska -7
Birkhead: $100 on Nebraska -7
Cassidy: $50 on Nebraska -7
From Primiano: Oh boy! Two disappointing teams slug it out to determine who gets to be called NU!
From Birkhead: I would bet $1,000 if possible.
Money On The Line This Week
Fornelli: $200
Primiano: $225
Birkhead: $300
Cassidy: $275
Standings (Last Week)
1. Cassidy 37-31, $450 (3-1, $125)
1. Fornelli 37-31, $300 (2-2, -$50)
3. Birkhead 35-33, $400 (4-0, $150)
3. Primiano 35-33, $225 (2-2, -$25)
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