The Big Ten enters Week 6 with a full slate of storylines — from powerhouse programs flexing their dominance to road tests that could shake up the standings. Washington faces a tricky trip to Maryland, Penn State hosts UCLA in a cross-country clash, and Ohio State looks to keep rolling against Minnesota. With odds, TV times, and betting leans included, here’s everything you need to know heading into the weekend.
Wisconsin at Michigan
Kickoff / TV: 9:00 a.m. PT (12:00 p.m. ET) — FOX (SI)
Odds: Michigan –17.5 | O/U 43.5 | ML: MICH –1600 / WISC +850
Key/Narrative: Michigan’s defense should dominate the line of scrimmage, and Wisconsin’s offense has lacked consistency all season.
Prediction: Michigan 30, Wisconsin 14
Betting Insight: Lean Michigan –17.5, but the safer play may be the Under 43.5 — looks like a grind-it-out game more than a shootout.
Illinois at Purdue
Kickoff / TV: 9:00 a.m. PT (12:00 p.m. ET) — Big Ten Network (SI)
Odds: Illinois –9.5 | O/U 55.5 | ML: ILL –375 / PUR +300
Key/Narrative: Illinois has been steadier in closing phases and controls time of possession; Purdue has been vulnerable late.
Prediction: Illinois 28, Purdue 17
Betting Insight: Lean Illinois –9.5, but the Under 55.5 is tempting — both teams have shown offensive fits and starts.
Penn State vs. UCLA
Kickoff / TV: 12:30 p.m. PT (3:30 p.m. ET) — CBS (SI)
Odds: Penn State –12.5 | O/U 50.5 | ML: PSU –450 / UCLA +340
Key/Narrative: Penn State’s elite defense should stifle UCLA’s attack, and their rushing attack should wear down the Bruins.
Prediction: Penn State 31, UCLA 17
Betting Insight: Lean Penn State –12.5; the Over 50.5 has a slight appeal if UCLA manages late garbage-time points.
Washington at Maryland
Kickoff / TV: 12:30 p.m. PT (3:30 p.m. ET) — Big Ten Network (247Sports)
Odds: Washington –6.5 | O/U 52.5 | ML: UW –250 / MD +200
Key/Narrative: Washington’s depth and quarterback play give them the edge, but Maryland’s home crowd and playmakers can make noise.
Prediction: Washington 27, Maryland 20
Betting Insight: Huskies –6.5 is the safe side, though Maryland could sneak a backdoor cover. The Under 52.5 fits if Washington can control pace.
Upset Watch: If turnovers go Maryland’s way early, this could be the weekend’s shocker.
Huskies Angle: For Washington fans, this is a critical road test — starting early afternoon, getting this win keeps momentum going into tougher stretch matchups ahead.
ULM at Northwestern
Kickoff / TV: 12:30 p.m. PT (3:30 p.m. ET) — Big Ten Network (SI)
Odds: Northwestern –18.5 | O/U 48.5 | ML: NW –1400 / ULM +800
Key/Narrative: Northwestern should control this game with physical defense, but they’ve occasionally underwhelmed vs lesser competition.
Prediction: Northwestern 34, ULM 13
Betting Insight: Lean Northwestern –18.5, with a side eye toward the Under 48.5 — may not be a high-scoring affair.
Michigan State at Nebraska
Kickoff / TV: 1:00 p.m. PT (4:00 p.m. ET) — FS1 (SI)
Odds: Nebraska –11.5 | O/U 48.5 | ML: NEB –550 / MSU +400
Key/Narrative: Nebraska’s offense has been steadily improving; Michigan State still hasn’t found an offensive identity.
Prediction: Nebraska 31, Michigan State 21
Betting Insight: Lean Nebraska –11.5, though MSU could creep inside the number. The Over 48.5 has value given Nebraska’s big-play capability.
Minnesota at Ohio State
Kickoff / TV: 4:30 p.m. PT (7:30 p.m. ET) — NBC / Peacock (SI)
Odds: Ohio State –22.5 | O/U 46.5 | ML: OSU –2800 / MIN +1200
Key/Narrative: Ohio State’s defense should clamp down hard; Minnesota is unlikely to keep up.
Prediction: Ohio State 35, Minnesota 10
Betting Insight: Lean Ohio State –22.5, with a lean toward the Under 46.5 — expect a defensive finish, not a point fest.
Best Bets of the Week
- Ohio State –22.5 (dominant defense versus Minnesota)
- Michigan–Wisconsin Under 43.5 (defensive tempo game)
- Illinois–Purdue Under 55.5 (offense inconsistencies)
- Maryland ML +200 (bold upset candidate)
