The conference season is finally here. OK, not completely.
The Big Ten has yet to annex Week 5 opponents Cincinnati, Tulane, South Florida and Wyoming. (Why you hatin’ on Laramie, Jim Delany?)
On to the games …
Wyoming (plus 28.5) at Michigan State: Mark Dantonio tried to pump up the opponent by pointing out the Cowboys are 3-1. Yes, with victories over Montana, Air Force and Florida Atlantic by a combined 10 points. Take Sparty.
Minnesota (plus 13) at Michigan: This is my Wha?? line of the week. Last I checked, Michigan is terrible. (At least its offense.) Go with the Gophers.
Maryland (plus 4) at Indiana: Can Kevin Wilson turn a basketball and football-tailgating school into a pigskin power? I believe in IU.
South Florida (plus 34.5) at Wisconsin: Another three-hour exercise in Melvin Gordon piling up silly stats. Take the Badgers.
Iowa (minus 9) at Purdue: Poor Darrell Hazell. There were zero questions for the Purdue coach on the Big Ten media call this week. Take the Hawkeyes.
Tulane (plus 13) at Rutgers: Desmon Peoples. Great name, super-fast, carries the ball for Rutgers.
Northwestern (plus 11) at Penn State: At the end of his Wednesday media session, Pat Fitzgerald told reporters, “See you after we win.” Sorry, not buying it. Take the Nittany Lions.
Cincinnati (plus 17.5) at Ohio State: Tommy Tuberville beat Urban Meyer in two Auburn-Florida games. Among the reasons to like Cincinnati here.
Illinois (plus 21) at Nebraska: Giant spread considering Nebraska doesn’t pass much. Go with Illinois.
Last week: 5-6.
Season: 17-20-1.