Penn State Football vs. Rutgers and Week 7 Big Ten picks ATS
Wisconsin -13 vs Indiana
Indiana is a perfect 6-0 ATS this season and has been a popular pick of mine thus far, however with the brutal news of quarterback Michael Pennix jr. missing the rest of the season, they are seemingly in a tough spot in this one.
Wisconsin is a bit of an unknown as they’ve only played three games this season and are coming off of their lone loss to Northwestern two weeks ago. The Badgers’ offense was stymied by a stingy Wildcats defense only scoring seven points, but did outgain Northwestern by 100 yards. Turnovers told the story in that one, as the Badgers turned it over five times.
Sophomore quarterback Jack Tuttle will be under center for the Hoosiers after coming on in last week’s win vs Maryland after Pennix left the game. Tuttle was not asked to do much at all, completing five passes for 31 yards as the Hoosiers were already up comfortably. This will be a different task this week, as Wisconsin’s defense leads the conference in points and yards allowed per game, surrendering a minuscule 11 points per game. If the Hoosiers are unable to get the ground game going with Baldwin jr and Scott, it could be a long day for the Hoosiers offense.
Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz dazzled in his first two games as the starter but struggled his last time out, throwing for only 230 yards and three interceptions. Indiana has been riding its defense during this magical season, as they rank in the top five of the Big Ten in points and yards allowed per game.
Expect a tough defensive battle in Madison, however I am just not sure how Indiana is going to score without Pennix. Wisconsin should be hungry to play after yet another week off last Saturday, and if they can get into the 20’s should cover this number. Wisconsin 21-6.