Big Ten picks: MLive’s predictions for Michigan State-Illinois, more

The bigger, badder Big Ten did not yield as many exciting matchups as expected in the first season of the 18-team league. As it turned out, there were four really good teams: Oregon, Indiana, Ohio State, and Penn State. By the end of the regular season, Ohio State will have played each of them, but there are no other matchups between those elite teams.

Disappointing seasons from Michigan and USC did not help. Speaking of down years, MLive's college football writers are struggling. The cumulative record is under .500. Last week, the best individual mark was 3-3. Here are the current standings (best bet in parentheses):

Matt Wenzel: 56-51 (5-6)

Ryan Zuke: 55-52 (4-7)

Andrew Kahn: 53-54 (8-3)

Aaron McMann: 53-54 (5-6)

Kyle Austin: 48-59 (4-7)

The picks against the spread from MLive's college football writers are below. All games are on Saturday unless otherwise noted, kickoff times are eastern, and odds are courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook .

UCLA at Washington

When: Friday at 9 p.m.

TV: FOX | Fubo (7-day free trial) | DirecTV Stream | Sling TV

Line: Washington -3.5

The all-time series is pretty close, though UCLA has won the last two meetings. They did not play last year. The Bruins have won three straight and need to win two of their final three to become bowl eligible. The Huskies likely need this one to get to a bowl, given their finale at Oregon.

MLive staff picks:

UCLA +3.5: Austin, Wenzel

Washington -3.5: Kahn, McMann, Zuke

Ohio State at Northwestern

When: noon

TV: BTN | Fubo (7-day free trial) | DirecTV Stream | Sling TV

Line: Ohio State -30.5

Northwestern has won this matchup just once in the last 52 years. If the Buckeyes win out, they will play in the Big Ten championship, most likely in a rematch against Oregon.

MLive staff picks:

Ohio State -30.5: Kahn, McMann, Wenzel, Zuke

Northwestern +30.5: Austin

Penn State at Purdue

When: 3:30 p.m.

TV: CBS | Fubo (7-day free trial) | DirecTV Stream | Sling TV

Line: Penn State -28.5

Penn State bounced back from its lone loss of the season with a dismantling of Washington. Purdue is winless against FBS and has scored a total of seven points in its three games against potential playoff teams (Notre Dame, Oregon, Ohio State).

MLive staff picks:

Penn State -28.5: Austin, McMann, Wenzel, Zuke

Purdue +28.5: Kahn

Nebraska at USC

When: 4 p.m.

TV: FOX | Fubo (7-day free trial) | DirecTV Stream | Sling TV

Line: USC -8.5

Nebraska has lost three straight. USC will start UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava at quarterback after benching Miller Moss during the bye week.

MLive staff picks:

Nebraska +8.5: Austin, Kahn (best bet), McMann, Zuke

USC -8.5: Wenzel

Rutgers at Maryland

When: 6 p.m.

TV: FS1 | Fubo (7-day free trial) | DirecTV Stream | Sling TV

Line: Maryland -5.5

Maryland has won three straight in this series, and 7 of 9 since they both joined the Big Ten. Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai missed a surprise win over Minnesota last week but could return on Saturday.

MLive staff picks:

Rutgers +5.5: Austin, McMann, Wenzel, Zuke

Maryland -5.5: Kahn

Oregon at Wisconsin

When: 7:30 p.m.

TV: NBC | Fubo (7-day free trial) | DirecTV Stream | Sling TV

Line: Oregon -14.5

Oregon is scorching, having won the past four games by margins of 21, 21, 29, and 35 points. The Ducks are No. 1 in the country and Dillon Gabriel remains among the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. Wisconsin is coming off a 42-10 loss to Iowa.

MLive staff picks:

Oregon -14.5: Austin (best bet), Kahn, Wenzel (best bet), Zuke

Wisconsin +14.5: McMann

Michigan State at Illinois

When: 2:30 p.m.

TV: FS1 | Fubo (7-day free trial) | DirecTV Stream | Sling TV

Line: Illinois -2.5

The Spartans, who were off last week, need to win two of three (they close with Purdue and Rutgers at home) to make a bowl in Jonathan Smith's first season as head coach. Illinois has lost two straight.

MLive staff picks: