Big Ten picks: MLive’s predictions for Michigan-Ohio State, Michigan State-Penn State

I’d make a note about the standings in our season-long picks standings, and about how collectively we’d be making a lot of money in Vegas, but I know that’s not what you’re here for.

Andrew Kahn 57-33

Kyle Austin 52-38

Aaron McMann 49-41

Ryan Zuke 48-42

Matt Wenzel 41-49

You’re here to see our picks for The Game. They’re at the bottom.

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz stands with his players during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 15-13. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)AP

IOWA at NEBRASKA

Iowa has already punched its ticket to the Big Ten title game but is still playing for a 10-win season and its fourth straight win. Nebraska has followed up three straight midseason wins with three straight losses, most recently at Wisconsin in overtime last week, and now needs this one at home to become bowl-eligible.

MLive staff picks:

Iowa (+1.5): Austin, Wenzel, McMann

Nebraska (-1.5): Zuke, Kahn

Michigan State running back Nathan Carter (5) reaches out for the ball after a fumble during an NCAA college football game against Indiana, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)AP

INDIANA at PURDUE

Will the battle for the Old Oaken Bucket be the end of the road for Tom Allen at Indiana? The Hoosiers seemed to be having a late-season resurgence but have now lost close in back-to-back weeks. Like Indiana, Purdue is also in last place in its division after Hudson Card was a late scratch at Northwestern last week and the Boilermakers lost. Purdue expects him to be available this week.

MLive staff picks:

Indiana (+3): Wenzel, McMann, Kahn

Purdue (-3): Austin, Zuke

Northwestern running back Cam Porter, right, and offensive lineman Ben Wrather celebrate Porter's touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Purdue, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Evanston, Ill. Northwestern won 23-15. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)AP

NORTHWESTERN at ILLINOIS

David Braun is now the full-time head coach for the Wildcats, who are now bowl-eligible at 6-5 after winning one game last season. Illinois’ last five games have each been decided by four points or fewer; new starter John Paddock couldn’t get the job done against Iowa’s defense last week.

MLive staff picks:

Northwestern (+6): Austin, Wenzel, Zuke, Kahn

Illinois (-6): McMann

Wisconsin's Braelon Allen (0) reacts as he walks off the field with teammates during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Nebraska Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)AP

WISCONSIN at MINNESOTA

Minnesota is heading in the wrong direction: three straight losses, each larger than the last, as the Gophers could miss a bowl for the second time under P.J. Fleck (not counting 2020). Braelon Allen returned for Wisconsin last week and helped the Badgers beat Nebraska in overtime, snap a three-game losing streak and get bowl-eligible.

MLive staff picks:

Wisconsin (-2): Austin, McMann

Minnesota (+2): Wenzel, Zuke, Kahn

Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa (3) scrambles away from Michigan defensive end Braiden McGregor, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)AP

MARYLAND at RUTGERS

The Big Ten’s east coast “rivalry” sees two teams sliding toward the end of the season. Maryland has now lost four of five but came closer than anybody else has this season to beating Michigan, with its offense putting up 24 points against the top-scoring defense in the nation. Rutgers has lost three straight and scored a total of six points in its last two games against Iowa and Penn State.

MLive staff picks:

Maryland (-1): Austin

Rutgers (+1): Wenzel, McMann, Zuke, Kahn

Michigan State defensive back Chester Kimbrough (12) breaks up a pass intended for Indiana wide receiver Donaven McCulley (1) during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)AP

PENN STATE at MICHIGAN STATE

Wenzel’s pick: After six straight losses, Michigan State has won two of its last three and shown positive signs while fighting to the finish of a wild season. The Spartans want to get a victory for interim coach Harlon Barnett in likely his last game leading the program, but that would require their best performance of the season. Penn State has a top-five defense and ranks first in the nation in turnover margin – neither of which bodes well for Michigan State, which is also dealing with a slew of injuries that have thinned depth at numerous positions. Penn State 34, Michigan State 10

MLive staff picks:

Penn State (-21): Wenzel, McMann, Zuke

Michigan State (+21): Austin, Kahn

Michigan acting head coach Sherrone Moore in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)AP

OHIO STATE at MICHIGAN

McMann’s pick: This has instant classic written all over it. A motivated Michigan team, an Ohio State coach (Ryan Day) with his back against the wall in the rivalry, and two of the best defenses in all of college football. Throw in one of the best receivers in the game (Marvin Harrison Jr.), some elite tight ends (Cade Stover, Colston Loveland and a Michigan quarterback (J.J. McCarthy) eager to show the world that he can still win on the big stage. I could easily see this game going either way, so I’m going to take the points with the Buckeyes but predict a close, slug-it-out victory for the Wolverines. Michigan 24, Ohio State 21

MLive staff picks:

Ohio State (+3.5): Austin, Wenzel, McMann, Zuke, Kahn