Here we are in October and we’re coming into the meat of the college football season as the conference season is upon us.
This week’s college football biggest spread and total movements features three Big Ten West Division games as the oddsmakers aren’t the only ones trying to figure what to make of the division.
Let’s dive into the changes.
Nebraska at Wisconsin, 7:30 p.m. Big Ten Network
Open: -23 Wisconsin
Current: -17.5 Wisconsin
At first glance, this is a no brainer. Nebraska has been awful in Year 1 under Scott Frost, but there is a chance the game is closer than need be, due to the style of Wisconsin.
The Badgers haven’t been great at putting teams away, part of that is the offense loves to run with Jonathan Taylor. If the Cornhuskers can prevent Taylor from breaking off the big run, then time ticks away and Nebraska stays close with Wisconsin.
That being said, -17.5 seems too close.
Related: College Football Betting Guide | Conference Odds
California at Arizona, 10 p.m. FS1
Open: -1.5 Arizona
Current: -2.5 California
Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate has been battling injuries this season and he is probable for this week, but is that a good thing?
The Wildcats opened as the favorites against Cal, but while Arizona is hopeful to have Tate, the oddsmakers don’t feel he’ll be much of a difference makes.
A healthy Tate gives the Wildcats the best chance to win, he’s an exciting player and can put up numbers. But an unhealthy Tate can’t do the things that make him and Arizona good.
The Golden Bears very well could go into Arizona and take this game.
Iowa at Minnesota, 3:30 p.m. Big Ten Network
Open: -3 Iowa
Current: -7 Iowa
Minnesota is without running back Rodney Smith for the rest of the season, that’s not new.
Even so the Golden Gophers were able to get through the non-conference alright, but conference play looks like it’ll be an issue after Maryland throttled them, 42-13.
Iowa opened at only -3, but after the Hawkeyes kept things interesting at Wisconsin it could be a sign of this one not being as close.
Illinois at Rutgers, Noon Big Ten Network
Open: -1.5 Illinois
Current: -5.5 Illinois
Good news for Illinois football. Sounds strange, but quarterback AJ Bush is expected back for the Illini and that has oddsmakers jumping on the orange bandwagon this week.
Illinois was already -1.5 at a really bad Rutgers team, but Bush’s return gives the Illini a boost. Rutgers has been a train wreck this season, so expect the Scarlet Knights to cover this one.
New Mexico at UNLV, 4 p.m.
Open: -13 UNLV
Current: -9 UNLV
This will be a battle of backup quarterbacks.
UNLV opened the week at -13, but after quarterback Armani Rogers learned he was out six weeks for the Rebels the line got a bit closer to -9. New Mexico has been without Tevaka Tuioti for sometime now as well, so the Aggies aren’t new to the game plan without their starter.
Tuioti did play a little in a loss to Liberty, but he’ll still be out this week. This one could go either way and it all depends on who the Rebels will start in place of Rogers.
