Follow Sean & Jordan throughout the 2024 season as they give picks for EVERY Big Ten game & compete in the FanDuel $100 Balance Challenge
by Sean Szymczak and Jordan Beckley
Hope everyone had a nice Labor Day Weekend full of Football.
We are all the way back this week flooded with NFL and College Football for the next four nights. So, buy some flowers for your girlfriend or make early brunch plans before the marathon continues.
Starting this year we are going to do categories in our recap to highlight and lowlight the week that was. So here are our week 1 winners for Largest Cover, Lowest Under, and Bad Beat of the Week.
Largest Cover: Purdue -33.5
Hudson Card’s nearly perfect day in a 49-0 pummeling of Indiana State is our Week 1 winner. Ohio State tried their hardest to cover and Oregon did not.
Lowest Under: Northwestern: 13 Miami OH: 6 (19 Total points)
Michigan State thought they had this locked up winning 16-10 against FAU, but Northwestern put up a total Kirk Ferentz was jealous of.
Bad Beat of the Week: Rutgers U49.5
Greg Schiano ran a play in the closing seconds of their blowout of Howard and scored a Touchdown to hit the over at 44-7. Howard coach Larry Scott was not happy about that call.
Last week was good to us as the Big Ten went 17-1 (thanks Minnesota), Sean went 12-6, Jordan went 13-5, our cover 3 picks went 5-1 and our unanimous picks went 60%. Let’s carry that momentum on this week.
This week we have our first byes (Purdue, UCLA), our first Big Ten Matchup (MD vs MSU), two CFP teams from last year playing in Texas at Michigan, and much more!
Cover 3
Sean & Jordan‘s 3 Big Ten Locks of the Week
Sean: 3-0 last week (3-0 overall)
Jordan: 2-1 last week (2-1 overall)
Sean’s 1st Pick:
Texas (-6.5) vs Michigan
Michigan’s defense was every bit as dominant in their season opener against Fresno State as I expected them to be. They forced two turnovers, yielded less than 1 yard per carry, and held the Bulldogs to 2-11 on 3rd down. Josiah Stewart looks like the next dominant Wolverine pass-rusher and Will Johnson once again proved why he’s likely to be one of the first defenders chosen in the 2025 NFL Draft. This unit is certainly capable of slowing down Quinn Ewers and the electric Texas offense.
The problem is, I’m not sure how Michigan will be able to move the ball given what we witnessed last Saturday. Davis Warren was woefully inaccurate on his deep-ball attempts, including an interception on an underthrown pass to Fredrick Moore who was open for a touchdown. Colston Loveland seems like the only competent receiving threat, as there were numerous bad routes and miscommunications between Warren and his other receivers. Perhaps worst of all, Michigan’s revamped offensive line looked overwhelmed and struggled to maintain a push in the run game.
Michigan’s offensive approach isn’t too dissimilar from last year. They want to use a downhill run game and quick, short passes to set up play-action and a few calculated deep balls. The problem is that the pass game isn’t potent enough to keep the defense from stacking the box and the offensive line doesn’t look elite enough to open up holes against stacked boxes. Without the threat of RPOs, option plays, or QB runs, the Wolverine offense doesn’t seem to difficult to defend.
I think Quinn Ewers is the best quarterback in college football and the Longhorn defense looked to be in mid-season form in their 52-0 drumming of Colorado State. Michigan’s defense is good enough to keep this a one-possession game into the 2nd half, but the offense will need to drive the field and score touchdowns at some point. If they couldn’t do that consistently against Fresno State, they will struggle mightily against Texas.
Jordan’s 1st Pick
Nebraska (-6.5) vs Colorado
Let’s flashback quickly to last year’s matchup. Colorado had blown out reigning national runner up TCU. Nebraska had a fun new coach in Matt Rhule. Shedeur sanders and Coach prime beat the formidable Husker defense and won 36-14 fully launching the Buffs hype train.
There’s one problem with it… Jeff Sims started that game for Big Red and lost his job he was so bad. Now Rhule is in his magical year 2 and has Dylan Raiola at QB.
Last week’s escape at home against NDSU should be a warning sign on Sanders University. I like the under here with Nebraska’s defense and a true freshman QB making his first power-5 start, but my official pick is a Nebraska cover in Lincoln.
Sean’s 2nd Pick
Maryland (-8.5) vs Michigan State
I was as excited as anybody to see the start of the Arthur Smith era at Michigan State, but man oh man did it kick off with a whimper. The defense looked much improved and won the game for the Spartans, but the team as a whole looked alarmingly undisciplined. They committed 12 penalties for 140 yards (not including a few other late hits and potential targeting that was not called) and turned the ball over three times.
Arthur Smith is an offensive-minded head coach, but the offense looked far from a finished product. Aidan Chiles tried too hard to force the big play and was inaccurate all over the field, completing only 42% of his passes for less than 5 ypa to go along with two interceptions. Aside from a 63-yard sprint from Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams, the Spartans also struggled to sustain much on the ground. In short, not much went right for Michigan State’s offense.
The complete opposite was true for Maryland in their opener. QB Billy Edwards looks like he developed into a brand new player this off-season, showing off his decision-making, arm talent, and athleticism all game. Roman Hemby remains one of the Big Ten’s top running backs and Tai Felton & Kaden Prather are among the nation’s top receiving duos. Their offensive line also seemed to be in better shape than the last few seasons.
The Terps’ defensive front yielded less than three yards per carry and generated 8 TFLs. I am still a little concerned for their secondary which had to replace two starters and gave up a few big plays to UConn, but I’m not so sure Aidan Chiles will be able to capitalize on having some open receivers.
Maryland looked like the better team from top to bottom last weekend. Michigan State’s defense should be able to keep this close for a while, but I don’t think Aidan Chiles and this offense will suddenly click after one week. Things might get worse for Sparty before it gets better.
Jordan’s 2nd Pick
Iowa (-2.5) vs Iowa State
In true Wikipedia fashion the Cy-Hawk Rivalry is also reportedly named “El Assico” in a riff on El Classico due to “how boring the game typically gets with many punts throughout the game.”
This rivalry is traditionally a brutal watch but also a must watch. This year’s over under is set at 35.5 points and somehow only one of the past 5 meetings of the Cy-Hawk would have hit the over. If you have tremendous grit feel free to ride the under.
I do not have tremendous grit. I will be taking Iowa -2.5. I think the Hawkeyes are better than the Cyclones. Kirk Ferentz also doesn’t lose this game winning 8 of the last 10.
Sean’s 3rd Pick
Illinois (+5) vs Kansas
I liked everything I saw from Illinois in opening weekend. Contrary to last year when their offensive line played like tissue paper and their secondary was routinely torn apart, this team resembles what you expect out of a Bret Bielema team. The offense didn’t give up a sack while the defense forced three turnovers and allowed only 3.6 yards per play while securing a shutout.
Luke Altmyer had a near flawless game and showed why his connection with Pat Bryant might be one of the best in the conference, and Kaden Feagin & Aidan Laughery combined for 187 rush yards on over 7 ypc. This was the sharpest I’ve seen the Illini play since 2021 and I think they are poised to shock a lot of people this season.
Kansas QB Jalon Daniels played his first game in almost a year but didn’t look incredibly sharp, going 9-15 for 148 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. Thankfully he was able to lean on electric RB Devin Neal to cruise to victory over Lindenwood.
Illinois will be able to put up points on this Jayhawk defense. Neal is sure to be productive, but Miles Scott and this much improved Illinois secondary should be able to limit what Daniels can do through the air. This is far from the same Illinois team that Kansas beat up on at home last year. Memorial Stadium is sold out for this Saturday night matchup and I expect a thrilling, back and forth matchup. I am confident Illinois keeps it within a touchdown at minimum.
Jordan’s 3rd Pick
Duke (+2.5) vs Northwestern
This year’s Nerd Bowl between Duke and Northwestern will be played on Lake Michigan in the Wildcats temporary home.
In case you missed it, Duke’s former Head Coach Mike Elko lost to Duke’s former QB Riley Leonard and Notre Dame in his debut as Texas A&M’s head coach. Now, the Blue Devils are lead by former Penn State DC and Miami (FL) coach Manny Diaz and former Texas backup QB Maalik Murphy. Murphy and Diaz crushed tough in-state rival Elon last week while Northwestern we featured with the lowest point total of 19 points in 60 minutes vs Miami (OH).
Offense might not be a thing this game so the under 37.5 is a fair choice. I am taking Duke at +2.5 because I think they are going to win this game straight up and potentially by a lot. We don’t do Moneylines in this segment but I would take the +118 odds if I were betting this line.
Picks for Every Big Ten Game
Sean: 12-6 last week (12-6 overall)
Jordan: 13-5 last week (13-5 overall)
| Game | Sean’s Pick | Jordan’s Pick |
|---|---|---|
| DUKE at NW (-2.5) O/U: 37.5 | First to 20 wins U37.5 | Gimme Manny Diaz Duke +2.5 |
| WIU at IND (-42.5) O/U: 52.5 | WIU hasn’t won a game since 2021 IND -42.5 | Leathernecks down bad IND -42.5 |
| TEX (-6.5) at MICH O/U: 41.5 | Michigan’s defense can only carry them so far TEX -6.5 | Ewers over a Walk-on TEX -6.5 |
| BGSU at PSU (-34.5) O/U: 49.5 | BGSU is a run-focused team, WVU mustered 2.3 ypc last week PSU -34.5 | The cover is safer than the over U49.5 |
| AKR at RUTG (-23.5) O/U: 39.5 | Please call 1-800-GAMBLER if you’re betting on this AKR +23.5 | Schiano HATES non-power 4 teams RUTG -23.5 |
| ISU at IOWA (-2.5) O/U: 35.5 | I believe in Iowa’s… offense? Can it be? IOWA -2.5 | Hawkeye State for another year IOWA -2.5 |
| MSU at MD (-9.5) O/U: 44.5 | Maryland was crisp & efficient in week 1. MSU was the furthest thing from it MD -9.5 | Beware the 1 week sample size U44.5 |
| EMU at WASH (-24.5) O/U: 48.5 | EMU isn’t a pushover. 24 wins in the last 3 seasons. EMU +24.5 | My third Under already U48.5 |
| KAN (-5) at ILL O/U: 57.5 | Jalon Daniels wasn’t too sharp against Lindenwood. I love Luke Altmyer this season. ILL +5 | More on Illinois below ILL +5 |
| WMU at OSU (-37.5) O/U: 54.5 | WMU’s close game with Wisconsin last week had more to do with the Badgers OSU -37.5 | Y’all see Jeremiah Smith? OSU -37.5 |
| COL at NEB (-6.5) O/U: 56.5 | Raiola & Rhule > Sanders & Sanders NEB -6.5 | Colorado Hype train crashes NEB -6.5 |
| BOISE at OREG (-19.5) O/U: 61.5 | Boise gave up 46 points, 461 yards to Georgia Southern last week O61.5 | Positive TD regression incoming OREG -19.5 |
| USU at USC (-28.5) O/U: 63.5 | Trojans aren’t giving up 30+ per game anymore U63.5 | Seems a tad high? U63.5 |
| URI at MINN (-23.5) O/U: 45.5 | Fun Fact: Brosmer was 2-1 against URI when he was at UNH U45.5 | Minnesota’s O/U should look like Iowa’s til proven otherwise U45.5 |
$100 FanDuel Balance Challenge
| Last Week | Current Balance | |
| Sean | + $74.60 | $174.60 |
| Jordan | + $10.44 | $110.44 |
Sean’s Week 2 Picks:
Bet 1: Syracuse ML vs Georgia Tech (+116)
Betting $20 to win $23.20
Georgia Tech is being slightly overrated due to their win against Florida State – one that isn’t nearly as impressive in hindsight. Haynes King has looked great through two games, but Syracuse has the edge at QB with Kyle McCord.
The Orange disposed of an underrated Ohio University team last week, racking up nearly 500 yards of offense. This game is a toss-up in my mind, so I’m inclined to go with the team with better odds. It helps that Syracuse gets the Yellow Jackets at home.
Bet 2: Tulane (+9.5) vs Kansas State (-104)
Betting $10 to win $9.62
Kansas State was in a two-possession game with UT-Martin until late in the 3rd quarter. Their rushing attack was dominant as expected, but Avery Johnson looks like he still has a ways to go as far as developing as a passer. I still like their odds in a wide-open Big 12, but I think the public is overrating Kansas State right now.
Tulane beat SE Louisiana 52-0 with a well-balanced offensive approach. QB Darian Mensah is a name to know – he went 10-12 for 205 yards, 2 TDs, no turnovers, and no sacks last week. The Green Wave gets this game at home and I think this is much more evenly matched than the line indicates. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tulane pulls off the upset, but I’ll take the points to be safe.
Bet 3: Parlay (+337): Iowa ML vs Iowa St (-152), Nebraska ML vs Colorado (-245), Texas ML vs Michigan (-245), Maryland ML vs Michigan St (-330)
Betting $10 to win $33.78
My parlay worked out last week, so I’m concocting another for this week. I’m keeping this one simple, going with the money-lines of teams I know will win this week.
The four teams I have winning in this parlay are simply the better teams in their respective matchups. Teams like Iowa State and Colorado are still being over-valued by books due to preseason expectations, so it’s best to bet against them while their lines are relatively tame.
Sean’s Total Week 2 Wager: $40
Jordan’s Week 1 Picks:
Bet 1: Tennessee -7.5 vs NC State (-120)
Betting $12 to win $10
I’m going to let you in on a secret.
Come close.
I like Tennessee and Josh Heupel. There I said it!
Can anyone blame Heupel for bringing home Joe Milton from the portal? His closed-practice-with-no-pass-rush bombs are seductive. But Milton is gone and the Vols can be CFP contenders again. We haven’t said the name Nico Iamaleava yet so… Nico Iamaleava.
I’m actively aware that I am over reacting to NC State’s awful showing versus Western Carolina. I’m also actively aware the Wolfpack might be ass.
Tennessee covers.
Bet 2: Illinois ML (+168) vs Kansas
Betting $6 to win $10.08
I am too tempted by the Illini with positive odds like this at home vs an unproven Kansas. This probably won’t convert so that’s why I’m keeping it cheap, but you got to take risks sometimes.
Don’t bet this one if you aren’t ready to feel like an idiot by the end of the 1st quarter when the Jayhawks are up 17 points.
Jordan’s Total Week 2 Wager: $18