Zain Bando, Big Sports Radio Contributor
September 17, 2022
In a new weekly series, Big Sports Radio’s Zain Bando breaks down his top must watch games for the weekend in the Big Ten.
Line: Oklahoma -10.5 (Yahoo/Bet MGM)
Outlook:
An old Big 12 rivalry is renewed as Oklahoma travels to Lincoln, Neb. to take on a one-win Nebraska squad still searching for answers. After the firing of Scott Frost, Mickey Joseph takes the reigns as interim head coach. Unfortunately for Joseph, the turnaround won’t happen in just one week, as Casey Thompson has endured frustrating losses to Northwestern and Georgia Southern despite throwing for over 300 yards in both games. The defense has also endured shootouts that have been tough to find the game-deciding play.
On the Sooners’ side, Oklahoma has looked dominant throughout the first two weeks, scoring a combined 78 points in routs of UTEP and Kent State. Junior quarterback Dillon Gabriel has had some clean games thus far, most notably a three-touchdown performance against the Golden Flashes in a 33-3 win.
Oklahoma is simply a better football team and should have little to no trouble getting to 3-0, while demonstrating that they are one of the best teams in the nation.
Zain’s Pick: 42-24 Oklahoma (Oklahoma ML is the safe bet)
Line: Ohio State -31.5 (Yahoo/Bet MGM)
Outlook:
The evening game on FOX features two teams from the state of Ohio with a lot at stake. For the Buckeyes, it’s maintaining an undefeated mark all the way to the final game of the regular season. But for Toledo, it’s about pulling off one of the biggest upsets in college football thus far this season. Heisman hopeful, C.J. Stroud, will make all the difference here in the battle of in-state schools, securing the win for Ohio State.
The Buckeyes have never lost to an in-state school at Ohio Stadium and haven't lost to another Ohio school anywhere since 1921.
Zain’s Pick: 35-6 Ohio State (Look to play the under at 62.5 or stay away)
Line: Penn State -3 (Yahoo/Bet MGM)
Outlook:
A sneak preview of the Big Ten media rights deal comes a year early as Penn State travels to long-time SEC staple Auburn for a Saturday afternoon tilt, their first on CBS since 2000. The Nittany Lions are looking to regain past success and are off to a 2-0 start. Penn State secured its first Big Ten win in the season opener against Purdue as Sean Clifford led a game-winning drive to secure a last-minute road win. As for the Tigers, a scare against San Jose State saw them only win by eight points in a game that they were favored by over three touchdowns.
The big question becomes – will Penn State fold under the pressure? It’s hard to say, but the SEC at home is simply hard to pick against.
Zain’s Pick: 38-26 Auburn (Over 47.5 is a solid pick)
Other games of note: Southern Illinois @ NU, No. 11 MSU @ Washington, UConn @ No. 4 Michigan
**Big Sports Radio doesn't condone gambling. This column is for informational purposes only.
