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Big Ten Football Week 8 Picks, Score Predictions

Big Ten Football: Week 8 Game Predictions

Tommy Armstrong Nebraska
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

The Big Ten football season is heating up as Iowa and Minnesota hope to hold onto the top spot in the Big Ten West. Michigan State and Ohio State will try to remain unbeaten in conference play as their showdown on Nov. 8 approaches. However, the most interesting game of the week may be Nebraska at Northwestern. Here are the the Week 8 game predictions.

Iowa at Maryland, 12:00 p.m. ESPN2

CJ Brown Maryland
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa at Maryland, 12:00 p.m. ESPN2

CJ Brown
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

The Hawkeyes are coming off a dominant win over Indiana, while Maryland had a bye week. The Terps have a difficult schedule the rest of the way and need to win this type of game to make a decent bowl game. CJ Brown should be the difference in this game, as the home QB is a dynamic threat through the air and on the ground.

Maryland 27, Iowa 23

Purdue at Minnesota, 12:00 p.m. Big Ten Network

David Cobb Minnesota
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Purdue at Minnesota, 12:00 p.m. Big Ten Network

David Cobb Minnesota
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Purdue has looked surprisingly decent, beating Illinois and scaring Michigan State. Minnesota has one of the nation’s most underrated defenses, giving up just 18.7 points per game. The Golden Gophers also have a powerful running game led by RB David Cobb and will handle Purdue at home despite the Boilermakers' recent improvement.

Minnesota 28, Purdue 17

Michigan State at Indiana, 3:30 p.m. ESPN

Connor Cook Spartans
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State at Indiana, 3:30 p.m. ESPN

Connor Cook Spartans
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

The Spartans struggled in the fourth quarter against Purdue, and with arch-rival Michigan coming to East Lansing next week, this could be a trap game. However, Indiana lost QB Nate Sudfeld for the year, and backup Chris Covington struggled mightily in relief against Iowa. Michigan State will roll in this one.

Michigan State 41, Indiana 20

Rutgers at Ohio State, 3:30 p.m. ABC/ESPN2

Rutgers
Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Rutgers at Ohio State, 3:30 p.m. ABC/ESPN2

Rutgers
Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Rutgers is one of the surprise one-loss teams in the country, compiling solid wins over Washington State and Michigan. Ohio State has found a rhythm after stumbling early against Virginia Tech. The Buckeye offense led by QB J.T. Barrett is too strong for Rutgers to keep at bay. The Scarlet Knights will need a big day from their pass rush to compete.

Ohio State 38, Rutgers 23

Nebraska at Northwestern, 7:30 p.m. Big Ten Network

Ameer Abdullah Nebraska
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska at Northwestern, 7:30 p.m. Big Ten Network

Ameer Abdullah Nebraska
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The most intriguing game of the day pits two teams coming off losses. The Wildcats cannot afford a loss if they hope to stay in the Big Ten West picture. Nebraska should be fresh off a bye week and will try to run over Northwestern to victory. Expect Nebraska fans to take over Ryan Field as the Huskers handle the home team.

Nebraska 31, Northwestern 21

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