Big Ten Predictions, Odds & Best Bets Week 5

In a loaded slate for the conference, Week 5's Big Ten predictions focus on some of the best matchups of the eight conference games on the schedule.

While there is one  matchup being played in the Big Ten, there aren't many great bets to be had between Penn State and Illinois.

Instead of focusing on the duel between two College Football Playoff odds contenders, I'm wondering how Dante Dowdell will fare against Purdue's putrid run defense.

And with Michigan back in the college football championship odds race, will Minnesota have any offensive luck against the Wolverines?

I'm also looking at Kurtis Rourke's matchup against Maryland as part of our Week 5 college football predictions.

Big Ten best bets: Week 5

College football odds as of Friday and subject to change. Track the college football scores for the latest line movement and matchup info.

• Dante Dowdell Over 75.5 rushing yards () vs. Purdue  ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Minnesota Under 10.5 points () vs. Michigan  ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Kurtis Rourke Over 237.5 passing yards () vs. Maryland  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best Big Ten predictions this week

College football picks made Friday; odds subject to change. Our NEW college football player prop odds tool can help you find the best odds on any market across legal sportsbooks in your area!

Dante Dowdell Over 75.5 rushing yards (-114) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Statistically, the Boilermakers have the worst run defense in college football. They’ve allowed 351.5 rushing yards per game and both of their FBS opponents have run for at least 341 yards against them.

Nebraska is averaging 38.3 rushing attempts per game this season. That’s tied for the 40th-most in the nation.

Dowdell has carried the ball 51 times for 256 yards thus far. Last week, he managed 72 yards on 20 carries in an unfavorable matchup against Illinois.

FanDuel has the number set at 75.5, while our other college football betting sites are offering it at 77.5. Best of all, FanDuel is offering the best price, with a $10 winning bet paying an $8.77 profit. 

Best odds:  | Implied probability: 53.27%

Minnesota Under 10.5 points (-110) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

DraftKings is the only major sportsbook currently offering this number - with a $10 winning bet paying a $9.09 profit. Over at bet365, you can take under 9.5 for +155, but they’re not offering under 10.5 for any price. 

Minnesota’s defense won’t be able to get off the field in this game. The Wolverines are one-dimensional, but so is Iowa, and they just ran for 270 yards against the Golden Gophers last week.

Minnesota is barely going to have the ball in this game, which means very few chances to score.

Michigan quarterback Alex Orji has done a good job of avoiding turnovers, and if he takes care of the ball in this game, the Golden Gophers simply won’t have enough possessions to score more than 10 against a very good defense.

Phil Wood breaks down this matchup further in his Minnesota vs. Michigan prediction.

Best odds:  | Implied probability: 52.38%

Kurtis Rourke Over 237.5 passing yards (-115) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rourke has thrown for 1,013 yards in four games this season. And he’s topped 250 yards in each of his last three games. 

The Terrapins rank 104th in the nation in passing yards allowed per game. They’re allowing 277.3 per contest, and the FBS offenses they’ve faced are Virginia, Michigan State, and UConn.

It’s very likely this is the best passing offense they've faced this season.

Sportsbooks have the total set between 237.5 and 240.5. Right now, bet365 has the number at 237.5 for -115, which pays an $8.70 profit on a $10 winning bet.

Best odds:  | Implied probability: 53.49%

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