12-0 Michigan needs to avoid the letdown coming off their momentous 45-23 win over rival Ohio State last week in Columbus. That victory got the Wolverines into the CFP for the second straight season, and with USC’s loss in the PAC 12 Championship game the Buckeyes may have just snuck into join them. Purdue (8-4) can’t get to the CFP, but they have a chip on their shoulder after the Rose Bowl committee said they may not take the unranked Boilermakers even if they pull off the upset Saturday night.
Before Betting on the Big 10 Championship Game
It would be hard for the committee to kick Michigan out of the CFP even if they lose to Purdue, so for all intents and purposes the Wolverines are headed to the playoff. When you combine the incentive being down and the letdown from the emotional Ohio State win last week it’s tough to take Michigan giving nearly 17 points.
Michigan was in this same situation last year and all they did was come out and throttle Iowa 42-3 to easily cover the -11.5 spread and win the 2021 Big Ten Championship – so Jim Harbaugh knows how to get his team up. the Wolverines will be without one-time Heisman contender RB Blake Corum who has underwent knee surgery, but Donovan Edwards had a 75-yard and an 85-yard TD last week against previously unbeaten Ohio State.
Purdue has gotten the reputation as a dragon slayer in recent years something they’ll try to continue on Saturday night. Last year Purdue went into Iowa last year and beat the #2 Hawkeyes 24-7. A few weeks later they hosted #3 Michigan State and came away with a 40-29 victory. Even in the Music City Bowl they were +7.5 underdogs against Tennessee and scored a 48-45 win.
Purdue vs Michigan NCAAF Offshore Betting Odds
| Offshore Sportsbook | Moneyline | Total | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | Purdue (7.1) | Michigan (1.12) | 52 | Purdue +16.5 (1.91) | Michigan -16.5 (1.91) |
| Bovada | Purdue (6.50) | Michigan (1.11) | 52 | Purdue +16.5 (1.91) | Michigan -16.5 (1.91) |
| BetUS | Purdue (6.70) | Michigan (1.12) | 52.5 | Purdue +16.5 (1.91) | Michigan -16.5 (1.91) |
| SportsBetting.ag | Purdue (7.1) | Michigan (1.12) | 52 | Purdue +16.5 (1.91) | Michigan -16.5 (1.91) |
| Pinnacle | Purdue (6.62) | Michigan (1.12) | 52 | Purdue +16.5 (1.92) | Michigan -16.5 (1.96) |
| MyBookie | Purdue (6.2) | Michigan (1.13) | 52.5 | Purdue +16.5 (1.91) | Michigan -16.5 (1.91) |
Big 10 Championship Game Prediction & Pick
One of the reasons Purdue was able to do so well against top ranked teams last year was because QB Aidan O’Connell was dialed in, including throwing 5 TDs in the bowl game. O’Connell has 22 TDs to 11 INTs on the year, but he also missed some practice time this week following the unfortunate passing of his brother. If O’Connell is a bit distracted, the Wolverines run away with this one.
Pick: Michigan -16.5
