Big Ten football picks and spreads for Week 9. The Iowa Hawkeyes put their undefeated record on the line when Maryland comes to Iowa City on Saturday. In Minneapolis, Coach Jim Harbaugh will see how his Wolverines respond after having two weeks to think about the shocking loss to rival Michigan State. Scroll down for this week’s Big Ten picks.

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Penn State vs. Illinois

Date: Saturday, October 31

Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET

Venue: Beaver Stadium

Both the Nittany Lions and Fighting Illini boast solid secondaries that will create headaches for the opposing passing games. Penn State’s defense will play just a little bit better, and have a key stop late, for the win.

Pick: Penn State

Spread: Penn State -4.5

For final score prediction, check out our Penn State vs. Illinois game preview. 

Nebraska vs. Purdue

Date: Saturday, October 31

Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET

Venue: Ross-Ade Stadium

While the season has been a letdown for the Cornhuskers in Coach Mike Riley’s first year in Lincoln, they still have the talent to beat a woeful Boilermakers squad. Both teams have trouble with turnovers, and Saturday’s game will be no different. The difference in this one will be the Nebraska running game. 

Pick: Nebraska

Spread: Nebraska -9

For final score prediction, check out our Nebraska vs. Purdue game preview.

Wisconsin vs. Rutgers

Date: Saturday, October 31

Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET

Venue: Camp Randall Stadium

Joel Stave should be back after getting knocked out of the game last week, and will face a Scarlet Knights pass rush that is nowhere to be found. Rutgers can put points up on the board, but may be without WR Leonte Carroo. Wisconsin controls the clock and ultimately the final on the scoreboard. 

Pick: Wisconsin

Spread: Wisconsin -20.5

For final score prediction, check out our Wisconsin vs. Rutgers game preview. 

Iowa vs. Maryland

Date: Saturday, October 31

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET

Venue: Kinnick Stadium

The undefeated Hawkeyes have been solid on both sides of the ball, while the Terrapins have had a disaster of a season. Iowa is an opportunistic team that doesn’t cough up the ball, which will spell trouble for a Maryland squad that has 24 turnovers on the season. 

Pick: Iowa

Spread: Iowa -17

For final score prediction, check out our Iowa vs. Maryland game preview. 

Michigan vs. Minnesota

Date: Saturday, October 31

Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET

Venue: TCF Bank Stadium

How will the Wolverines respond after the heartbreaking loss to Michigan State? Jim Harbaugh has had two weeks to prep his team for the rest of the season. Minnesota is going through a transition after head coach Jerry Kill stepped down earlier this week due to health issues. The Gophers will play with passion, but Harbaugh will have the Wolverines too locked in on Saturday. 

Pick: Michigan

Spread: Michigan -13.5

For final score prediction, check out our Michigan vs. Minnesota game preview.