Best Bets: January 14

We’ve got two great games for you guys tonight. Big time W last night with the Rams. Let’s lock in and cash out tonight.

Ohio State Buckeyes @ #24 Wisconsin Badgers

When you think of the Big Ten, teams like Wisconsin, Ohio State, Iowa, and Michigan come to mind. We are in for a treat here in what should be a classic Big 10 matchup. The Badgers are at home in this spot and have rattled off five straight wins. The line here sits at -7. In the Badgers last five games, they have beaten Minnesota, Rutgers, Iowa, Detroit Mercy, and Butler. While these squads have some merit to them, it would be a stretch to say that any of them are serious threats. On the other hand, in the Buckeyes last five games, they have faced three top 15 opponents in Oregon, Michigan State, and Kentucky. In those three games, they defeated Kentucky by 20, Lost to Michigan State by 7, and lost an absolute heartbreaker against Oregon by 2 points in a game where they led for the majority of the contest. In games where Wisconsin has been challenged by high level opponents such as Illinois, Marquette, and Michigan, they lost three straight games, by a combined 23 points. Since those three games, Wisconsin is 5-0. This seems like a perfect let down spot for Wisconsin and a great opportunity to back a Buckeyes squad who has shown they can compete with high level competition. This -7 is inflated. Give us the Buckeyes on the points with a legitimate shot to upset this Wisconsin team. 

Pick: Ohio State Buckeyes +7

Iowa Hawkeyes @ USC Trojans

We have another Big 10 matchup here tonight at 10:30 ET. The Iowa Hawkeyes are 12-4 on the year while the Trojans are 10-6. The Trojans have picked up some steam as of late coming off of a massive win against the Fighting Illini in hostile Champaign, IL. The Trojans have faced some tough competition in their last three games, having faced Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana, who have all been ranked in the Top 25 at points throughout the season. The Trojans have been a little up and down this season but momentum is certainly on their side in this one. The Trojans are sitting at -2.5 point favorites against an Iowa squad that the public is giving a lot of credit to—maybe a little too much credit. This Hawkeyes team has played some hard competition but have truly played to the level of their competition. When they play good teams they seem to play their best ball, but they are also subject to playing down to lower level teams. The public loves the Hawkeyes on the road in this spot but we are not buying it. Fade the public dogs here and stick with the Trojans at home at a short price.

Pick: USC Trojans ML