There are now 18 teams in the Big 10, so from now on, we’re calling it the Big 18. Here are some quick notes for each team:
— In his coach, Illinois coach Bret Bielema 28-16-1 ATS as a road dog.
At Illinois, Bielema is 4-10 ATS as a home favorite.
— Indiana lost its last six bowls, but covered the last three, losing by 2-1-6 points.
Hoosiers’ last win in a bowl game was the 1991 Copper Bowl.
— Since 2018, Iowa is 10-4 ATS as a road favorite.
Hawkeyes were minus-9 in turnovers LY; the previous six years, they were +52.
— In his career, Maryland coach Mike Locksley is 22-34 ATS as an underdog.
Since 2018, Maryland is 3-14 ATS as a road underdog.
— Michigan has only 7 starters back this year; 2 on offense, 5 on defense, plus a new coach.
Since 2014, Michigan is 16-22 ATS in non-conference games.
— Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith was 2-8 ATS as a road favorite, 13-7 as a road underdog, during his time at Oregon State (his alma mater).
Under Smith, Beavers were 15-3 ATS as a home favorite.
— In his career, Minnesota coach PJ Fleck is 37-22-2 ATS in road games.
Minnesota won its last seven bowl games.
— In his college career, Nebraska coach Rhule is 33-17 ATS as an underdog.
Nebraska hasn’t played in a bowl game since 2016.
— Famous birthdays, June 26th:
Shannon Sharpe, 56
Chris O’Donnell, 54
Derek Jeter, 50
Chad Pennington, 48
Michael Vick, 44
Deron Williams, 40
Iman Shumpert, 34
Rudy Gobert, 32
Ariana Grande, 31
— Northwestern won its last five bowls; they were underdog in 3 of the 5 games.
Since 2015, Wildcats are 49-31 ATS in conference games.
— Ohio State lost three games in a row vs Michigan, giving up 39 ppg.
Under Ryan Day, Buckeyes are 21-12 ATS as a home favorite.
— Last two years, Penn State is 21-5 SU, with a +27 turnover margin.
Last two years, Nittany Lions are 15-3-1 ATS as a favorite.
— Since 2018, Purdue is 4-15 ATS as a home favorite.
Since 2014, Boilermakers are 23-49 ATS in all home games.
— Since 2018, Rutgers is 10-2 ATS as a home favorite.
Since 2014, Rutgers is 21-11 ATS in non-conference games.
— Since 2018, UCLA is 8-16 ATS as a home favorite.
Since 2014, Bruins are 10-21-1 ATS in non-conference games.
— Washington is 25-3 SU the last two years, but their coach bolted to Alabama, and they only have 6 starters back, 2 on offense, 4 on defense.
While at Arizona, new Washington coach Jedd Fisch was 16-9 ATS as an underdog.
— In his career, Wisconsin coach Fickell is 15-8 ATS as an underdog.
Badgers are 10-5 ATS in last 15 games coming off a loss.