IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Iowa football team was originally scheduled to face Wisconsin on Black Friday, but the COVID-19 global pandemic had other plans.

So instead, Iowa will face 1-3 Nebraska and Iowa’s odds of winning have risen substantially.

Iowa has won the last five games against Nebraska, although, the last two were decided by late field goals.

There really is no intriguing matchup this weekend since Michigan and Penn State are both struggling. They bring a combined record of 2-8 into their game, including Penn State being 0-5 for the first time ever.

This is yet another week in which the Big Ten will only play six games due to COVID-19 health concerns, with the Minnesota-Wisconsin game having been canceled.

Pat Harty’s picks

Iowa 34, Nebraska 17: Scott Frost blames the loss on his players looking ahead to next Saturday’s game at Purdue, on his players lack of execution, on his players lack of physicality, and on his players for being distracted because some grew mustaches during the week leading up to Friday’s game.

Ohio State 48, Illinois 20:  One week after winning at Nebraska, the Illinois players are reminded that Ohio State still is an elite program, unlike Nebraska.

Indiana 55, Maryland 35: Indiana quarterback Michael Penix Jr. throws the football as well as Bobby Knight threw chairs in the heat of the moment.

Michigan 27, Penn State 24: James Franklin challenges the media critics to find a better 0-6 team in the country after this loss.

Northwestern 23, Michigan State 10: Todd Lickliter would even be frustrated with Michigan State’s lack of offense.

Purdue 41, Rutgers 24: Purdue receiver Rondale Moore is so good that his first name has two first names.

Last week: 3-3, Overall: 20-11

 

Tyler Devine’s picks

Iowa 38, Nebraska 10: Nebraska sucks.

Ohio State 52, Illinois 3: Major yawn.

Indiana 42, Maryland 34: Who cares.

Penn State 24, Michigan 21: Who’s worse?

Northwestern 27, Michigan State 17: Not interested.

Purdue 35, Rutgers 28: Kill me.

Last week: 3-3, Overall 21-10