If you’re betting on the favorites in Big Ten play this week, be prepared to put up a lot of points.

We have some big lines on the eight-game Big Ten schedule this week; Five of them are worth 13 points or more. Only two games have lines smaller than a touchdown.

So if you’re placing bets on Big Ten games this week, you’re probably going to score a lot of points or get a lot of points.

Our pickers choose sides to improve their bottom line.

Aaron McMann: 38-25 (4-1)

Ryan Zuke: 38-25 (4-1)

Matt Wenzel: 33-30 (2-3)

Kyle Austin: 29-34 (1-4)

Andrew Kahn: 27-36 (2-3)

Here’s a look at this week’s games:

UCLA at Penn State

This wasn’t the start to Big Ten play that UCLA had hoped for: 0-2, with both losses coming by three or more touchdowns. That’s a difficult position to be in, facing a Penn State team that beat Illinois last week and went undefeated.

MLive Employee Selection:

• UCLA (+28): Wenzel, Austin
• Penn State (-28): Kahn, McMann, Zuke

Purdue at Wisconsin

Both teams had some offensive problems. Purdue is hoping a change in offensive coordinator early in the season can solve the problem. Wisconsin is hoping Braedyn Locke can settle in well in his second start and take over for the injured Tyler Van Dyke.

MLive Employee Selection:

• Purdue (+14): Zuke
• Wisconsin (-14): Kahn (best bet), McMann, Wenzel, Austin (best bet)

Iowa at Ohio State

Twenty points is a lot to gain against one of the best defenses in college football in recent years, but the Buckeyes continue to advance (if not against the best competition). The Hawkeyes, meanwhile, are on pace to double their points per game compared to last season.

MLive Employee Selection:

• Iowa (+20): McMann, Austin
• Ohio State (-20): Kahn, Zuke, Wenzel

Indiana in the northwest

The Hoosiers are nearly two-touchdown favorites in a Big Ten game. What a world. But they have scored at least 40 points in four straight games. Northwestern is coming off a bye but managed just five points in its Big Ten opener against Washington.

MLive Employee Selection:

• Indiana (-13.5): Zuke, Wenzel, Austin
• Northwest (+13.5): Kahn, McMann

Rutgers at Nebraska

The Scarlet Knights are undefeated but nearly a touchdown underdog after their last two wins combined for six points. Nebraska only has one flaw: against Illinois, where there is a duel of Big Ten sleeper picks.

MLive Employee Selection:

• Rutgers (+6.5): Zuke, Wenzel (best choice)
• Nebraska (-6.5): Kahn, McMann, Austin

USC at Minnesota

USC has had back-to-back terrible first halves, but Miller Moss bailed them out last week to avoid a surprising loss to Wisconsin. Minnesota is trying to avoid three straight losses after nearly winning in Ann Arbor last week.

MLive Employee Selection:

• USC (-8.5): Kahn, Zuke (best bet), McMann (best bet), Wenzel, Austin

Michigan in Washington

It’s a rematch of last year’s national championship game, but with two new head coaches, little seems to be the same. Michigan is 4-1, but with a few close wins and a passing attack that’s a work in progress. Washington has losses to Washington State and Rutgers on the schedule.

MLive Employee Selection:

• Michigan (+2.5): Kahn, McMann
• Washington (-2.5): Zuke, Wenzel, Austin

Michigan State at Oregon

The Spartans have a tough task ahead of them to avoid a three-game losing streak early in Jonathan Smith’s first season. The former Oregon State coach will face an Oregon team that’s coming off of back-to-back road wins by three touchdowns or more.

MLive Employee Selection:

• Michigan State (+24.5): Zuke, Wenzel
• Oregon (-24.5): Kahn, McMann, Austin