Let’s review some top all-time Big Ten football rivalries. We’ve handpicked the top three biggest Big Ten football rivalries, all of which are current and ongoing. Review the history of each rivalry, notable games, and recent matchup results. Then have a look at each team’s current and past season standings.
Big Ten college football rivalries often attract substantial public betting interest. That means there could be an opportunity to fade the public if a large number of recreational gamblers have placed bets on their favorite team, regardless of whether the team can cover the sportsbook’s line.
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Table of Contents
- Michigan vs. Ohio State
- Minnesota vs. Wisconsin
- Michigan State vs. Penn State
- Big Ten Futures Odds
- Big Ten Betting Resources
Michigan vs. Ohio State
- Rivalry Began: October 16, 1897 at Regents Field
- Rivalry Name: The Game
- Notable Games:
- 2019 Week 14 Ohio State 56-Michigan 27
- 2022 Week 13 Michigan 45-Ohio State 23
- 2023 Week 13 Michigan 30-Ohio State 24
Rivalry History
In 2019, No. 1 Ohio State was dominant, as the Buckeyes won their eighth consecutive game against the No. 13 Wolverines. The Buckeyes were strong throughout the game, as they scored 14 points in each quarter. J.K. Dobbins ran for an impressive four touchdowns and Justin Fields threw for four touchdowns in the victory. With that win, Ohio State continued to establish its dominance in the rivalry, and there didn’t appear to be an end in sight.
However, in 2021, things got better for Michigan. The No. 5 Wolverines defeated the visiting No. 2 Buckeyes, 42-27 to start a streak of their own. Then in 2022, No. 3 Michigan went into Columbus and took down No. 2 Ohio State again. J.J. McCarthy (three passing touchdowns) and Donovan Edwards (216 rushing yards and two touchdowns) were the stars of the 2022 game.
The Wolverines won again in 2023, as the team continued to get stronger behind the arm of J.J. McCarthy. Both teams entered the 2023 game undefeated, each sporting an 11-0 record. It was a back-and-forth affair, with each team scoring in every single quarter. With the game tied in the fourth quarter, running back Blake Corum ran for a 22-yard touchdown, which gave the Wolverines the lead for good. Michigan won, 30-24, to give them their third straight win in the rivalry.
The Michigan Wolverines went a perfect 15-0 and won the 2024 national championship, their first since 1997. Jim Harbaugh brought the team to the mountaintop, and it was the perfect ending to his Michigan career.
Michigan vs. Ohio State Results
| Week | Game | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Week 13 | Ohio State vs Michigan Saturday, November 25th, 2023 | MICH 30, OSU 24 Michigan Stadium | Michigan by 6 |
| 2022 Week 13 | Michigan vs Ohio State Saturday, November 26th, 2022 | MICH 45, OSU 23 Ohio Stadium | Michigan by 22 |
| 2021 Week 13 | Ohio State vs Michigan Saturday, November 27th, 2021 | MICH 42, OSU 27 Michigan Stadium | Michigan by 15 |
| 2019 Week 14 | Ohio State vs Michigan Saturday, November 30th, 2019 | OSU 56, MICH 27 Michigan Stadium | Ohio State by 29 |
| 2018 Week 13 | Michigan vs Ohio State Saturday, November 24th, 2018 | OSU 62, MICH 39 Ohio Stadium | Ohio State by 23 |
| 2017 Week 13 | Ohio State vs Michigan Saturday, November 25th, 2017 | OSU 31, MICH 20 Michigan Stadium | Ohio State by 11 |
| 2016 Week 13 | Michigan vs Ohio State Saturday, November 26th, 2016 | OSU 30, MICH 27 (2OT) Ohio Stadium | Ohio State by 3 |
| 2015 Week 13 | Ohio State vs Michigan Saturday, November 28th, 2015 | OSU 42, MICH 13 Michigan Stadium | Ohio State by 29 |
| 2014 Week 14 | Michigan vs Ohio State Saturday, November 29th, 2014 | OSU 42, MICH 28 Ohio Stadium | Ohio State by 14 |
| 2013 Week 14 | Ohio State vs Michigan Saturday, November 30th, 2013 | OSU 42, MICH 41 Michigan Stadium | Ohio State by 1 |
| 2012 Week 13 | Michigan vs Ohio State Saturday, November 24th, 2012 | OSU 26, MICH 21 Ohio Stadium | Ohio State by 5 |
| 2011 Week 13 | Ohio State vs Michigan Saturday, November 26th, 2011 | MICH 40, OSU 34 Michigan Stadium | Michigan by 6 |
| 2010 Week 13 | Michigan vs Ohio State Saturday, November 27th, 2010 | OSU 37, MICH 7 Ohio Stadium | Ohio State by 30 |
| 2009 Week 12 | Ohio State vs Michigan Saturday, November 21st, 2009 | OSU 21, MICH 10 Michigan Stadium | Ohio State by 11 |
| 2008 Week 13 | Michigan vs Ohio State Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 | OSU 42, MICH 7 Ohio Stadium | Ohio State by 35 |
| 2007 Week 12 | Ohio State vs Michigan Saturday, November 17th, 2007 | OSU 14, MICH 3 Michigan Stadium | Ohio State by 11 |
| 2006 Week 12 | Michigan vs Ohio State Saturday, November 18th, 2006 | OSU 42, MICH 39 Ohio Stadium | Ohio State by 3 |
| 2005 Week 12 | Ohio State vs Michigan Saturday, November 19th, 2005 | OSU 25, MICH 21 Michigan Stadium | Ohio State by 4 |
| 2004 Week 13 | Michigan vs Ohio State Saturday, November 20th, 2004 | OSU 37, MICH 21 Ohio Stadium | Ohio State by 16 |
| 2003 Week 14 | Ohio State vs Michigan Saturday, November 22nd, 2003 | MICH 35, OSU 21 Michigan Stadium | Michigan by 14 |
| 2002 Week 14 | Michigan vs Ohio State Saturday, November 23rd, 2002 | OSU 14, MICH 9 Ohio Stadium | Ohio State by 5 |
Compare Team Standings
Review each team’s past and current standings.
| Team | Conf | Conf% | W | L | PF | PA | Home | Away | Strk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #2 Ohio State | 6-1 | 0.857 | 9 | 1 | 378 | 103 | 6-0 | 3-1 | W4 |
| Michigan | 3-4 | 0.429 | 5 | 5 | 204 | 230 | 5-2 | 0-3 | L2 |
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Minnesota vs. Wisconsin
- Rivalry Began: November 15, 1890 at Minnesota
- Rivalry Name: Minnesota-Wisconsin
- Notable Games:
- 2018 Week 13 Minnesota 37-Wisconsin 15
- 2022 Week 13 Minnesota 23-Wisconsin 16
- 2023 Week 13 Wisconsin 28-Minnesota 14
Rivalry History
The Minnesota-Wisconsin rivalry is also known as the battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. The famous Axe tradition began in 1948, and previously, the trophy was the Slab of Bacon.
In 2018, Minnesota ended a 14-year losing streak in games against Wisconsin, winning 37-15 and Paul Bunyan’s Axe. The Minnesota Golden Gophers capitalized on four Wisconsin Badgers turnovers, scoring 24 points off the turnovers. This Gophers victory made them bowl-eligible and marked their first win in Madison, Wisconsin since 1994.
Then in 2021 and 2022, Minnesota won again. On November 27, 2021, the Gophers beat the Badgers by 10 points in Minneapolis, Minnesota. On November 26, 2022, Minnesota beat Wisconsin, 23-16, in Madison, to bring Paul Bunyan’s Axe back to Minneapolis for a second consecutive year. The Gophers won the game with a late 45-yard touchdown pass from Athan Kaliakmanis to Le’Meke Brockington.
Entering 2023, each team had 62 wins in the rivalry. The annual rivalry game between Wisconsin and Minnesota for Paul Bunyan’s Axe took place on November 25 with Wisconsin going into enemy territory to win, 28-14. This win allowed the Badgers to reclaim the Axe after a two-year absence, showcasing the importance of this long-standing tradition in college football. Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen was the star in this game, as he rushed for 165 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Tanner Mordecai also threw two passing touchdowns and gained 69 rushing yards.
The Wisconsin victory clinched another winning season for head coach Luke Fickell in his first full season.
Minnesota vs. Wisconsin Results
| Week | Game | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Week 13 | Wisconsin vs Minnesota Saturday, November 25th, 2023 | WIS 28, MINN 14 Huntington Bank Stadium | Wisconsin by 14 |
| 2022 Week 13 | Minnesota vs Wisconsin Saturday, November 26th, 2022 | MINN 23, WISC 16 Camp Randall Stadium | Minnesota by 7 |
| 2021 Week 13 | Wisconsin vs Minnesota Saturday, November 27th, 2021 | MINN 23, WISC 13 Huntington Bank Stadium | Minnesota by 10 |
| 2020 Week 16 | Minnesota vs Wisconsin Saturday, December 19th, 2020 | WISC 20, MINN 17 (OT) Camp Randall Stadium | Wisconsin by 3 |
| 2019 Week 14 | Wisconsin vs Minnesota Saturday, November 30th, 2019 | WIS 38, MINN 17 Huntington Bank Stadium | Wisconsin by 21 |
| 2018 Week 13 | Minnesota vs Wisconsin Saturday, November 24th, 2018 | MINN 37, WIS 15 Camp Randall Stadium | Minnesota by 22 |
| 2017 Week 13 | Wisconsin vs Minnesota Saturday, November 25th, 2017 | WIS 31, MINN 0 Huntington Bank Stadium | Wisconsin by 31 |
| 2016 Week 13 | Minnesota vs Wisconsin Saturday, November 26th, 2016 | WIS 31, MINN 17 Camp Randall Stadium | Wisconsin by 14 |
| 2015 Week 13 | Wisconsin vs Minnesota Saturday, November 28th, 2015 | WIS 31, MINN 21 Huntington Bank Stadium | Wisconsin by 10 |
| 2014 Week 14 | Minnesota vs Wisconsin Saturday, November 29th, 2014 | WIS 34, MINN 24 Camp Randall Stadium | Wisconsin by 10 |
| 2013 Week 13 | Wisconsin vs Minnesota Saturday, November 23rd, 2013 | WIS 20, MINN 7 Huntington Bank Stadium | Wisconsin by 13 |
| 2012 Week 8 | Minnesota vs Wisconsin Saturday, October 20th, 2012 | WIS 38, MINN 13 Camp Randall Stadium | Wisconsin by 25 |
| 2011 Week 11 | Wisconsin vs Minnesota Saturday, November 12th, 2011 | WIS 42, MINN 13 Huntington Bank Stadium | Wisconsin by 29 |
| 2010 Week 6 | Minnesota vs Wisconsin Saturday, October 9th, 2010 | WISC 41, MINN 23 Camp Randall Stadium | Wisconsin by 18 |
| 2009 Week 5 | Wisconsin vs Minnesota Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 | WISC 31, MINN 28 Huntington Bank Stadium | Wisconsin by 3 |
| 2008 Week 12 | Minnesota vs Wisconsin Saturday, November 15th, 2008 | WISC 35, MINN 32 Camp Randall Stadium | Wisconsin by 3 |
| 2007 Week 12 | Wisconsin vs Minnesota Saturday, November 17th, 2007 | WISC 41, MINN 34 | Wisconsin by 7 |
| 2006 Week 7 | Minnesota vs Wisconsin Saturday, October 14th, 2006 | WISC 48, MINN 12 Camp Randall Stadium | Wisconsin by 36 |
| 2005 Week 7 | Wisconsin vs Minnesota Saturday, October 15th, 2005 | WISC 38, MINN 34 | Wisconsin by 4 |
| 2004 Week 11 | Minnesota vs Wisconsin Saturday, November 6th, 2004 | WISC 38, MINN 14 Camp Randall Stadium | Wisconsin by 24 |
| 2003 Week 12 | Wisconsin vs Minnesota Saturday, November 8th, 2003 | MINN 37, WISC 34 | Minnesota by 3 |
| 2002 Week 14 | Minnesota vs Wisconsin Saturday, November 23rd, 2002 | WISC 49, MINN 31 Camp Randall Stadium | Wisconsin by 18 |
Compare Team Standings
Review each team’s past and current standings.
| Team | Conf | Conf% | W | L | PF | PA | Home | Away | Strk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 4-3 | 0.571 | 6 | 4 | 267 | 177 | 4-2 | 2-2 | L1 |
| Wisconsin | 3-4 | 0.429 | 5 | 5 | 239 | 209 | 3-3 | 2-2 | L3 |
Michigan State vs. Penn State
- Rivalry Began: November 13, 1914 at Penn State
- Rivalry Name: Michigan State-Penn State
- Notable Games:
- 2021 Week 13 Michigan State 30-Penn State 27
- 2022 Week 13 Penn State 35-Michigan State 16
- 2023 Week 13 Penn State 42-Michigan State 0
Rivalry History
The rivalry between the Michigan State Spartans and Penn State Nittany Lions began all the way back in 1914, but they did not play annually until Penn State joined the Big Ten in 1993. That same year, the Land Grant Trophy was created by former Michigan State coach George Perles, and the winner of the rivalry game receives the trophy.
For each of the first seven rivalry matchups from 1993 to 1999, Penn State entered the game ranked and the Nittany Lions won five of those games. In the early 2010s, the Spartans, who were ranked in the top 10, won three straight years to take the Land Grant Trophy. Then again in 2021, No. 12 Michigan State defeated the visiting Nittany Lions by three points.
In 2022, No. 11 Penn State blew out Michigan State, 35-16. In his final home game, Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford threw an impressive four touchdown passes. The win gave the Nittany Lions their 18th win in the rivalry, which tied them with the Spartans’ 18 victories.
In the 2023 season, the Nittany Lions were ranked No. 11 again as they closed out their regular season against the Spartans. This time, the game was played at Ford Field. Penn State shut out Michigan State, 42-0, and gave the Nittany Lions their 10th win of the season. Penn State quarterback Drew Allar threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns in the contest. Running back Kaytron Allen rushed for a career-high 137 yards.
Michigan State vs. Penn State Results
| Week | Game | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Week 13 | Penn State vs Michigan State Friday, November 24th, 2023 | PSU 42, MSU 0 Ford Field | Penn State by 42 |
| 2022 Week 13 | Michigan State vs Penn State Saturday, November 26th, 2022 | PSU 35, MSU 16 Beaver Stadium | Penn State by 19 |
| 2021 Week 13 | Penn State vs Michigan State Saturday, November 27th, 2021 | MSU 30, PSU 27 Spartan Stadium | Michigan State by 3 |
| 2020 Week 15 | Michigan State vs Penn State Saturday, December 12th, 2020 | PSU 39, MSU 24 Beaver Stadium | Penn State by 15 |
| 2019 Week 9 | Penn State vs Michigan State Saturday, October 26th, 2019 | PSU 28, MSU 7 Spartan Stadium | Penn State by 21 |
| 2018 Week 7 | Michigan State vs Penn State Saturday, October 13th, 2018 | MSU 21, PSU 17 Beaver Stadium | Michigan State by 4 |
| 2017 Week 10 | Penn State vs Michigan State Saturday, November 4th, 2017 | MSU 27, PSU 24 Spartan Stadium | Michigan State by 3 |
| 2016 Week 13 | Michigan State vs Penn State Saturday, November 26th, 2016 | PSU 45, MSU 12 Beaver Stadium | Penn State by 33 |
| 2015 Week 13 | Penn State vs Michigan State Saturday, November 28th, 2015 | MSU 55, PSU 16 Spartan Stadium | Michigan State by 39 |
| 2014 Week 14 | Michigan State vs Penn State Saturday, November 29th, 2014 | MSU 34, PSU 10 Beaver Stadium | Michigan State by 24 |
| 2010 Week 13 | Michigan State vs Penn State Saturday, November 27th, 2010 | MSU 28, PSU 22 Beaver Stadium | Michigan State by 6 |
| 2009 Week 12 | Penn State vs Michigan State Saturday, November 21st, 2009 | PSU 42, MSU 14 Spartan Stadium | Penn State by 28 |
| 2008 Week 13 | Michigan State vs Penn State Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 | PSU 49, MSU 18 Beaver Stadium | Penn State by 31 |
| 2007 Week 12 | Penn State vs Michigan State Saturday, November 17th, 2007 | MSU 35, PSU 31 Spartan Stadium | Michigan State by 4 |
| 2006 Week 12 | Michigan State vs Penn State Saturday, November 18th, 2006 | PSU 17, MSU 13 Beaver Stadium | Penn State by 4 |
| 2005 Week 12 | Penn State vs Michigan State Saturday, November 19th, 2005 | PSU 31, MSU 22 Spartan Stadium | Penn State by 9 |
| 2004 Week 13 | Michigan State vs Penn State Saturday, November 20th, 2004 | PSU 37, MSU 13 Beaver Stadium | Penn State by 24 |
| 2003 Week 14 | Penn State vs Michigan State Saturday, November 22nd, 2003 | MSU 41, PSU 10 Spartan Stadium | Michigan State by 31 |
| 2002 Week 14 | Michigan State vs Penn State Saturday, November 23rd, 2002 | PSU 61, MSU 7 Beaver Stadium | Penn State by 54 |
Compare Team Standings
Review each team’s past and current standings.
| Team | Conf | Conf% | W | L | PF | PA | Home | Away | Strk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #4 Penn State | 6-1 | 0.857 | 9 | 1 | 330 | 136 | 5-1 | 4-0 | W2 |
| Michigan State | 2-5 | 0.286 | 4 | 6 | 194 | 255 | 3-2 | 1-4 | L3 |
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Big Ten Conference Futures Odds
Review current Big Ten Conference futures odds, noting where the teams mentioned above stack up.
|
Team |  BetMGM |
|---|---|
| Oregon | -120 Bet |
| Ohio State | +115 Bet |
| Indiana | +1000 Bet |
| Penn State | +3000 Bet |
Big Ten Football Betting Resources
Review the following Big Ten Conference football futures betting odds, win total odds, and rivalries:
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College Football Betting Resources
- College Football Betting Guide – Read up on how to bet your favorite teams this football season, reviewing the most common ways to bet on college football, plus season win totals, standings, and in-depth research.
- College Football Betting Sites – Our top licensed and legal US sports betting sites for college football.
- College Football Odds – Latest point spreads, totals, and moneylines for upcoming college football matchups and more.
- College Football Prop Bets – Prop betting lines and odds for upcoming College football games.
- College Football First Team to Score prop bet – See odds for which team will score first in the next schedule NCAA football games.
- College Football Futures Odds – Learn more about how to bet on college football futures. Review odds to win the National Championship and key D1 college football conferences like the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, and Big 12, plus odds to win the Heisman Trophy.
- College Football Win Total Odds – Our tutorial explains how to bet on college football win totals, plus links to team win totals grouped by conference.
- College Football Game to Overtime Prop Bet – See odds for upcoming games, then review overtime game counts from recent seasons.
- Undefeated College Football Teams – See which teams are still undefeated in the current regular season.
- College Football Betting Tips – Quick tips and essential knowledge for those looking to up their college football betting game.
- College Football Overtime Games – We track multiple overtime college football games from 2002 to the current season. See the longest overtime games in NCAA football history.
- College Football Championship Results – Review recent College Football Championship winners, appearances, results, including from the BCS era.
- Can the AP Preseason Poll Predict a Winner? – Our classic case study looks at the AP preseason college football poll’s potential to predict an eventual national champion.