The Big Ten only has two games on Wednesday, but both are important ones for the league moving forward. Michigan State will host Rutgers and Northwestern will travel to face a reeling Ohio State team.

Let’s take a look at today’s Big Ten action.

Game of the Day:

-Northwestern Wildcats at Ohio State Buckeyes

• Time/TV: 8:30PM (BTN)
• KenPom Spread: Ohio State (-8)

This matchup won’t have a ton of appeal nationally, but it is an important one for Ohio State and the Big Ten moving forward. The Buckeyes have struggled over the last few weeks and will be desperate to get back on track against the Wildcats. Meanwhile, Northwestern will be hoping to improve its seeding for the Big Ten Tournament with an upset.

The matchup to watch will be upfront between Dererk Pardon and Kaleb Wesson. They are two of the better big men in the league and should put on quite a show on Wednesday night. Also, keep an eye on who guards Vic Law for the Buckeyes. Those two matchups will likely determine the winner of this game.

• Pick Against the Spread: Northwestern

The Rest:

-Rutgers Scarlet Knights at No. 10 Michigan State Spartans

• Time/TV: 6:30PM (BTN)
• KenPom Spread: Michigan State (-19)

A month or two ago, this game wouldn’t have looked all that intriguing. Michigan State was playing as well as anyone in the country and Rutgers looked poised for another rough year. But as things have progressed, this matchup has improved on paper. The Scarlet Knights are playing much better basketball and the Spartans have been inconsistent. As such, this one might have a little bit more upset potential than meets the eye.

The key thing in this game will be what Michigan State does to replace injured center Nick Ward. He went out with a hand injury on Sunday and is not expected to play in Wednesday’s matchup. The Scarlet Knights will hope to capitalize on his absence.

• Pick Against the Spread: Rutgers

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Season Record vs KenPom’s Spread: 62-50-4