Week 4 college football picks

Northwestern (+21) at No. 5 Indiana (7 p.m. Friday, Fox 32, 720-AM) looks a whole lot like a game the Wildcats can’t win.

Illinois (+27.5) at No. 7 Ohio State

Illinois (+27½) at No. 7 Ohio State (11 a.m., Fox 32, 890-AM) seemingly shapes up likewise.

Big Ten roster budgets

A recent Athletic report put dollar estimates on the war chests for players at every Big Ten school.

Ohio State budget

Ohio State ranked at the top of the conference in roster budget at around $50 million.

Indiana budget

Indiana ranked a couple of notches behind at closer to $40 million.

Wildcats and Illini budgets

The Wildcats and the Illini were in the low $20s, again, we’re talking millions, in roster budget.

Bret Bielema on NIL era

Illini coach Bret Bielema said this week: ‘When [the NIL era started in 2021], I literally said, ‘Hey, if I’m within $2 million of Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State and Michigan, I’m good. Just let me go. When I’m within $25 million, I’m not so good.’

“When [the NIL era started in 2021], I literally said, ‘Hey, if I’m within $2 million of Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State and Michigan, I’m good. Just let me go. When I’m within $25 million, I’m not so good.”

Indiana’s performance

Defending national champion Indiana has cake-walked through three games against North Texas, Howard and Western Kentucky by a combined score of 145-16.

Indiana’s offense

Transfer quarterback Josh Hoover has been flawless and transfer running back Turbo Richard explosive.

Indiana’s wideouts

Wideouts Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh, the latter a transfer, too, are as good a pair as the Wildcats will see.

Indiana’s defense

The Hoosiers’ defense is aggressive in a manner Bears fans might appreciate after seeing the relentless blitzing of the Vikings.

Wildcats’ recent game

The Wildcats (2-0) opened a lot of eyes last weekend in a 41-7 squashing of Colorado.

Ohio State’s performance

The Buckeyes (2-1) haven’t quite reached ruthless-dream-killer mode yet, having lost by one point at Texas and not yet gotten their running game on track.

Illini’s offense

The Illini combo of QB Katin Houser and wideout Collin Dixon, who leads the nation with seven touchdown receptions, will make some noise.

Illini’s first half

The first half might even be interesting. First quarter, at least?

Ohio State’s defense

If the Illini (2-1) have any pass rush to speak of, it better show up in a hurry. Otherwise, the deep shots from Julian Sayin to sensational receiver Jeremiah Smith will be like stealing candy from a baby turtle.

Ohio State’s score

Buckeyes, 38-14.