Written by In The Bleachers
| 30 August 2007
Around the Big Ten there aren't many marquee games, but a few teams have games that I have my eye on.
Northeastern at Northwestern - As you can tell from my preview of the Big Ten, I don't think much of Northwestern this year. But I do think they will be able to handle Northeastern. Let's not forget they still have Tyrell Sutton who was the Big Ten freshman of the year two seasons ago. He should have a 100 yard day and the Wildcats will win handily.
Northwestern 30-13.
UAB at Michigan State - The Spartans are a team I am not really sure about, will they continue their losing ways from last year or will their new coach spark new life in them. UAB is no push over team, and if Michigan State wants to be bowl eligible this is a must win game. QB Brian Hoyer played well when filling in for Drew Stanton last year. I think the Spartans win a close one.
Michigan State 27-23
Appalachian State at Michigan - The defending Division 1-AA champion come to the Big House to play the Wolverines. Michigan returns a lot on offense including QB Chad Henne, RB Michael Hart, and WR Mario Manningham. The Mountaineers will keep it close for the first quarter but the Wolverines' offense will be too much for these Eeers to handle.
Michigan 40-9
Youngstown State at Ohio State - The Buckeyes take on their intrastate rival Penguins in an opening season match up. Chris Wells did a fine job being the change of pace back for Pittman last season, but he will be carrying the load this season. Todd Boeckman takes over at quarterback for the departed Heisman winner Troy Smith. This is a good game for the Buckeyes to get a lot of their younger players time, and they will win this game with ease.
Ohio State 49-10.
Florida International at Penn State - The Golden Panthers are the warm-up team for the Nittany Lions since they face the Irish next week. I will be interested to see how Penn State's defensive line does since that unit is young and was marred with injuries in preseason practice. Anthony Morelli will throw for 3 TDs while Austin Scott runs for another.
Penn State 47-6.
Washington State at Wisconsin - The Badgers and young RB PJ Hill Jr welcome the Cougars to Camp Randell Stadium. Tyler Donovan takes over for John Stocco at quarterback. This is the first of 3 easy out of conference games for Wisconsin. For the Cougars who won 6 games last year, this game would go a long way for them to make a bowl game.
Wisconsin 33-10.
Missouri at Illinois - This is the game of the week in the Big Ten. We have two good quarterbacks going up against each other in Chase Daniels for Mizzou and Juice Williams for the Illini. The Illini are my sleeper team in the Big Ten but this will be a tough game going up against a team that many having winning the Big 12 North. I think the Tigers' experience will help them squeak out this game.
Missouri 24-19.
Iowa at Northern Illinois - The Hawkeyes really improved at the end of the season and it showed when they came real close in beating Texas in the Alamo Bowl. Iowa was a little disapointing last year and they want to show that it was a fluke. Jake Christensen takes over for Drew Tate at QB and RB Albert Young comes back. The Huskies will have to deal with life after Wolfe. Iowa wins this game early and big.
Iowa 31-0.
Purdue at Toledo - Purdue is a team that can really make some waves in the Big Ten. QB Curtis Painter returns and so does two of his top targets in Greg Orton and Dorien Bryant. Overall the Boilermakers return 20 starters and it'll show in this game. The Rockets are no push overs but Purdue has the experience to make it easy.
Purdue 28-7.
Indiana State at Indiana - The Hoosiers begin their 2007 season mourning the loss of their Head Coach Terry Hoeppner. Coach Hoeppner had this team going in the right direction and I think the Hoosiers will not let their leader down. Kellen Lewis is going to be a good Big Ten QB and James Hardy is already a good WR.
Indiana 22-9.
Bowling Green at Minnesota - First year Gophers coach Tim Brewster opens the 2007 campaign playing their next to last home opener in the Metrodome. Minnesota always have a good running back and this year is no exception with Amir Pinnix. The Falcons are going through a bit of a rebuilding process and the Gophers will take full advantage.
Minnesota 28-13
