I am back for another year of predicting Big Ten games. Each Friday I'll have a brief summary of what I think the key points are in the games, along with my predictions. Last year I had a good record getting 80% of the games right, so let's see if I can continue the trend this season.
Youngstown State at Ohio State -
Big Ten Network 12pm - The Penguins face a tough task playing against the Buckeyes' in Columbus. Ohio State has not lost to a team in Ohio since the 1920s, and I have no doubt in my mind that will extend another year. As I said before on the blog, I believe Ohio State is the best team in the Big Ten and they will blow Youngstown State out of the water. What I am most looking forward to is seeing some highlights of Terrell Pryor.
Ohio State 60-6
Coastal Carolina at Penn State -
Big Ten Network 12pm - Penn State made a lot of news this offseason, off the field, now it is time for them to make it on the field. Paterno named Daryll Clark the starter, but we will also see Pat Devlin play in this game with the first team. I am interested in seeing how the defense looks without linebacker Sean Lee and with the defensive line getting thinner and thinner by the moment. The most interesting storyline is the starting quarterback for Coastal Carolina is the brother of former Penn State quarterback Wally Richardson.
Penn State 57-7
Maine at Iowa -
Big Ten Network 12pm - The Hawkeyes need at least a winning season if they want to save their coach Kirk Ferentz's job for another year. No one in Iowa City knows what really to expect of this team; it can go anywhere from 3 wins up to 8 wins. Iowa had a lot of off the field issues which they had to deal with and no one knows what to expect each time Jake Christensen steps on the field. If this team struggles against Maine, buckle up Hawkeye fans, but I don't think they will.
Iowa 31-10
Akron at Wisconsin -
Big Ten Network 12pm - The Badgers are notorious for making cupcake games hard, look back at last year against UNLV and two years earlier against Bowling Green. Wisconsin is loaded on offense with running back PJ Hill and one of the best tight ends in the country Travis Beckum. It'll be on quarterback Allan Evridge's shoulder as to how far this team really does go. Akron is probably the worst team in the MAC East, so the Badgers should dispose of them quite early.
Wisconsin 47-13
Western Kentucky at Indiana -
Big Ten Network 12pm - This is the second year for the Hilltoppers playing in a FBS conference, the Sun Belt. They were 7-5 last year, but still played a lot of FCS opponents. The Hoosiers made a bowl game for the first time in a long time, but lost their star wide receiver James Hardy to the NFL. Kellen Lewis is back starting at quarterback, even after all of the off the field issues in the spring. Indiana will not be as good as in 2007, but they are good enough to beat Western Kentucky. Although, it might be a bit of a struggle.
Indiana 27-17
Syracuse at Northwestern -
ESPN2 12pm - This is going to be an interesting game because it will set the tone for each of these teams for the rest of the year. The Orange desperately need to win this one to cool off Greg Robinson's hot seat, while Northwestern wants to climb back up into the Bowl picture after missing it last season. CJ Bacher is back at quarterback and Tyrell Sutton hopes to regain his freshman year for as a senior. The Orange have to rely a lot on Andrew Robinson and with his favorite target Mike Williams gone for the year, it is going to be tough. I like the Wildcats in this one.
Northwestern 28-20
Utah at Michigan -
ABC 3:30pm - This is one of our games of the week. We've heard it all about Michigan and now this is going to be a down year because of their offense, but with most of their defense returning, they could carry the team until the offense clicks. Utah is one of the best teams in the WAC led by their quarterback Brian Johnson who has been a bit injury prone. Running back Darrell Mack is the star of the Utes offense. Between Nick Sheridan and Steven Threet, Michigan has to find a quarterback and keep an eye on true freshman Sam McGuffie. I predict he make a highlight reel play in his first game in the Big House. Michigan avenges their loss to ASU last year and their defense wins the game for them in a low scoring game.
Michigan 17-13
Northern Illinois at Minnesota -
Big Ten Network 7pm - Between these two teams they had a total of 3 wins last season. The Huskies are breaking in a new coach Jerry Kill, while in Gopherland it is the second year for Tim Brewster. The Gophers have some nice talent in their system, but it is real young. Adam Weber is the quarterback for Minnesota who can do damage with his arm and his legs as he led the team in both rushing and passing last year. His favorite target is Eric Decker. I think this game will be close for awhile, but over all the Gophers have too much talent for the Huskies.
Minnesota 24-16
Michigan State at California -
ABC 8pm - These last two games are huge for the overall view of the Big Ten. The Spartans are one team that I think can surprise the ranks of the Big Ten. I like Brian Hoyer at quarterback and I also think Javon Ringer can pick up where he left off last year running the ball. The psyche for both the Bears and the Spartans are very fragile, the can fall from grace in the drop of a hate. The Bears named Kevin Riley, but lost their talent at both wide receiver and running back. Cal will be able to tame the Spartans with their tough corners but I think Sparty grinds away a victory on the ground.
Michigan State 31-27
Illinois at Missouri -
ESPN 8:30pm - The Missouri Tigers have national title dreams, while Illinois is hoping to repeat from last season and go back to a BCS Bowl game. The Tigers are stacked offensively with Chase Daniel at quarterback and Jeremy Maclin at wide receiver. Maclin is going to cause fits in the Illini secondary. Juice Williams will be the quarterback for the Illini, but Ron Zook is hoping not only does Juice protect the ball better, but his completion percentage rises above the 50% mark. Arrelious Benn will be the main guy for the Juice to throw to, and could be a factor in the return game. Remember last year, Eddie McGee replaced Juice Williams and almost led the Illini in a comeback victory which just fell short on 4th down. This year, it will not be the same. Missouri will step on the gas from the start and Illinois will be left in the dust.
Missouri 40-21
