Big Ten Football is here! The first game of the 2009 season kicks off tonight with Indiana facing Eastern Kentucky and the rest of the Big Ten places on Saturday. Here's a really quick look at all the upcoming games for week 1 along with my predictions:
Indiana vs. Eastern Kentucky- 6:00 PM Thursday: BTN
Indiana kicks off the Big Ten season hosting the Hilltoppers of Eastern Kentucky. While I would normally not watch such a game (Indiana finished last in the Big Ten last year, and Eastern Kentucky, while they won their conference is still a FCS opponent), I may check it out for 2 reasons: 1. I'm dying to see some live college football and 2. I'm kind of curious about the Hoosier new fandagled Pistol offense.
Prediction: Indiana tops the Hilltoppers
Iowa vs. Northern Iowa - 11:05 AM: BTN
I'm sure you've read enough about this game already as I've been writing about it all week…so I'll just say GO HAWKS!
Prediction: Hawkeyes win with relative ease
Michigan State vs. Montana State - 11:00 AM: BTN
Ah, the great MSU vs MSU battle. Actually MSU2 will more than likely not be a great game. The FCS Bobcats should be no match for the Spartans.
Prediction: Michigan State wins big
Northwestern vs. Towson - 11:00 AM: BTN
Another FCS opponent for the Big Ten, but it's the last one thankfully. The Towson Tigers were not very good last year, and I don't expect they will challenge Northwestern this year.
Prediction: Northwestern wins big
Ohio State vs. Navy - 11:00 AM: ESPN
Navy should be a decent team in 2009 with a good rushing attack. However, OSU should be able to shut them down
Prediction: The Buckeyes win comfortably
Penn State vs. Akron - 11:00 AM: BTN
In 2008, Penn State averaged 52.75 points per game in their out of conference games. Expect more of the same this year. Akron is first up on the chopping block.
Prediction: The Nittany Lions continue their streak of blow out non-conference games
Purdue vs. Toledo - 11:00 AM: BTN
Neither of these teams were very good in 2008 (though both teams beat Michigan…) and probably won't be very good in 2009 either. Though Purdue basically returns nobody on offense this year (only 4 starters) and has a new head coach, I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Prediction: Purdue squeaks by with a win
Minnesota at Syracuse - 11:00 AM: ESPN2
The only away game for the Big Ten in Week 1, Minnesota will be the first of 3 Big Ten teams to take on Syracuse this year. The Gophers will be sporting a new offense, while the Orange will be sporting a former Duke point guard at quarterback. I'm sure people will watch this game just to see Greg Paulus, but I think it's more likely that the Gopher's QB will be the one putting on a show
Prediction: Minnesota wins by a couple scores
Michigan vs. Western Michigan - 2:30 PM: ABC
I don't think it's possible for Michigan to be worse than they were last year, so this is a chance to see how much they improved. Western Michigan is a decent MAC opponent, so it should be a good match up.
Prediction: Michigan pulls away late for the win
Illinois vs. Missouri - 2:40 PM: ESPN
This game is probably the most respectable match up of the day for the Big Ten. That said, Missouri will be down this year after loosing a lot of talent on offense and on the complete other end of the spectrum, Illinois returns a hoard of offensive skill players and should be able to put up points on the Tiger's defense.
Prediction: Illinois wins in a high scoring affair
Wisconsin vs. Northern Illinois - 6:00 PM: BTN
Last but not least...Wisconsin is kind of a middle of the road Big Ten team and Northern Illinois is kind of a middle of the road MAC team. One is obviously better than the other. Wisconsin does need to settle on a quarterback and watch out for the Husker's talented QB (1528 pass yards and 539 rushing).
Prediction: Wisconsin takes care of business at home
*Note: all times are listed in CST and the games on are Saturday, unless otherwise noted.