After a successful week 1 (at least in terms of wins) the Big Ten comes into week 2 with a much more difficult slate of games and a lot more to prove. The marquee game is obviously Ohio State vs. USC and a win would do a lot to quite the Big Ten haters. There are still a fair share of cupcakes and it is completely likely that week 2 will match the 10-1 record put up week 1.
Indiana (1-0) vs. Western Michigan (0-1) - 11:00 AM: BTN
After narrowly escaping with a win against Eastern Kentucky, Indiana will have its hands full against the Broncos. Western Michigan struggled against Michigan last week, but the quarterback Tim Hiller will likely be able to put up some big numbers on Indiana's defense.
Prediction: Western Michigan wins narrowly
Michigan State (1-0) vs. Central Michigan (0-1) - 11:00 AM: ESPN2
Michigan State should continue to put up big offensive number on Saturday against Central Michigan. However, they likely won't hold the Dan Lefevour led offense to only 3 point like they did against Montana State.
Prediction: Michigan State wins by a couple of scores
Northwestern (1-0) vs. Eastern Michigan (0-1) - 11:00 AM: BTN
Eastern Michigan should put up more than a battle than Towson, but they are still not an impressive foe. EMU's quarterback Andy Schmitt is pretty good and should be able to move the ball down the field a little bit, but the defense will not be able to contain the Wildcats.
Prediction: Northwestern wins easy for the second week in a row
Penn State (1-0) vs. Syracuse (0-1) - 11:00 AM: BTN
Does anyone play a team that actually won a game? Syracuse actually put up a fight (at least in the first half) against Minnesota last week, but they will not be able to play with the Nittany Lions.
Prediction: Penn State rolls again
Wisconsin (1-0) vs. Fresno State (1-0) - 11:00 AM: ESPN
Last year the Bull Dogs kept the game very close at home but lost 10-13. This year, the Badgers are likely better, while Fresno State is probably not as good. Playing in Madison is never an easy task either.
Prediction: Wisconsin pulls away in the second half
Iowa (1-0) at Iowa State (1-0) - 11:00 AM: FSN
More to come on this game (hopefully I'll get something written up...it's been a busy week).
Prediction: Iowa blocks 3 field goals in a row to win (more like wins in a close game)
Michigan (1-0) vs. Notre Dame (1-0) - 2:30 PM: ABC
Michigan looked good in week 1 against Western Michigan and Notre Dame shut down Nevada. Last year Notre Dame won 35-17 as both teams were pretty bad. This year should be closer and the teams better.
Prediction: Michigan capitalizes on its home-field and wins in a close game
Illinois (0-1) vs. Illinois State (0-1) - 6:00 PM: BTN
After the abysmal performance last week against Missouri, Illinois should be able to rebound fairly easily against Illinois State. The Redbirds are missing their starting QB and the Illini should have Benn back.
Prediction: Illinois takes its frustration out and wins big
Minnesota (1-0) vs. Air Force (1-0) - 6:00 PM: BTN
In the first ever game in TCF Bank Stadium Air Force will certainly challenge the Gophers. Air Force won last week 72-0 and have 5 players rush for more than 50 yards. Minnesota needs to play well to win this game.
Prediction: Minnesota holds off a comeback by Air Force to win
Ohio State (1-0) vs. Southern California (1-0) - 7:00 PM: ESPN
Ohio State struggle some against Navy, and USC destroyed San Jose State. So the Trojans are going to win easily, right? This is a very big game for the Buckeyes and I'm sure they were looking past Navy last week. This game will be much closer than the 35-3 blowout last year and OSU has a very good chance at winning.
Prediction: Ohio State wins in a close game
Purdue (1-0) at Oregon (0-1) - 9:15 PM: FSN
A little over a week ago I would have said Oregon wins this game easily. But Purdue's Ralph Bolden and Oregon's completely pitiful offensive performance against Boise State changed my mind. Purdue has a real shot a winning this game and putting the Duck's program into complete disarray.
Prediction: Purdue wins in a shoot out