Week 2: Big Ten Predictions

The Big Ten (12) is looking at a lot of different things this week. Will Texas or Oklahoma join them? Or Missouri? Can Michigan handle Notre Dame? Is Ohio State going to survive the suspensions? It's an exciting time, and this week brings some exciting games, so let's see what our predictions are.



Ohio State QB Joe Bauserman

Iowa @ Iowa State

Prediction: Iowa 35, Iowa State 14

Iowa-Iowa State has been tilted in favor of Iowa the last few years, and this year should be no different. Iowa State had a hard time taking care of Northern Iowa last week, that does not bode well for them even in a rivalry game at home. Expect another Iowa blowout.

#16 Michigan State vs. Florida Atlantic

Prediction: Michigan State 42, Florida Atlantic 7

Michigan State is looking to take the Big Ten this year with Ohio State down. That may or may not happen, but a team like Florida Atlantic certainly will not get in the way of BCS ambitions. Michigan State will sweep them aside in the first half. It really shouldn't be close by the final whistle.

#15 Ohio State vs. Toledo
Prediction: Ohio State 45, Toledo 10
Toledo plays Ohio State and Boise State within a 6 day span. That's impressive, and painful. Ohio State gets another easy home game as a tuneup for what is to come in the Big Ten. All those suspended players won't be missed against Toledo.

#7 Wisconsin vs. Oregon State
Prediction: Wisconsin 49, Oregon State 10
Normally a game like this would be a little more exciting as Oregon State is generally a competitive team. This year, however, with the loss of Jaquizz Rodgers and a myriad of injuries, the Beavers are reeling heading into Wisconsin this week. Russell Wilson looked impressive last week, and this week should be another great tuneup for him. Wisconsin records the blowout, but it's worth remembering that Oregon State is not usually such a patsy.

Illinois vs. South Dakota State
Prediction: Illinois 35, South Dakota State 6
Illinois let Arkansas State stay a little closer than I had expected last week. This week, I expect them to handle South Dakota State fairly easily. The game may stay close for a quarter, or perhaps a half. In the end, expect Illinois to remember who they are sometime in the second half to secure a commanding win.

Northwestern vs. Eastern Illinois
Prediction: Northwestern 42, Eastern Illinois 7
Northwestern recorded a fairly impressive win last week against Boston College without their starting QB. This week, they get a Division II team at home. While Persa will still be missing, Northwestern should win easily to record a 2-0 start to the season.

Minnesota vs. New Mexico State

Prediction: Minnesota 49, New Mexico State 13
Minnesota played a pretty good game at USC last week. Their defense did a good job of holding up USC, while their offense just couldn't get enough points on the board. This week, Minnesota returns home for a game against one of the weakest football schools in the country. New Mexico State went 2-10 last year, while getting blown out in almost every loss. Minnesota is better than most of the teams in the WAC, and should be able to handle New Mexico State to avenge their loss to USC.

#25 Penn State vs. #3 Alabama
Prediction: Penn State 21, Alabama 35
Alabama is a legitimate candidate for the National Championship Game this year. This Penn State game is an obvious trap game on the road, but I think Alabama will be ready. If Alabama takes this game seriously they should be able to handle Penn State by 2+ touchdowns. If they allow Penn State any amount of momentum this could be a long night for the potential top dog in the SEC.

Purdue @ Rice
Prediction: Purdue 35, Rice 21
Purdue will handle Rice this week on the road, but it won't be a comfortable game. Rice put in a decent game against Texas, and Purdue is not nearly as talented as the Longhorns. Still, Purdue has more talent and a better coaching staff. As long as no major mistakes are made, Purdue should clean Rice out.

Indiana vs. Virginia
Prediction: Indiana 28, Virginia 24
Indiana and Virginia are both lower tier teams in their conferences, so it's interesting to see how they match up to each other this week. Indiana should be able to win at home, but Virginia is a similarly talented team and should be able to keep the score close throughout.

Nebraska vs. Fresno State
Prediction: Nebraska 45, Fresno State 21

Nebraska won their opening game of their Big Ten careers against a weaker division II school last week. This week, a more sizable opponent comes to town from the WAC. Fresno State always seems to be a good, but not great, football team. With Nebraska vieing for a Big Ten Championship in their first season, it wouldn't surprise me to see a blowout of an over matched Fresno State team.

Michigan vs. Notre Dame
Prediction: Michigan 28, Notre Dame 17
Notre Dame managed to disappoint again last week, losing to South Florida at home. This week on the road at Michigan I have little faith in their ability to claim the win. Michigan has a lot of talent, and behind the offensive power of Denard Robinson they should be able to claim victory over Notre Dame. A 0-2 start to the season is just another setback for an already reeling program.