Western Michigan at Michigan State (12:00 PM, Sat.)What to watch for: MSU running game. If Michigan State wants to compete for a Big Ten title this season, they need at least an adequate rushing attack to compliment QB Kirk Cousins, who may be the best QB in the Big Ten. Both Larry Caper and Edwin Baker are back this year for Sparty, but they will have to replace three starting OL form last year, including second team All Big Ten C Joel Nitchman. Michigan State should have no trouble taking care of the Broncos this week.
Prediction: Michigan State 45, Western Michigan 7
Youngstown State at Penn State (12:00 PM, Sat.)
What to watch for: Penn State QB Robert Bolden. Joe Paterno made waves throughout Big Ten country when he named true freshman Robert Bolden the starter for this season's opener. Bolden, who had only arrived on campus a little over a month ago, has a good supporting cast of wide recievers and running backs, but the offensive line, which has to replace both starting tackles, will also be key to protect Bolden. The Penguins will be a warm up game for the Nittany Lions, who travel to Tuscaloosa to play Alabama next week.
Prediction: Penn State 37, Youngstown State 3
Eastern Illinois at Iowa (12:05 PM, Sat.)
What to watch for: Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi. Stanzi was an honorable mention all Big Ten quarterback last season, but he was wildly inconsistent in 2009 (56% completion pct, 17 TD, 15 INT). Iowa returns running backs Adam Robinson and Brandon Wegher, but does not have much experience on the offensive line, as they return just two starters from last season. Iowa's defense, which brings back eight starters including DE Adrian Clayborn (11.5 sacks in 2009) will be fantastic, but Iowa's offense will have to be solid if they want to contend for a Big Ten title, and possibly a National title.
Prediction: Iowa 44, Eastern Illinois 3
Illinois vs. Missouri (in St. Louis, 12:30 PM, Sat.)
What to watch for: The Illinois defense. If Illinois wants to make it to a bowl game this season, they will have to improve on defense. They ranked 9th in the Big Ten in total defense in conference play last year (395 yards/game). Illinois does get MLB Martez Wilson back this season, after missing all of 2009 following neck surgery. He will have to lead the Illini defense against a stout Mizzou offense, which loses playmaker WR Denario Alexander, but does bring back eight starters from last year, including QB Blaine Gabbert (3593 yards, 24 TD, 9 INT in 2009). I look for Illinois to struggle a bit on offense, giving good field position to Missouri, who will capitalize.
Prediction: Missouri 34, Illinois 17
Purdue at Notre Dame (3:30 PM, Sat.)
What to watch for: Purdue defensive line vs. Notre Dame offensive line. Whoever wins this matchup will put themselves in great position to win the game. Purdue returns three of four defensive linemen starters from last year, including first team all Big Ten DE Ryan Kerrigan (13 sacks in 2009). On the flip side, Notre Dame returns just two offensive line starters from last season's group which averaged 452 yards of total offense per game in 2009. I expect Michael Floyd to have a big game and take advantage of Purdue's secondary, which does not return any starters from last year's team.
Prediction: Notre Dame 31, Purdue 20
Uconn at Michigan (3:30 PM, Sat.)
What to watch for: Michigan's quarterback situation. It appears as though Denard Robinson will start for Michigan, but don't be surprised if you see last year's starter Tate Forcier or true freshman Denard Robinson get see action this week. Michigan will need a quarterback who can get the ball to WR Roy Roundtree, who led the team in receptions, recieving yards, and touchdowns last season. Uconn returns eight defensive starters from last season's team. Uconn RB Jordan Todman will have a chance to show off his skills against Michigan's 3-3-5 defense. A solid Uconn offensive line and balanced offensive attack make the difference in the game of the week in the Big Ten.
Prediction: Uconn 31, Michigan 27
Northwestern at Vanderbilt (7:30 PM, Sat.)
What to watch for: Northwestern defensive line. Vanderbilt returns SEC freshman of the year RB Warren Norman, but he will have a hard time finding holes as Vandy returns just one starter from last year's 2-10 team. Northwestern returns two of four defensive linemen from last season, but I also expect sophomore DE Quentin Williams to have a breakout season for the 'Cats. I expect Northwestern to win the battle of the trenches, which will allow their LBs (their entire 2 deep from 2009 returns) to roam free and stymie Vanderbilt's offensive attack. NU loses QB Mike Kafka and their top two pass catchers from last season, but they will find enough offense to win this game on the road.
Prediction: Northwestern 27, Vanderbilt 20
Wisconsin at UNLV (11:00 PM, Sat.)
What to watch for: Wisconsin's offensive line. I love this Wisconsin team, and it starts up front. They return all five starters from last year's team which averaged 4.6 yards per carry in 2009. The rock of the line is senior LT Gabe Carimi, who was first team all Big Ten last year and ranks 24th on Mel Kiper's 2011 NFL Draft big board. Wisconsin also returns QB Scott Tolzien and their top 3 running backs, headlined by 2009 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year John Clay. Their defense will be solid enough that they should contend for the Big Ten title and are a darkhorse National championship contender. UNLV plays a very tough schedule but should be improved from last season and could make some noise in the Mountain West Bobby Hauck's first season as head coach of the Rebels.
Prediction: Wisconsin 48, UNLV 10
