Here we go, first post! Here's how I see all the Big Ten teams fairing against theit respective opponents in week two:
Michigan State - 31 vs. South Florida - 10
This was supposed to be a solid matchup between two upper middle class teams. After USF dropped their opener against Mcneese State (by 32 points mind you) and seeing Michigan States offense continue to struggle, this could turn into more of a sleeper. Michigan State has a far better defense than Mcneese State and I don't think USF will score much. On the other side of thr ball, MSU should use this game as more of a confidence booster and just might get their offense pointed in the right direction.
Penn State - 28 vs. Eastern Michigan - 17
True freshman Christian Hackenberg had a solid coming out party against Syracuse and I think after having that first game he can only improve in his second. Also look for Allen Robinson to have another big game. Easter Michigan is coming off a win over Howard where they were slightly edged over in total yards. They will have winning momentum but it will not be enough to overtake Penn State in this showdown.
Wisconsin - 42 vs. Tennessee Tech - 14
Badgers, Badgers, Badgers. Or should I say, "Running Backs Galore." Wisconsin manhandled UMass just as violently as Tennessee Tech slammed Cumberland. For this game to be even remotely entertaining Tech will have to stop the Badger run game and get past a defense that pitched a shutout last week. In all honesty I don't see either of those things happening. Wisconsin wins by a landslide.
Illinois - 24 vs. Cincinnati - 38
Last week Illinois had a career performance out of Nathan Scheelhaase and barely held off South Illinois. If the Fighting Illini can't find a run game and/or some defensive play makers, they're in trouble. This week they go up against a Cincinnati team that blew the doors off of Purdue last week. There's always reason for optimism with a solid quarterback performance, but one man cant do everything. I see Illinois as the only Big Ten team to go down this week.
Iowa - 38 vs. Missouri State - 16
The Hawkeyes had a fairly balanced attack with Jake Rudock and Mark Weisman in last weeks loss to Northern Illinois. NIU was 11-1 in the regular season last year and played against Florida State in the Orange Bowl, but this was a game that really should have been won. Missouri State comes to town this week which should serve as a solid rebound match to try to get some fire back into Iowa.
Purdue - 24 vs. Indiana State - 17
Purdue didn't really put up much of a fight last week. 161 passing yards and 65 rushing yards. That simply isn't concrete enough evidence for me to have them as more than a touchdown favorite over an Indiana State team that was run over by that high powered Hosier offense. The Boilers should come away with a victory, but watch out for Indiana State.
Ohio State - 52 vs. San Diego State - 9
Ohio State has their first game out of the way and they weren't happy with the week one performance. This week they fix the kinks and explode both offensively and defensively. Buckeyes win, 'nuff said.
Northwestern - 42 vs. Syracuse - 20
Even with questions surrounding Kain Colter and Venric Mark the Wildcats found a way to win against Cal last week. This week they'll be a little short handed, but they've proven they can win without two of their star players. Northwestern takes care of Syracuse handily at home to improve to 2-0.
Indiana - 45 vs. Navy - 35
We knew Indiana was going to have a good offense, but who would have guessed they drop 73 in week one? They had their share of defensive struggles, but in the end their high powered offense will be enough to take down Navy. Neither team has a great defense as they gave up 35 and 62 respectively. Should be one of the more fun week two match ups to watch.
Nebraska - 48 vs. Southern Miss - 17
Nebraska still has issues on defense as Brett Smith just torched the secondary last week in Memorial Stadium. The Husker run game looked solid behind junior Ameer Abdullah and sophomore Imani Cross. Southern Miss lost to Texas State in their opener and only scored 15 points. We'll see how Bo's team responds after a narrow week one win.
Michigan - 35 vs. Notre Dame - 24
No question Big Ten game of the week. Michigan won with authority behind Devin Gardner and a solid run game. Notre Dame also had a solid week one win. These two team's never fail to entertain when they're matched up and I don't expect this year to be any different. Edge goes to Michigan because in my eyes they have a better, more physical defense, and Notre Dame will struggle against it.
Minnesota - 31 at New Mexico State - 17
Minnesota won their opener, but it wasn't the prettiest. They have the tools to make it to a bowl game but they will have to improve greatly before Big Ten play starts up.
