This is a new feature that I’ll be adding to the blog. Each week (probably on Fridays) I will put out my predictions for the conference games that weekend. Then after the weekend, I’ll post the results and how my predictions faired. Since I did not do a full fledged predictions post for this past weekend, I’m going to go off of my predictions for the Big Ten in my preseason conference preview. So without further adieu, here is the recap for week one.
Indiana vs. Eastern Kentucky
Prediction: Indiana win
Result: Indiana wins 19-13
Indiana did a great job showing us why they are slated to be at the bottom of the conference this year. Indiana was able to win the Thursday night game, but it wasn’t by much against a I-AA opponent.
Michigan State vs. Montana State
Michigan State players, including Edwin Baker (4) and Keith Nichol (7) sing their fight song as they celebrate Michigan State's 44-3 win over Montana State in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Prediction: Michigan State win
Result: Michigan State wins 44-3
This one wasn’t a tough one to call. You can read the full Spartan Football breakdown here. The Spartans started slow on the first drive, but got things going on the second drive and never looked back.
Northwestern vs. Towson
Prediction: Northwestern win
Result: Northwestern wins 47-14
I have a feeling I’m going to be eating my words with regard to Northwestern. I have the Mildcats finishing second to last in the conference, just ahead of Indiana. Northwestern was able to put up lots of points against Towson, while keeping Towson scoreless for much of the game until the second teamers started to come in.
Ohio State vs. Navy
Prediction: Ohio State win
Result: Ohio State wins 31-27
Looks like Navy may have caught Ohio State looking ahead to this weekends huge match-up against Southern Cal. Navy had a chance to tie the game 2:23 left to go in the game, but the pass was intercepted and returned for two points for Ohio State, which sealed the deal for the Buckeyes.
Penn State vs. Akron
Penn State coach Joe Paterno, right, talks with defensive tackle Jared Ordick before their NCAA college football game against Akron, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, in State College, Pa. Penn State won 31-7. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Prediction: Penn State win
Result: Penn State wins 31-7
This one got out of hand early, as Penn State scored 31 straight point to open the game. However, the biggest news of the day seems to be that JoePa coached from the sidelines except from the coaches box upstairs. Really, this is news?
Purdue vs. Toledo
Prediction: Purdue win
Result: Purdue wins 52-31
Enjoy it Boilers, the wins are going to be few and far between this season. Although, on the bright side, you did beat the worst team that Michigan played (and lost to) last season.
Minnesota vs. Syracuse
Prediction: Minnesota win
Result: Minnesota wins 23-20
Orange quarterback Greg Paulus came off the pick-and-roll in overtime to take the lead, but Minnesota intercepted the ball and scored on their next OT possession to win the game.
Iowa vs. Northern Iowa
Prediction: Iowa win
Result: Iowa wins 17-16
Iowa had to come from behind, then block not one, but TWO Northern Iowa field goals to pull off the win. Iowa was only able to amass 87 rushing yards. Looks like the Jewel Hampton loss is being felt in a big way in Iowa City.
Michigan vs. Western Michigan
Prediction: Michigan win
Result: Michigan wins 31-7
So, needless to say, I was in Michigan this weekend. And this game made me nauseous. Okay, not exactly the game, but the reaction to the game. Listening to the radio, talking to people on the lake, they couldn’t stroke Michigan any harder. Listen, I understand you are excited that in one game U-M has already accounted for 33% of their win total from last season. But let’s not jump the gun predicting the 10-2 season, alright?
Illinois vs. Missouri
Illinois quarterback Juice Williams is helped up by a teammate after being sacked for a 3-yard loss by Missouri defensive lineman Jacquies Smith during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, in St. Louis. Missouri won 37-9. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Prediction: Illinois win
Result: Missouri wins 37-9
I feel for Illinois, I really do. They kind of remind me of Michigan State. A big school, passionate fan base, but just cannot seem to get over the hump. The Illini lost to Mizzou for the fifth straight time, except this time they got throttled against a Mizzou team that didn’t have Chase Daniel at quarterback.
Wisconsin vs. Northern Illinois
Prediction: Wisconsin win
Result: Wisconsin wins 28-20
Has Wisconsin turned into Michigan State? UW lead the game 28-6 with less than nine minutes to go in the game, but let Northern Illinois score two touchdowns in six minutes to get within eight points. Sure, the game really wasn’t ever in jeopardy, but Wisconsin can’t think that they can get away with such meltdowns once the Big Ten season starts.
Weekly Record: 10-1
Overall Record: 10-1
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