Time for another year of Big Ten Pick'em. Last year I had a pretty good year, going 68-20 (77 percent) but keep in mind I am not picking the games against the spread (although sometimes I will throw in a pick against the spread that I really like). Here we go:
Indiana 31, Eastern Kentucky 10 (Thursday)
Eastern Kentucky is a decent FCS team, but even the Hoosiers should be able to handle the Colonels.
Illinois 42, Missouri 31
The Illini offense should put up a lot of points and this should be a relatively easy victory, but the defense will have to prove that it can slow down the Tigers
Iowa 45, Northern Iowa 13
Another boring FCS matchup. No excuse for this not to be a blowout.
Michigan 24, Western Michigan 23
As we get closer and closer to kickoff it’s looking more and more likely that the Wolverines will drop their third straight home opener. Western Michigan is no slouch, but I think the Fighting Rich Rods survive. Either way, this should be one of the better Big Ten games this weekend.
Michigan State 42, Montana State 10
If anyone knows anything about Montana State then please contact me. Actually, don’t.
Minnesota 38, Syracuse 21
The Orange stuffed its schedule with Big Ten teams (they play Minnesota, Penn State and Northwestern the first three weeks) and unfortunately they will probably start 0-3. Greg Paulus wouldn’t be able to score on the Gophers’ basketball team and he won’t have very much luck against the football team either.
Northwestern 28, Towson 6
The Wildcats’ offense is very scary, but the defense is pretty good. Towson won’t have much of a prayer in this one.
Ohio State 27, Navy 21
Navy’s defense is pretty good and while the Buckeyes will easily reload in 2009, there will be some growing pains early. The Midshipmen will give OSU a scare Saturday.
Penn State 34, Akron 17
The Zips gave Wisconsin a decent game in the 2008 opener and they are better this season. Still, Akron doesn’t have much of a chance in Happy Valley. A close first half gets broken open in the third quarter.
Purdue 31, Toledo 28
The Rockets went 3-9 last year with a win at Michigan, but they return 16 starters and could surprise in the MAC. Still, I think this will be one of very few games the Boilermakers actually win this season.
Wisconsin 24, Northern Illinois 17
The Huskies defense is pretty good and while the Badgers rushing attack will have a big night, the UW passing game will struggle with Fremd product Scott Tolzien getting his first start under center. Still, Wisconsin has won 20 straight non-conference games. Make it 21.
Record: 0-0
Last year: 68-20
Feel free to leave your picks below. We will keep track of the records all season long!