It's Finally Here (Week 1 Predictions)

Each week I will be posting my predictions for every Big Ten game game as well asa few of the out of conference. As always these will be accompanied by related (not really) YouTube videos.

Illinois v. Arkansas State

This is an interesting game as Arkansas State is going to be one of the better Sun Belt squads this season.  They have the potential for an upset of the lower rung BCS teams this year but I think Illinois is a bowl team and the Illini should win this one.
Winner: Illinois

Indiana v. Ball State
How many more months till basketball season?  Coach Wilson seems to be developing a strong mindset for his team but there is still a talent deficiancy in Bloomington that needs to be addressed before this is a bowl team.  Still, Ball State isn't exactly killing it either.
Winner: Indiana


Ohio State v. Akron
Luke Fickell is living the dream somewhat at Ohio State but it remainsto be seen whether this team will succeed after an offseason of tumolt.  A cupcake opener should at least keep the warm fuzzy feelings going until next week's trickier matchup with pass happy Toledo.
Winner: Ohio State

Penn State v. Indiana State
Former Iowa basketballer Jake Kelly getting it done for Sycamores on hardcourt last year.  It was sad to see him go but given the personal issues in his family I think his move was justified.  Great to see that he at least found success at his new school.
Winner: Penn State

Purdue v. Middle Tennessee State 
The Boilermakers have had a ridiculous amount of injuries the past few seasons.  However, if they can manage to stay healthy this season then I think the Boilers have a decent shot at reaching a bowl game this year.
Winner: Purdue

Wisconsin v. UNLV
First Thursday night game for Wisconsin and a chance to see new Badger Russell Wilson. UNLV is hardly a good team though so don't expect to get a good gauge on Wisconsin.
Winner: Wisconsin

Iowa v. Tennessee Tech
This shot tells you almost nothing about the plot of the movie Goodfellas.  If you hadn't seen the film, all you would learn is that Robert DeNiro is in the film.  This game is similar in that watching it will tell you almost nothing about how good the 2011 Hawkeyes are, only that certain players will be involved.
Winner: Iowa

Michigan v. Western Michigan
Think of this season as the trailer to Brady Hoke's tenure at Michigan.   I chose the Godfather because I think it will be a good one, but frankly I could have also put the trailer for Without a Paddle on here as well.  Western Michigan is a good team but stopping the athleticism of Denard Robinson will be too difficult.
Winner: Michigan

Michigan State v. Youngstown State
So maybe making a penguin joke at Younstown State every year is getting old.  Frankly, there isn't much to say.  This game is a cupcake MSU will be able to coas through.
Winner: Michigan State

Minnesota at Southern Cal
Imagine Hector as Minnesota in this analogy.  Jerry Kill looks like a good fit with the Gophers but this is probably a bigger challenge than they can handle right now.
Winner: Southern Cal

Nebraska v. Chattanooga
Chattanooga gets stopped cold in Lincoln.  Again, another game which tells us virtually nothing about the teams playing in it. 
Winner: Nebraska

Northwestern at Boston College
Pat Fitzgerald may be dismissing Dan Persa's limp asa "pimp walk", but I doubt he plays in this game.  With Persa out, I don't see the Cats beating a good but not great Eagles team on the road.  However, if Persa can play at 100% this game should be a win but I don't think it will happen.
Winner: Boston College

Other Big Games
LSU v. Oregon
The Tigers get to play a virtual home game against a Ducks squad that is going to be breaking in an almost entirely new defense.  Both teams have had off the field trouble and LSU is probably hurt more but I think the Tigersdefense shuts down the Ducks and their offense does just enough to snag a victory in Dallas.
Winner: LSU

Georgia v. Boise State
Let it be known, I will be rooting hard for Georgia in this game.  That being said, I still don't see them winning.  I haven't bought the hype surrounding UGA being back all offseason and until they prove otherwise Georgia is just a mediocre SEC team. 
Winner: Boise State