Each week of the 2009 football season, I will be examining all of the games that a Big Ten team plays in. All kickoff times are ET. Week 1 is as follows:
Indiana vs. Eastern Kentucky
Starting off the Big Ten season, Indiana hosts Eastern Kentucky in the earliest game for any Big Ten team. The Hoosiers, who have been struggling in the past few season and posted a 3-9 record last year, are facing off against the Colonels, who were 8-4 last season. While Indiana does play against a stronger conference, and is a FBS school (unlike EKU, an FCS team), I think that the Colonels have the edge in this game. Indiana 21, EKU 28. This game will be televised on BTN at 8 p.m. Thursday.
Michigan State vs. Montana State
MSU is back and looking to try and capture the Big Ten title this year. The team is strong, returning several starters, and looking to become a major player. Though the team finished 9-4 last season, most of their losses were in close games to good opponents. Montana State, on the other hand, had a 7-5 season last year, but really didn’t look to good. I expect the Spartans to easily win this game. MSU 52, Montana State 3. This game will be televised on BTN at 12 p.m. Saturday.
Northwestern vs. Towson
Northwestern is a football team that has long struggled to get an identity. Though they have been improving over the last few years, they are still struggling overall. Last year, they posted a 9-4 record after losing to Missouri in the Alamo Bowl in overtime. Towson, who was 3-9 last year, really has no football program at all. Even worse, they are playing against the Wildcats just one night after playing against Morgan State. The Tigers have no chance in this game, as they are a much worse team, and they will be plain worn out. Northwestern 44, Towson 0. This game will be televised on BTN at 12 p.m. Saturday.
#9 Penn State vs. Akron
Penn State is one of the best teams in the Big Ten, and is always in the running for the conference title. Penn State posted an 11-2 season last year, though they did lose in the Rose Bowl to USC. Akron posted a 5-7 season last year, and they look to be the beat-up team for larger schools this year. I expect the Nittany Lions to come out hard and strong for this game, and to beat the stuffing out of the Zips. PSU 62, Akron 0. This game will be televised on BTN at 12 p.m. Saturday.
Article comments
1 - Matthew T. Sussman
Boy, I don't know about those UT and WMU upsets. New coach/new system in Toledo, and Michigan is not going to be nearly as atrocious as last year.
2 - Barga
I was not too sure on the Toledo one, but i think that Purdue sucks more than UT
As for the WMU, even if it is not that far apart, I do not see UM getting the win, they just are not as good (yet)
3 - Barga
Well, I am already wrong about one game
but it was close