Big Ten Picks: Week 1
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by The Beast
Welcome to the innaugural Big Ten Picks. Each week, I will select five of the biggest Big Ten football games and give my thoughts, analysis, and predictions on those contest.
(5) Michigan v. Appalachian State If you ever going to face a Division 1-AA opponent, than make sure not to face Appalachian State. Last season, the Mountaineers were the Division 1-AA champions and are confident enough to knock off 5th ranked Michigan Wolverines. Quarterback Richie Williams is one of the best players in Division 1-AA and could throw for a bunch of yards against Michigan's inexperienced secondary. If the Wolverines come out flat, look for Appalachian State to certainly take advantage and put themselves into a position to win the game. In the end, Michigan simply has the better players in Mike Hart and Chad Henne and should pull out a victory, but it will be a lot closer than most people think. Michigan 38-21
(11) Ohio State v. Youngstown State
The Buckeyes begin the post-Troy Smith era with Todd Boeckman under center against Jim Tressell's old team, the Youngstown State Penguins. Boeckman is a 23-year-old, fourth-year junior, who has only thrown only ten passes in four games of mop-up duty. Running back Chris Wells also faces the task of replacing an All-American after the departure of Antonio Pittman who led the Buckeyes in rushing last year. Ohio State has won 18 consecutive regular-season games, and 12 in a row at Ohio Stadium, but despite the stats, Head coach Jim Tressell is wary of the Penguins. Youngstown State may be one of the better Division 1-AA team but that won't matter, Ohio State is simply way better. Ohio State 31-3
(17) Penn State v. Florida International Legendary coach Joe Paterno will break Amos Alonzo Stagg's record for coaching longevity at one school when the Nittney Lions takes the field on Saturday. If all goes as played, Paterno should be able to celebrate the record with a victory. Last season, Florida International became infamous for their participation in a brawl against Miami (Fl.) and a record that failed to include a single victory. Due to their winless season, many people feel that the Golden Panthers are the worst Division 1-A football team. On the other side of the field, Penn State should be one of the nation's best. Their defense led by senior Dan Connoer should keep FIU out of the endzone for the entire game. Expect a blowout in Happy Valley. Penn State 44-0.
(7) Wisconsin v. Washington State Washington State is in for a tough one as they face one of the nation's best teams, Wisconsin, on the road in Madison. The Cougars' lost a lot of playmakers and senior leaders from last year's team in Mkristo Bruce and Jason Hill. Despite, the losses, the Cougars have some solid offensive players in Alex Brink, Michael Bumpus, and Dwight Tardy. However, Wisconsin should dominate on offense with the presence of running back P.J. Hill. The Cougars also must face one of the nation's best defenses led by shutdown cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu. The Badgers are simply much more talented than the Cougars and this game is also in Madison. Wisconsin 38-14
Missouri v. Illinois The city of St. Louis serves as a recruiting pipeline for both Missouri and Illinois, and on Saturday it will also host the rivalry game between the two schools. Both the Tigers and Fighting Illini are considered by many experts to be two of college football's potential surprise teams. Both teams have talented quarterbacks with Chase Daniel of Missouri and Juice Williams of Illinois. The game will certainly be a high-scoring affair but expect Daniel and the more experienced Tigers to prevail in the end. Missouri 38-32
