Week one is here and it is time to kickoff the season with a full slate of games around the Big Ten
Week zero is in the books and for many, this week is the official start of the season. In the Big Ten, every team is slated to play and we have some big match ups to kick things off.
Below is our look at each of these games and our score predictions. All times are EST.
Temple @ Rutgers – Thursday, 6:30 pm
The Scarlet Knights open against the Owls of Temple, in what should be a decent test for Greg Schiano’s squad. Temple should be better than their 1-6 record from a year ago, but Rutgers should have too much talent at the skill positions with guys like WR Aron Cruickshank and WR Bo Melton capable of taking apart Temple’s secondary. The game may be close for a half, but expect the Knights to pull away in the second half start the season off with a win.
Rutgers, 37 – 10
#4 Ohio State @ Minnesota – Thursday, 8:00 pm
The Buckeyes travel to Minnesota for one of four conference games taking place in week one. The Golden Gophers are looking to improve defensively after last year the unit struggled at limiting opposing offenses, and should have a talented defensive line that will lead that effort. Their first test may be their biggest of the season though, as Ohio State comes in with weapons galore and a defense that is also trying to make up for a subpar showing last year.
Ohio State, 42 – 17
Michigan State @ Northwestern – Friday, 9:00 pm
Sparty and the Wildcats will do battle under the lights on Friday night. Northwestern is looking to carry on the momentum from last season when they surprised many in winning the West and reaching the conference title game. Replacing long time defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz and two first round draft picks will be tough though. MSU enters year two of Mel Tucker’s regime looking to use the plethora of transfers over the summer to expedite the rebuild happening in East Lansing. How long it takes for these guys to get up to speed is anyone’s guess.
Michigan State, 24 – 20
Fordham @ Nebraska – Saturday, 12:00 pm
Nothing like coming home and playing an FCS school at losing to the program in your division that has been one of the worst in recent memory. I would say Nebraska fans need this, but even beating Fordham won’t cover the stench of that loss in week zero.
Nebraska, 45 – 7
Western Michigan @ Michigan – Saturday, 12:00 pm
The Wolverines spun a bottle when setting up their 2021 schedule, and it ended up pointing west. So they called Western Michigan and asked them to come play for a lot of money. The Broncos said yes, so here we are. All jokes aside, WMU isn’t a bad MAC program, but Michigan shouldn’t have any trouble disposing of them this week. Finally though we can see how this new Michigan staff looks in a game situation, and if they look prepared for Washington in week two.
Michigan, 40 – 14
#19 Penn State @ #12 Wisconsin – Saturday, 12:00 pm
The premier game this week is in Madison, as the Badgers host the Nittany Lions in a battle of top Big Ten programs. Wisconsin has a veteran team coming back on both sides of the ball, and feel like they never lived up to their potential due to last year’s pandemic disrupting things. Penn State feels the same, though their disruptions happened before the season when they couldn’t break in a new offensive scheme. Both schools want to start fast, and a loss here could put a dour mood on the season.
Wisconsin, 34 – 28
West Virginia @ Maryland – Saturday, 3:30 pm
It’s the return of one of college football’s regional rivalries, as the Mountaineers travel to Maryland. These schools used to play each other annually early in the year, before that ended in 2007. WVU leads the all-time series 28-22-2, winning the last meeting in 2015. Maryland is hoping their air attack, led by QB Taulia Tagovailoa, is enough to overwhelm defenses this season. On this weekend, we think it will be.
Maryland, 36 – 28
#17 Indiana @ # 18 Iowa – Saturday, 3:30 pm
If it wasn’t for our other premiere game at noon, this may have won the honor. The Hoosiers surprised a nation with their play and charismatic coach last year, but wont be sneaking up on anyone this season. They have returned most of last year’s squad, and are embracing the higher expectations now placed upon them. Iowa on the other hand is looking to build on their own momentum, after reeling off six straight wins to close 2020 at 6-2. One challenge will be replacing some key players at receiver with a young and inexperienced group, and Indiana will be a tough secondary to start off against.
Indiana, 27 – 17
Oregon State @ Purdue – Saturday, 7:00 pm
Purdue opens up against a decent Oregon State team who is working on building their own culture under coach Johnathan Smith. Last year, they finished 2-5 which was not where they hoped to be by year three under his watch. Purdue is very much in the same boat with Jeff Brohm, with expectations falling short after believing things were on the rise. Still, Purdue possesses one of the more potent passing attacks in the conference, and may very well carry the Boilermakers to an opening day win.
Purdue, 33 – 27
UTSA @ Illinois – Saturday, 7:30 pm
Illinois fans may have to pinch themselves after week one should the Fighting Illini win against UTSA. Heading into week two at 2-0 and feeling very good about the direction of the program would be a new but welcomed feeling. QB Artur Sitkowski will look to continue his good play after going 12 for 15, for 124 yards, and 2 touchdowns in relief of injured Brandon Peters.
Illinois, 35 – 13