B1G Week 1 Preview

The college football season starts tonight, and there are two B1G games to keep an eye on.  Like last year, I will go through each conference game and give a little preview.  The Michigan preview will be a separate post, most likely on the day before the game.

Indiana State @ Indiana 7:00 8/29: The road begins for Indiana’s journey to bowl eligibility.  Coach Wilson has mentioned that all 3 quarterbacks will see time against the Sycamores.  I just think the Hoosiers will have too much firepower for ISU to keep up. 

UNLV @ Minnesota 7:00 8/29: UNLV will again be one of the worst teams in the MWC, and Minnesota gets this rematch at home.  I think Hageman has a huge game on the defensive line.  The thing to watch will be how the Gopher offense performs, it is a mostly unknown unit at this point and it could be looking to make a big statement tonight.  

Western Michigan @ Michigan State 8:00 8/30: Western Michigan is breaking in a new head coach and they have lost their All-MAC receiver due to injury.  As much as I would like the Broncos to give the Spartans a game, this one has blowout written all over it.  Maxwell will have all day to find receivers, and the defense should be able to single cover all game which will allow many blitzes.  

Buffalo @ Ohio State 12:00 8/31: Does this game really need a preview?  It will be surprising if Urb keeps it within 50. He has been known to keep starters in way past most would expect, so how many yards can Miller accumulate?

UMass @ Wisconsin 12:00 8/31: Wisconsin is also breaking in a new coach and likely a new quarterback, but they return a stable of running backs and road grinders.  It will be interesting to see if Coach Anderson is determined to change the offensive philosophy in year one or is comfortable letting the Wisconsin Way continue.

Southern Illinois @ Illinois 12:00 8/31: Illinois is going to be bad this season, and Southern Illinois is one of the best FCS teams.  The Illini might be in trouble.   

Purdue @ Cincinnati 3:30 8/31: This is an intriguing game because it is one of 3 where a B1G team is playing a power 6 opponent. Purdue will be breaking in a new coach and quarterback, and the Boilers look to be really down on talent this season.  Cincinnati also experienced a coaching change from last year. This game could be pretty entertaining.  If Purdue can pull a win out, they should be a bowl team come November.

Syracuse @ Penn State 3:30 8/31: In the 2^nd matchup of 2 power 6 teams, both teams have a lot of question marks.  Syracuse lost its star quarterback and coach, and Penn State lost a lot of senior leadership and talent.  It seems like the Nittany Lions are being overrated in the preseason based on how much they exceeded expectations last year.  I just have a hard time seeing PSU being able to repeat their success in year two of sanctions.  The scholarship limitations will start to show on the field and breaking in a freshman quarterback is always an adventure. However, I do think the Nittany Lions have enough talent returning to grind out a close game against the Orange.

Northern Illinois @ Iowa 3:30 8/31: Iowa looks to be one of the worst teams in the conference again this season, and Northern Illinois is coming off of a BCS appearance.  I know the Wildcats are not going to be as good as last year, but the Hawkeyes could make a statement if they can walk away with a W.

Wyoming @ Nebraska 8:00 8/31: Bo Pelini is another coach in the Urban Meyer mindset, so the question here is not will Nebraksa win but by how much.  Martinez could have a 400 yard day running and passing.  

Northwestern @ California 10:30 8/31: Just glancing at this matchup it seems that California would be the favorite with the home game and night game, but Cal is another rebuilding team and Northwestern has Rose Bowl hopes.  I think Colter and Mark give the Bearcats all they can handle, and the Wildcats should pull away in this one.  It will be interesting to see if Kyle Prater is involved with the offense at all, because he has the ability to be one of the best B1G receivers if he can figure out the offense.