First Ever Big 10 Predictions. Week 1.

The honest truth? Most Big 10 teams are not taxing themselves in the opening week. That is true with most big time teams across the country. Yes there is the stray Oregon-LSU game on the docket but for the most part week 1 is pretty weak across the country. The Big 10 is no different. Who cares? I am just glad football season is finally here.

There are 2 notable exceptions to the rule of Big 10 teams fattening up on patsies: Minnesota and Northwestern. Northwestern is playing at Boston College which is pretty much a pick 'em game if NW QB Dan Persa plays. If not BC would appear to have a clear advantage. I am going with BC in a close one. The other exception is Minnesota, most likely the worst team in the Big 10, Opening up the Jerry Kill era by more than likely getting killed by USC at the Los Angeles Mausoleum . This is not vintage USC But they should handle the hapless Gophers with ease. Indiana is not great but they should handle Ball State. That game is being played at Lucas Oil stadium in Indianapolis though one suspects any Indy high school stadium would have been big enough. I also think Purdue could...could have some trouble with Middle Tennessee but should win the game with points to spare. Everyone else should have a fairly nice and easy walk through the park.

Anyway Here are the picks. As always take them for what they are. If you make any money off of these picks my fee is 60%.

Wisconsin 41 UNLV 6
Michigan State 49 Youngstown State 10
Nebraska 45 Chattanooga 14
Ohio State 37 Akron 7
Penn State 52 Indiana State 10
Purdue 34 Middle Tennessee State 21
Iowa 41 Tennessee Tech 3
Illinois 38 Arkansas State 17
Boston College 31 Northwestern 28
Southern Cal 38 Minnesota 14
Michigan 49 Western Michigan 24
Indiana 37 Ball State 17