As I mentioned in today’s guest post on Phinally Philly, the Big Ten will be under the microscope in week two
Week two of the college football season shines the spotlight on the Big Ten with some key match-ups. Naturally the most important game for the conference will take place in prime time in Columbus, Ohio when Ohio State hosts USC, in what may be a must win for the Big Ten. Else where though Iowa is taking on a Big XII rival, Michigan is hosting a ranked Notre Dame team, and Purdue to flying out to take on Oregon out west. Minnesota will also be playing their first true home game in almost three decades.

Indiana (1-0) vs. Western Michigan (0-1)
12:00 PM, Big Ten Network

Indiana avoided an upset loss to FCS Eastern Kentucky last week, so they will have to play better against Western Michigan. The Broncos won nine games last year so this should clearly be a step up for Indiana in terms of competition this week. The Hoosiers are lacking play makers though and may have a difficult time against a Western Michigan team that was caught with their shoe laces tied before they knew what was happening against Michigan last week. Western Michigan had 263 passing yards but turned the ball over three times. Expect somewhat of a shoot out between these two teams.

Prediction: Western Michigan 35, Indiana 31

Michigan State (1-0) vs. Central Michigan (0-1)
12:00 PM, Big Ten Network

The Spartans picked up an easy win last week against FCS opponent Montana State. With Central Michigan coming to town one should expect a second straight Spartans victory. However The Chippewas still have Dan LeFevour at quarterback and he has the ability to hurt opposing defenses. Central Michigan had a rough outing last week at Arizona so some holes were likely exposed.

Prediction: Michigan State wins 32-20

Northwestern (1-0) vs. Eastern Michigan (0-1)
12:00 PM, Big Ten Network

The Wildcats figure to be good for a second straight win to open the 2009 season. The Eastern Michigan Eagles are a poor team coming off a season opening loss to Army at home. Northwestern wide receiver Andrew Brewer had  a big game last week against Towson, catching six passes for 145 yards and a touchdown. The yardage gained in the season opener matched Brewer’s production during the entire 2008 season.

Prediction: Northwestern wins 24-13

Wisconsin (1-0) vs. Fresno State (1-0)
12:00 PM, ESPN

Wisconsin remains a question mark for me. Their victory over Northern Illinois last week did little to give me any reason to take them as anything but a mediocre team. On Saturday they should get a good fight at home against an interesting Fresno State team. The Bulldogs will be looking for revenge after Wisconsin beat them at home by a final score of 13-10 in a hotly contested defensive game. Fresno State has won in Camp Randall Stadium before so an upset would not totally out of the question this week.

Prediction: Fresno State wins 18-17


Iowa State (1-0) vs. Iowa (1-0)
12:05 PM, Fox Sports Net

Of all of the Big Ten teams that have a shot to prove themselves on Saturday, none are probably more important than Iowa. Thought to be a Big Ten contender, the Hawkeyes were fortunate to block a pair of last second field goals against FCS Northern Iowa. Slipping out of the top 25 may be a wake up call for Iowa but now they face their in-state, and bitter, rival Iowa State from the Big XII. The Cyclones are coming off a more solid victory over FCS North Dakota State, 34-17. Iowa State’s running defense may be a problem though so if Iowa can take advantage despite being down at the position, the Hawkeyes should come away with a win.

Prediction: Iowa wins 21-17

Michigan (1-0) vs. Notre Dame (1-0)
3:30 PM, ABC

I had a good feeling that Michigan would come out and beat Western Michigan the way the Wolverines did last week. Now comes the bigger test; Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish outplayed their opening week opponent (Nevada) much the way Michigan did. Now we will see what these two rebuilding programs do against each other. Is Jimmy Clausen ready to take over an important game? If Michigan beats Notre Dame it will also help the cause of the Big Ten on what figures to be a important day for the Big Ten’s image. My brain says go with Notre Dame with the more experienced quarterback, but my gut says to take the fired up Michigan Wolverines for another week.

Prediction: Michigan wins 28-24

Illinois vs. Illinois State
7:00 PM, Big Ten Network

Illinois, like Iowa, was thought to be a Big Ten contender or at least in the mix for third place. After a humbling loss to Missouri last week the Illini need a week to recoup. A game against Illinois State should do the trick for Ron Zook’s team. After this week Illinois gets a week off before taking on Ohio State on the road and Penn State at home.

Prediction: Illinois wins 42-14

Minnesota (1-0) vs. Air Force (1-0)
7:00 PM, Big Ten Network

The Golden Gophers finally open the gates to their brand new stadium, TCF Bank Stadium. For the first time since 1981 the Gophers will play a game on their own campus, outside, and in their very own home. It is a great day for the program but if they think they will have a cake walk in the grand opening, they are mistaken. Air Force comes to town with a potent offense. Last week they demolished FCS opponent Nicholls State by a 72-0 score, but the Falcons always possess a hard to beat offense. Still, riding the emotions of an overtime road win against Syracuse and opening the new digs, I like the Golden Gophers.

Prediction: Minnesota wins 23-20

Ohio State (1-0) vs. USC (1-0)
8:00 PM, ESPN

This is the big one on the schedule for the Big Ten and the reputation of the conference will be carried on the shoulders of the Buckeyes in this one. Before witnessing what each team accomplished in their season openers I felt pretty confident that Ohio State would pick up a win against the visiting Trojans. I will still pick Ohio State although it comes with a lot less confidence than before. Navy showed that Ohio State has some areas of concern and USC showed that it does not matter what year their quarterback is. Yes, USC did play San Jose State but the Trojans bring with them incredible talent all over the field.

Buckeyes in a tight one at home.

Prediction: Ohio State wins 28-27

Oregon (0-1) vs. Purdue (1-0)
10:15 PM, Fox Sports Net

Finally but not least, the second Big Ten vs. Pac 10 match-up, which will get considerably less media coverage than the previously mentioned game. The Purdue Boilermakers could be walking right into a trap. After the controversial end to Oregon’s season opener it would be difficult to not think that the Ducks come out firing against Purdue in the home opener for the Ducks. Oregon was embarrassed last week at Boise State and should be able to take out their frustrations on the visiting Boilermakers. Oregon in a romp. Will you be staying up late enough to watch it?

Prediction: Oregon wins 42-24
Penn State (1-0) vs. Syracuse (0-1)
12:00 PM, Big Ten Network

Of course, be sure to read Devon’s preview of the Syracuse game as well.