Big Ten picks for Week 1
August 28, 2008
Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg
Welcome to the first installment of Big Ten picks, which will appear every Thursday throughout the season. I’ll pick the winners and the scores, using a bit of logic as well as some good ol’ gut instinct. The Big Ten isn’t one of those wacky leagues that plays games on Tuesday morning or Friday night, so I’ll recap the picks after every weekend.
Let’s get to it:
Illinois 31, Missouri 30: Illini quarterback Juice Williams has made the necessary steps as a passer and has the weapons to work with, including a fully healthy Rejus Benn. Chase Daniel will do his thing, but an underrated Illinois defensive line makes enough plays, including a key fourth-quarter takeaway to seal a mini-upset.
Utah 24, Michigan 21: Two quarterbacks will play for Michigan and both will struggle. The Wolverines’ improved defense will contain Utah for most of the game before veteran signal caller Brian Johnson takes control in crunch time. I’ve got to go with experience here, and Utah has plenty.
California 33, Michigan State 28: Cal’s decision to start mobile sophomore quarterback Kevin Riley instead of statue-like senior Nate Longshore made me change my pick. Riley and dynamic running back Jahvid Best spell trouble for a Michigan State defense that loses two standout pass rushers and recently shuffled its secondary. Javon Ringer will have a big day for Sparty, but it won’t be enough on the road.
Northwestern 34, Syracuse 21: The Orange aren’t settled on a running back, but Northwestern knows exactly who will be carrying the ball Saturday. Wildcats senior Tyrell Sutton shows why he’s one of the Big Ten’s best running backs when healthy, and a new-look offensive line holds up at home.
Minnesota 30, Northern Illinois 24: Northern Illinois isn’t the pest it was in the early part of this decade, and the Huskies don’t have a definitive starter at quarterback, though defensive end Larry English is a beast. Gophers quarterback Adam Weber will start strong, finding wideout Eric Decker for two touchdowns as Minnesota matches last year’s wins total.
Ohio State 41, Youngstown State 10: Beanie Wells had only 46 rushing yards against the Penguins last year, a number that should triple or quadruple as the Buckeyes begin their road to redemption. Freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor produces a highlight or two as Ohio State rolls at home.
Wisconsin 31, Akron 17: The Badgers have some injury concerns and Akron will keep it close for a while. But new starting quarterback Allan Evridge will settle in after halftime as Wisconsin’s running backs begin to wear down the Zips defense. Expect a big game for running back P.J. Hill and linebacker DeAndre Levy.
Iowa 24, Maine 13: Both teams averaged fewer than 19 points a game last season, so don’t expect many offensive fireworks. Iowa will play two quarterbacks and one of them — I’ll go with Ricky Stanzi — turns in a strong second half to seal a much-needed opening victory. Hawkeyes defensive tackles Mitch King and Matt Kroul force a turnover or two.
Penn State 33, Coastal Carolina 14: Daryll Clark’s debut as the starting quarterback will be a good one, thanks in part to an opponent that went 5-6 last season. Get ready for the Stephfon Green experience as Penn State’s Spread HD offense flexes its muscles in the opener.
Indiana 31, Western Kentucky 17: It might take a quarter for Kellen Lewis to get settled, but the junior will prove why he was the right choice at quarterback. Indiana’s defense should be much improved this fall, and despite not having sack master Greg Middleton, the Hoosiers will stymie Western Kentucky.
Bye: Purdue
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