B1G Predictions: Week 1

Minnesota 31, UNLV 17:
For the first time ever in the Jerry Kill era the Gophers will top 30 points.  This will be a close game at halftime before the Minnesota offensive line imposes their will on a small UNLV defensive front in the second half.  The Gophers rush for over 250 yards and get a punt return touchdown from freshman Jamel Harbison. 

Boise State 24, Michigan State 21:
Andrew Maxwell struggles in his first start for the Spartans against a better than advertised Boise State defense.  A staunch Michigan State defense and LeVeon Bell keep Sparty in the game, but Boise quarterback Joe Southwick picks apart the MSU secondary in the 4th quarter on a 10 play 82 yard touchdown drive to seal the victory for the Broncos. 

Northwestern 23, Syracuse 21:
Kain Colter gashes the Syracuse defense for 157 yards rushing and the Cats get a big stop defensively in the 4th quarter to preserve a well-earned non-conference road victory in the Carrier Dome. 

Penn State 30, Ohio U 13:
The Nittany Lions get off to a fast start behind an emotionally charged crowd and take a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and cruise from there.   Matt McGloin has his best game under center for PSU and Akeel Lynch shows great burst and vision from the running back position rushing for over 100 yards. 

Western Michigan 27, Illinois 20:
Alex Carder torches Illinois for 320 yards and 3 touchdowns.  Illinois looks like it lacks an identity on offense as both Nathan Scheelhaase and Reilly O’Toole split time at quarterback. 

Ohio State 38, Miami (OH) 3:
Urbanball begins with a shellacking of little in-state brother Miami (OH) in the Shoe.   Braxton Miller looks like Tim Tebow running the Meyer offense as the Buckeyes pile up over 500 yards of offense.

Iowa 31, Northern Illinois 27:
This might turn out to be the best game in week 1.  Northern Illinois is better than anyone outside of DeKalb, IL thinks and it will be interesting to see who runs the football for the Hawkeyes.  James Vandenberg and the Iowa receivers and tight ends will be able to hold their own, but for the Iowa offense to shine it must have a legitimate tailback emerge this year at some point.   Freshman Greg Garmon rushes for over 100 yards for the Hawkeyes and proves to be the difference maker in the opener at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Purdue 34, Eastern Kentucky 16:
I would rather watch a marathon of Dora the Explorer on Nick Jr. than this game.

Nebraska 28, Southern Miss 17: Taylor Martinez reverts to his form of 2010 (pre injury) and the black shirt defense clamps down on a decent Southern Miss offense. 

Wisconsin 41, Northern Iowa 6:
The Badgers rush for over 400 yards as Maryland transfer Danny O’Brien just hands off and tries to stay out of the way.   James White and Melvin Gordon look good running the ball for the Badgers in the second half. 

Indiana 42, Indiana State 24:
The Indiana tailbacks shake loose in this game as the Hoosiers rush for over 300 yards in a yawner over the in-state FCS Sycamores.  

Alabama 21, Michigan 13:
Bama will struggle early offensively, but will find a rhythm in the second half as quarterback A.J. McCarron will throw 2 second half touchdown passes.  Denard Robinson is swallowed whole by a big, physical, and fast Crimson Tide defense.