The Big Ten will kick off the season in a big way. All top teams in the conference will showcase that they are still the top dogs. There will still be one shocking upset, but for the most part, it should be a clean sweep for the Big Ten vs. non-conference opponents.
Here is exactly how the first official Week of the Big Ten season will pan out:
UMass at Rutgers (Thursday)
This will be the only convincing win the Rutgers Scarlet Knights get all season long. Their offense has stars, yet their quarterback play leaves more to be desired. I expect both KJ Duff and Antwan Raymond to improve their draft stock with big debuts. Rutgers will win 30-14.
UAB at Illinois (Thursday)
Illinois should not be in the running for the top of the Big Ten standings. They are still a well-coached ball team under Bret Bielema.
UAB will not provide much of any resistance in this game. The Fighting Illini will win 40-6.
Toledo at Michigan State (Friday)
Toledo is facing the right Big Ten team to start the season. Pat Fitzgerald is a promising coach to change the ship for Michigan State. However, that will not be evident in the first game. Alessio Milivojevic will be good enough for the Spartans to win 21-17.
Fresno State at USC (Friday)
The freshmen dominated in Week 0, and I am expecting the same result. This time I think Jayden Maiaca will find Ethan Feaster a lot more in this game. Trojans' defense is in need of a better performance, especially in closing out the game. I expect the Trojans to win this game 45-10.
North Texas at Indiana
There were too many losses this past offseason for North Texas. Not much to be confident in them making this one close. The Hoosiers will win by a commanding margin due to their stellar defense. I expect to see some struggles from new quarterback Josh Hoover and the offense. Hoosiers will win 30-7.
Ohio at Nebraska
This year seems to be headed for another disappointing season for Matt Rhule and Nebraska. The Cornhuskers will win in Week 1, but it will not be a convincing win. The Cornhuskers will get the victory 21-14.
Ball State at Ohio State
This game is going to get ugly early. The Ohio State Buckeyes will be on a mission this season and will be playing with a chip on their shoulder. I would not be surprised to see a 70-10 final score.
Boise State at Oregon
The Oregon Ducks beat arguably the best team in the country. Their roster this season is elite. This team will make a statement in Week 1. I like Oregon to win 55-10.
Marshall at Penn State
Penn State will cruise past Marshall to a 40-10 victory over Marshall. Rocco Becht will build some confidence in Game 1 with an impressive showing.
Northern Illinois at Iowa
I actually like Northern Illinois to pull off the upset. This is a Huskies team with new energy, and a new coach bump could be a factor. There are question marks about the Hawkeyes' quarterback still. I like Niu to pull off a 21-14 win over Iowa.
Western Michigan at Michigan
The beginning of the Kyle Whittingham era will kick off with a victory. Michigan Wolverines will steamroll the Broncos 50-14.
UCLA vs California
This will be a high-scoring game and the closest game of this week's slate. I think both quarterbacks light it up, but Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele wins the quarterback duel, and California pulls away 38-30.
Washington State at Washington (Sunday)
Demond Williams Jr. will start off the season with a bang, and Washington's offense will look prolific again. I think the Huskies cruise in Week 1 with a 40-20 win.
Wisconsin vs Notre Dame (Sunday - Green Bay, Wisconsin)
The Badgers this season are an opponent that could give Notre Dame a scare to start the season. Notre Dame, however, enters this game with the best roster they have had in a long time. They are deservedly the 4th-best team in the country. I think this game will be close to start the game, but Notre Dame pulls away in the second half. I think the score will be 38-20.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Week 1 of Big Ten football features USC and Oregon in Western battles
