Here is the list of week one games featuring Big 10 teams:
Quote:
Thursday, August 31
Minnesota at Kent State
Northwestern at Miami University
Saturday, September 2
Eastern Illinois at Illinois
Western Michigan at Indiana
Montana at Iowa
Vanderbilt at Michigan
Idaho at Michigan State
Northern Illinois at Ohio State
Akron at Penn State
Indiana State at Purdue
Wisconsin at Bowling Green
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Now which of these is the most intriguing to you?
FWIW here is my, admittedly biased assessment:
First, tip of the hat to the Buckeye State - 4 of the 1st week games are hosted in the Buckeye State, 5 involve teams from Ohio no surprises on which one I think is the most interesting, though all 4 Ohio based games make my list.
Ohio State hosting Northern Illinois
This being BP, and everything Buckeye getting pride of place, the season opener versus NIU has to be given its due. In fact, I could argue that this tilt is the toughest OOC game in the Big 10 in week one.
Ohio State will be trotting out their stud Offense, and I am confident we shall be happy with their production, efficiency and execution.
Where the deeper intrigue lies for me is on the other side of the ball. All eyes will, or should, be on the defense. I am confident that our line will be good, in fact we may have more rush pressure than in last year; but, can the entire defense make a team one-dimensional? All too often in the Big 10 that means taking away the run.NIU comes in touting Athlon AA listed Garrett Wolfe at tailback. He accounted for nearly 177 yards per game last year and is the real deal. Which means then that Wolfe is the perfect test for the newly assembled LB corps in the 'Shoe. Will JUCO AA Larry Grant see the field against NIU? How much playing time will D'Andrea get? Plus, if Wolfe is limited in his production that will force NIU to go to the air, which gives the starters in the defensive backfield opportunities to show their speed, technique and ball hawking abilities. That type of work-out is something which the secondary can only benefit from seeing.
Of the remaining games the other which jumps out at me is also being played in OH-IO - Miami of that is, in Oxford.
Northwestern at Miami (OH)
You really cannot script a better and more tragic back-story. Northwestern tragically loses their head coach Randy Walker and the young LB coach Pat Fitzgerald has the full responsibility of steering the ship thrust upon him. Add to which that this contest takes the Wildcat team back to the turf on which Walker first made a name for himself as a coach. Cap it all off with a pre-game ceremony honoring the departed coach. High emotion is likely to be the order of the day. In Oxford they remember, respect and give high praise to all that Walker did to help their football program. Expect to see many close-ups of family members, opposing coaches and Wildcat players showing their feelings.
When the game finally gets underway the biggest question marks hang over Northwestern. Will the Wildcats keep their poise and play one for Walker. Is Fitzgerald truly up to the task of game coaching, in his first outing, away from home? As Miami is a valid contender to win their conference this game would be a reasonably tough opener in any season. Throw into the mix the changes forced on Northwestern and this becomes a truly intriguing contest. In fact, it is my pick for the upset in this slate.
Really, my choices are not based on whether or not the game is played in Ohio, but regardless my next choice for intrigue would be --
Wisconsin at Bowling Green
Wisconsin also features a new coach as Alvarez stepped down post-2005 season. So the intriguing aspect here is what style differences if any will we see from the traditional smash-mouth running play of an Alvarez led squad. Stocco's recent injury and surgery takes him off the field. They already had lost Stanley for the season through legal troubles. This will diminish the playbook for new head coach Bret Bielema on the ground and through the air.
Vanderbilt at Michigan
Ah, a contest between two schools that claim rich academic traditions, with Michigan on the slate, must be ND vs scUM, right? Nope, this time it is the Harvard of the TVA, Vanderbilt which goes to an AA meeting. This one might be all about the QBs. Vandy lost all-SEC wonderboy Jay Cutler to graduation. Do they actually have a serviceable backup to fill those shoes, or is it back to 2-10 seasons for the best schooled team in the SEC? Meantime on the scUM side of the field you have can he or can't he Henne. A huge sophomore slump, or just the lack of key players at key times (Avant - we Suck!!). Lots of talk off-season about the temperature under Lllloyd's backside. Anything less than a convincing win over Vanderbilt may see the media, and some fans, rushing off the ledge.
Gophers at KSU
Running back Maroney leaves, no problem we have another thousand yard rusher. Oh, wait forget I said that, seems classroom problems will keep fellow 2005 1,000 yard rusher Russell out of contention (possibly forever). How many quality backs can Mason pull out of his hat? Is it the system, was it the personnel? Will this game basically foretell a season in which the Gophers have a huge drop-off in wins?
Ohio-The greatest state of them all 
