Top 2009 OOC BigTen Games

◊ ZN's 2009 Penn State Football Preview - BigTen Outlook

Just as I did last week for the conference schedule, today we'll look at the BigTen's top non-conference games for 2009. Sure, there's always the duds like Michigan State vs. Montana State and Iowa vs. Northern Iowa. But there's also those fantastic marquee matchups like Ohio State vs. USC, and very good games like Iowa vs. Arizona and Illinois vs. Missouri. Which ones can we look forward to this season? Let's find out.

Sept. 5:

Missouri vs. Illinois - After the last few years, Illinois is licking its chops at the 2009 season opener. No more Chase Daniel, but Juice Williams remains, along with Arrelious Benn. The Tigers are a bit down, but they still have great talent. The Illini should be able to pull this one out in front of a national audience, which they (and the whole conference) desperately need.

Western Michigan @ Michigan - The Wolverines hit rock bottom last season when they lost to Toledo in Ann Arbor. This time, a MAC team with actual talent comes calling in the season opener. If we all tune in for no other reason, just the minute possibility of another flop will be worth staying on the couch. The BigTen really, really needs Michigan to look good in this game.

Sept. 12:

USC @ Ohio State - You would hope the TV people would tone down their "Game of the Century" talk that comes around, well, every single week of the season. But will they for this one, considering last year was such a flop? No way, Jose. You can bet your bottom this will be hyped up starting in August, and all the pressure is going on the Buckeyes. But it's really a no-win situation, as USC will be called "down" should OSU win, and if OSU loses... well, it'll be bad.

Notre Dame @ Michigan - The Irish should be better. Michigan should be better. Which one really is better? We'll find out. Notre Dame still doesn't look like a great football team, but Michigan could be going through the same exact thing the Irish did the last two seasons. This game is still worth its weight in name-brand tradition.

Purdue @ Oregon - This sounds crazy, but it's not like Oregon hasn't lost to worse teams. Indiana went into Autzen Stadium in 2004, and left with an improbable win. The Boilermakers nearly beat the Ducks last season in West Lafayette, but blew it late. Oregon is a very, very good team going into this year, while Purdue is going through a big turnover phase.

Sept. 19:

California @ Minnesota - You can't complain about Minnesota's scheduling. The Gophers open at Syracuse, host Air Force and then welcome the Cal Bears to Minneapolis. Tim Brewster has something good cooking up north, and can stick a fork in the first course with a win over this really good BCS opponent. This will be Minnesota's first chance to get their new stadium in front of a big time audience, and big time recruits.

Arizona @ Iowa - The Wildcats are hotter than the Arizona desert right now, but Iowa can douse those flames with a win. This game could come down to the quarterbacks: Iowa has one; Arizona doesn't. Iowa can set a loud tone for the rest of their season by beating a not-so-bad BCS team.

Notre Dame @ Michigan State - Ok, so just mark town all the BigTen vs. Notre Dame dates. Michigan State is one of the toughest teams in the BigTen, even if they're not the most talented. The Irish are very talented, but have lacked any sort of cohesiveness to put that talent to use. This game could give a very clear indicator as to where Michigan State is right now as a program, and how much farther they have to go.

Nov. 21:

Fresno State @ Illinois - Whatever you do, don't think this is an easy game. We all saw what the Illini did last season against Western Michigan, and it could happen again if they're not careful, really careful. Fresno loses a few key players, but they shouldn't be anything near a punching back this season. The Illini might need a big, comfy win here to secure a better bowl bid. Plus, who wants to go out on Senior Day and lose to a team like Fresno State?

Nov. 28:

Wisconsin @ Hawaii - If Wisconsin blows this one, Bret Bielema is as good as gone. But I doubt it'll happen. Hawaii may be a little better this season, but they're far, far from the 2007 BCS buster. Even with the loss of Travis Beckum and PJ Hill, Wisconsin is a talented team that should have no problem against these lower opponents. You'll watch this game, just because it's the last regular season game for the conference.