Now that the Holidays are over, it's time to get back to what really matters, the Big Ten. There are two Big Ten games today, both could be very entertaining. Big Ten teams are trying to start off 2011 right, with a win.
Penn State at Michigan: (4:00pm ET Big Ten Network) --- Penn State has started 1-0 in the Big Ten after beating Indiana on the road. PSU looks to start off strong at 2-0 in the Big Ten. Michigan is looking to rebound after dropping their first Big Ten game to 11th-ranked Purdue. In a Big Ten that is tougher than tough you do not want to start 0-2. Not that anyone expects Michigan to win the Big Ten, but if they have any shot at it, they do not want to start 0-2. Minnesota is in that boat right now, sitting at 0-2. I think Michigan wins this game. They are at home, looking to redeem themselves. That is not to say that Penn State doesn't have a chance, because they do. Especially with the showing they put on at Indiana. It would be good for the Big Ten for a mediocre Penn State team to start the Big Ten season 2-0, with both games being on the road. No doubt about it, Iowa, Penn State and Indiana are improving.
#24 Wisconsin at #25 Illinois: (6:00pm ET Big Ten Network) --- The Illini look to open it's Big Ten schedule at 2-0, as does Wisconsin. Both teams want this win. You definitely want to get ahead early in the Big Ten standings. Illinois needs to keep building on their Iowa win. They do not need to stumble too soon. You do not want to end up like last year, Illini. I like the Illinois in this game, at home, against a Wisconsin team coming off a #13-ranked win. I think the Illini catch them, and prove they should be higher than #25 in the rankings. Illinois had their rough spot in the non-conference, now I think they get revved up, and go 4-0 in the Big Ten before a rematch at Wisconsin. That game, I think Wisconsin wins but the Illini will take this one, in my mind.