B1G Games - 1/3

Let’s get some predictions going for the Big Ten games today. as there are four on the slate. My predictions are as follows:

Minnesota @ Maryland (Noon) - I’ve seen Minnesota play several times this season and, for the most part, I’ve been impressed. I think they’re moving in the right direction under Richard Pitino, but they fell apart a little bit in the second half in West Lafayette on Wednesday. Tough situation for Minnesota starting the Big Ten season with two road games. I wasn’t particularly impressed with Maryland against Michigan State, but as others have pointed out, it takes a lot of grit to win in East Lansing. I think they’ll be too much for Minnesota at home, so I’ve got Maryland in this one.

Michigan @ Purdue (2:15) - It’s taken a bit of luck (understatement?) for Michigan to escape West Lafayette with wins the last two years, and unfortunately I just don’t think this very young Michigan team is going to be able to go on the road in their first Big Ten game and get a win. I liked a lot of what I saw in the second half against Illinois (namely the success of the pick and roll and the success of the zone defenses), but I just don’t see it happening. I’ve got Purdue here, but this is one I’d be happy to be wrong about.

Illinois @ Ohio State (3:30) - This one is simple: Ohio State is not going to lose two straight home games to start the Big Ten season.

Penn State @ Rutgers (7:30) - I get the feeling that all season long I’m going to give Rutgers too much credit at home, simply because I can’t imagine teams getting up for a trip to New Jersey. Having said that, though, Penn State showed a lot of heart in Madison, and I think they come away with a fairly comfortable win at Rutgers this evening.

So, what say the rest of you? What have I mentioned here that you agree with and what have I said that makes you think I’m totally crazy? Here’s to a great day of Big Ten hoops.

Minnesota at Maryland is an interesting one. Chance for Maryland to get two nice wins under its belt and Minnesota to really fall behind the eight ball early after a pretty good non-conference. Feels like a big swing game for each team.

Illinois at OSU… Could be as straight forward as you say, but either way interesting to see how Illinois looks after Michigan already knocked them off.

Think it is safe to say that Melo Trimble and Maryland are legit.