Big Ten 2020 Week 1 picks

 Well, the whiny Justin Fields got his wish, and Big Ten football returns in the fall.  Somehow I don't think it will work out, as they have left NO ROOM in their schedule for COVID-cancelled games, and both Wisconsin and Michigan are suffering from a renewed spike in cases.  Anyway, let's take a look at the opening weekend games:

Friday Oct 23

Illinois Fighting Illini at Wisconsin Badgers : This will likely be an easy win for the Badgers.  Not only do they want revenge from last year's surprising upset in Champaign, but there are several Illini players who will not travel to COVID-heavy Wisconsin, so the Badgers will be facing a patchwork team.  WISCONSIN

Saturday Oct 24

Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio State Buckeyes : Fields has wanted this season for months, and now he gets it.  You know he has kept himself in shape, so no matter how much improved the Cornhuskers claim they are, the Buckeyes will march all over them.  OHIO STATE

Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Michigan State Spartans : Rutgers didn't want to play, so how well conditioned are they?  Worse, they face the tough defense of the Spartans to open the season.  Tough day for the Knights.  MICHIGAN STATE

Penn State Nittany Lions at Indiana Hoosiers : It's a little early in the season for one of Indy's surprise victories, so I have to go with the Lions on this one.  PENN STATE

Iowa Hawkeyes at Purdue Boilermakers : You know, Iowa always likes the early non-conference games as they usually need a couple of weeks to really get going.  If they sputter in this opener, the Boilermakers may gain the first upset of the Big Ten season.  Still, just based on the talent on the Iowa team, I have to favor them.  IOWA

Michigan Wolverines at Minnesota Golden Gophers : Minnesota claims that this could be their season, but they have to get past Michigan, another team that has stayed in shape as they pushed for this season to begin.  This game could be close, but the win goes to the visitors.  MICHIGAN

Maryland Terrapins at Northwestern Wildcats : The Terrapins always like the non-conference games, as they tend to fade once conference play begins.  Now, that's all there is.  Let's see if they can get off to a quick start.  The Wildcats have a good defense, but there are some questions about their offense.  Let's see if Maryland can score enough to leave that questionable offense in the dust.  MARYLAND