After three weeks of non-conference play, Big Ten teams are gearing up for the first week of conference action. For many teams, this means a transition from playing non-BCS teams, and in some cases FCS teams, to playing their tough-nose, pound-it-out brothers of the Big Ten.

This first weekend includes a number of intriguing match-ups and will definitely help separate the men from the boys.


Minnesota (2-1) at Northwestern (2-1)

Both teams come into the Big Ten season with some major questions after their performances in non-conference action. Minnesota and Northwestern are coming off bowl games last year and both are expecting a successful Big Ten season. However, both teams have played inconsistent football so far, despite the fact that they each have only one loss. Minnesota barely got by Syracuse on opening weekend and snuck by Air Force in the first game at brand new TFC Bank Stadium. That being said, the Gophers hung with No. 8 California last week before finally falling 35-21. Quarterback Adam Weber hasn't played up to his ability so far, completing less than 60 percent of his passes with four interceptions. If the Gophers are to have success this year, and against Northwestern Saturday, Weber will need to convert back to his 2008 form.

Northwestern is also off to a shaky start. A year after losing to Missouri in the final seconds of the Alamo Bowl, the Wildcats hoped to be able to carry last year's success into 2009. However, Northwestern needed a last-second field goal to beat Eastern Michigan and lost by a field goal to Syracuse. Either Syracuse is much better than anticipated this year, or both Northwestern and Minnesota have got some things to work on. I'm thinking it's the latter.

Prediction: Minnesota 30, Northwestern 21


Indiana (3-0) at #23 Michigan (3-0)

After a disastrous 2008 campaign, this year has started out perfectly for Michigan. Although two of their three wins have been blowouts against Eastern and Western Michigan, the Wolverines did outshoot rival Notre Dame in probably their biggest win since Lloyd Carr left two years ago. That win gave freshman quarterback Tate Forcier, and the team as whole, a sort of confidence that didn't exist last year. Forcier has been sensational so far, already throwing for 487 yards and five touchdowns. Carlos Brown has also been a steady presence in the backfield, rushing for 251 yards and two touchdowns.

Although Indiana comes into this game at 3-0, that stat couldn't be more misleading. The Hoosiers barely beat FCS Eastern Kentucky and just squeaked by Western Michigan the following week. Ben Chappell has performed solidly at quarterback and Demetrius McCray has been productive at running back, but the quality of competition has been lacking. This week will show Indiana's true colors. Michigan is a better team and playing in the Big House will only enhance that fact.

Prediction: Michigan 38, Indiana 14


Michigan State (1-2) at Wisconsin (3-0)

The 2009 Spartans have been the definition of a schizophrenic team. They began the season by crushing Montana State, but played poorly the next week and lost on a last-second field goal to a Central Michigan team they should have beat. They then played a good game against Notre Dame the next week with a last-drive interception killing their chances of winning. Although Michigan State has been inconsistent, quarterback Kirk Cousins has been outstanding, passing for 5 touchdowns and 649 yards. The Spartans will need to be on their game Saturday to avoid dropping to 1-3.

Wisconsin comes in undefeated, but the quality of their competition could be questioned as well. The Badgers beat up on FCS Wofford, but their other two games against Northern Illinois and Fresno State were decided by a total of 11 points. Scott Tolzien has proven that he will be a solid leader at quarterback and John Clay looks like he will be a force to be reckoned with in the backfield. However, their defense has questions and Saturday's game likely won't answer any of them. A shootout could be in order.

Prediction: Wisconsin 37, Michigan State 31


Illinois (1-1) at #13 Ohio State (2-1)

Illinois comes into Columbus Saturday with no real gauge on how good they are going to be this year. The Illini were pounded in the opener by Missouri, but then mauled Illinois State the next week. Predicted by many to finish near the top of the Big Ten, Illinois will have a chance to prove that notion Saturday. Juice Williams injured his quadriceps in the game against Illinois State, but is slated to start against the Buckeyes. Although he is playing, if he isn't able to scramble and make plays with his legs, the Illini offense will struggle against the Buckeyes.

Ohio State comes into the game with wins over Navy and Toledo and a close loss to USC. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor leads the team in both passing and rushing with Dan Herron providing a good change of pace at running back. After a rough game against Navy opening weekend, the Buckeye defense has been virtually immovable, limiting the powerful USC offense to 18 points and shutting out Toledo last week. With Williams possibly hampered by his quad, Ohio State should have no problem shutting down Illinois in the Horseshoe.

Prediction: Ohio State 31, Illinois 7


Iowa (3-0) at #5 Penn State (3-0)

In the game of the week, undefeated Iowa heads to Happy Valley to take on undefeated Penn State. A year after the Hawkeyes upset the Nittany Lions in Iowa City, effectively ending their national championship hopes, Penn State will look for revenge this year. After struggling against Northern Iowa in the season opener, the Hawkeyes crushed archrival Iowa State and beat Arizona 27-17. Ricky Stanzi has been solid at quarterback, with the offense playing well as a whole. They will have to continue that trend if they're going to compete with Penn State.

The Lions come into the game undefeated, allowing only 20 points in their first three games. This will be the first real test for Penn State, however, as they played Akron, Syracuse, and Temple to start the season. Darryl Clark has already passed for 8 touchdowns and Evan Royster has rushed for 236 yards. If this game were in Iowa, the Lions may have some trouble, but with it being at home, State should win fairly easily.

Prediction: Penn State 34, Iowa 17


Notre Dame (2-1) at Purdue (1-2)

In the only non conference game of the week, Purdue takes on Notre Dame. Purdue is off to a rough start this year after dropping two of their first three, with their only win coming against Toledo. Quarterback Joey Elliot has played well, leading the Boilermaker offense to three exceptional performances. However, the defense has struggled, allowing over 30 points in two of the first three games. If they don't play better on Saturday, the Jimmy Clause-led Notre Dame offense will dominate the Boilermakers.

Prediction: Notre Dame 45, Purdue 27