The 2017 Big Ten football season is just days away — let's take a look at the week one matchups and predict how Big Ten teams will fare in the first college football action.
Check back each week for predictions on the Big Ten week ahead.
RELATED: Big Ten Power Rankings — Ohio State and Penn State Lead in Preseason
RANKINGS: Best Big Ten Games of Week 1
MORE: Team Comparison Tool — How do B1G Teams Stack Up?
Here's a look at each Big Ten team's opening game: (Note — odds courtesy OddsShark. Follow link for updated odds)
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Games of the Week:
#2 Ohio State at Indiana
When: Thursday, Aug. 31; 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
Odds: Ohio State -20, O/U 56.5
Prediction: Ohio State 45, Indiana 20
The Big Ten schedule kicks off Thursday night when Ohio State and Indiana play in a rare Thursday night conference matchup. Ohio State opens as big favorites, and unless something drastic happens they should walk away winners.
Indiana is improved, and gets to play at home, but Ohio State is flat out better.
#11 Michigan vs. #17 Florida
When: Saturday, Sept. 2; 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Odds: Michigan -3.5, O/U 45
Prediction: Michigan 27, Florida 24
In one of the best matchups of the week, Michigan and Florida meet at At&T Stadium for a non-conference brawl. Both teams are in the top 20 and both have College Football Playoff aspirations. Both are also replacing a ton of talent this year.
Don't expect a ton of points in this one. The offenses are outclassed by the defenses — we could even have a couple of defensive scores. Michigan just has a better roster and feels like a better bet in week one.
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The rest of the schedule:
Thursday, Aug. 31
Minnesota vs. Buffalo
When: 7 p.m. ET, BTN
Odds: Minnesota -26, O/U 50.5
Prediction: Minnesota 35, Buffalo 17
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Friday, Sept. 1
Rutgers vs. #8 Washington
When: 8 p.m. ET, FS1
Odds: Washington -30.5, O/U 52.5
Prediction: Washington 47, Rutgers 17
#9 Wisconsin vs. Utah State
When: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN
Odds: Wisconsin -28, O/U 48.5
Prediction: Wisconsin 38, Utah State 13
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Saturday, Sept. 2
Illinois vs. Ball State
When: noon ET, BTN
Odds: Illinois -7, O/U 58
Prediction: Ball State 31, Illinois 26
Maryland at Texas
When: noon ET, FS1
Odds: Texas -17, O/U 56
Prediction:
Michigan State vs. Bowling Green
When: noon ET, ESPNU
Odds: Michigan State -17, O/U 56.5
Prediction: Michigan State 34, Bowling Green 15
Iowa vs. Wyoming
When: noon ET, BTN
Odds: Iowa -11.5, O/U 51.5
Prediction: Iowa 28, Wyoming 27
#6 Penn State vs. Akron
When: noon ET, ABC
Odds: Penn State -30, O/U 63.5
Prediction: Penn State 41, Akron 17
Northwestern vs. Nevada
When: 3:30 p.m. ET, BTN
Odds: Northwestern -24, O/U 56.5
Prediction: Northwestern 38, Nevada 21
Purdue vs. #16 Louisville
When: 7:30 p.m. ET, FOX
Odds: Louisville -24.5, O/U 68
Prediction: Louisville 52, Purdue 17
Nebraska vs. Arkansas State
When: 8 p.m. ET, BTN
Odds: Nebraska -16.5, O/U 47
Prediction: Nebraska 40, Arkansas State 21
