Big Ten Tournament 2012 Schedule: Predictions for Thursday's Opening Round

The 2012 Big Ten Tournament kicks off today, and it's sure to be the start of a thrilling event. 

Eight teams will go head-to-head, hoping to get on a magical run to win it all. That, of course, will not be easy, as the top four seeds rest up today in anticipation for tomorrow's action. 

They'll be watching Thursday's games very intently, because it will help them prepare for whoever it is they face. 

As for the four games today, expect the unexpected when it comes to college basketball in March. 

With that said, here are my predictions for the opening round of the 2012 Big Ten Tournament. 

Game 1: No. 8 Iowa vs. No. 9 Illinois at 11:30 a.m. ET 

Even though the Hawkeyes finished better in the Big Ten, the Fighting Illini did beat them recently. 

However, that was Illinois' only victory in the month of February. Illinois has won just one game in its last nine contests. 

They may have beaten Iowa before, but this time around, the Hawkeyes will get revenge and advance to the second round. 

Prediction: Iowa 66, Illinois 60 

Game 2: No. 5 Indiana vs. No. 12 Penn State, 25 Minutes after Game 1 Ends 

The Hoosiers get to stay in-state, which will greatly help them. 

As for Penn State, they struggled a great deal all season long, finishing the year with a 12-19 overall record and going 4-14 in conference play. 

Indiana is a much better team. Look for freshman sensation Cody Zeller to steal the show and carry the Hoosiers to an easy victory. 

Prediction: Indiana 78, Penn State 60

Game 3: No. 7 Northwestern vs. No. 10 Minnesota at 5:30 p.m ET 

The Wildcats surprised a lot of people this year, and they must continue to do so in the Big Ten Tournament if they want to go to the big dance.

As for the Golden Gophers, they're hoping to to pull off a big upset or two just to spoil the fun for others. 

These two teams split during the year, and the third matchup will go to Northwestern. They want it more, so look for the Wildcats to win big. 

Prediction: Northwestern 68, Minnesota 54 

Game 4: No. 6 Purdue vs. No. 11 Nebraska, 25 Minutes after Game 3 Ends 

The Cornhuskers basketball team wishes it was as strong as the football team. They finished 4-14 in conference play, and that doesn't bode well for the tournament. 

Crazy things happen all the time, but it won't occur in this game. Purdue is a much stronger team, and that will be put on full display Thursday night. 

The Boilermakers will win easy thanks to a stellar performance by Robbie Hummel. 

Prediction: Purdue 79, Nebraska 63 

Remaining Schedule 

Friday, March 9th

Game 5: No. 1 Michigan State vs. Game 1 Winner, Noon, ESPN

Game 6: No. 4 Wisconsin vs. Game 2 Winner, 25 minutes following Game 5 conclusion, ESPN

Game 7: No. 2 Michigan vs. Game 3 Winner, 6:30 p.m., BTN

Game 8: No. 3 Ohio State vs. Game 4 Winner, 25 minutes following Game 7 conclusion, BTN

Saturday, March 10th

Game 9: Game 5 Winner vs. Game 6 Winner, 1:40 p.m., CBS Sports

Game 10: Game 7 Winner vs. Game 8 Winner, 25 minutes following Game 9 conclusion, CBS Sports

Sunday, March 11th

Game 11: Tournament Championship, 3:30 p.m., CBS Sports

Prediction: Michigan State over Ohio State