2009 Big Ten Football Must See Games of the Week

In the Big Ten, no one left the season satisfied. Each team is looking to 2009 for improvement and redemption. Let's look at a week by week of the biggest games that could have the biggest impacts. Though I'll agree with anyone who says it's too early to make picks on the games, let's throw that in too.

Week One

Illinois and Missouri were both teams with big dreams in 2008, yet both fell short of expectations. Should Illinois pull off a win against a good Big 12 opponent in this first week, they could be a team to watch for the first of the year. 

With everyone else in the conference playing weaker teams, this will be the game that helps re-establish some Big Ten credibility.

Larry's pick: Illinois

Week Two

Sound like a repeat? Notre Dame and Michigan had seasons that they'd sooner forget. Both had much higher hopes, only to see the season fizzle. Notre Dame, however, did pull out enough wins to go to a bowl, where they seemed to gain momentum for 2009. Michigan is still struggling to put all those square pegs in coach Rich Rodriguez's round holes.

Momentum is a good thing. Whoever comes away with this one with have it for a while.  And while beating Michigan doesn't mean as much at it used to, it will mean something to Notre Dame.

Larry's pick: Notre Dame

Week Three

Even though the Iowa-Arizona game will show who's made strides, you still have to say the Notre Dame-Michigan State game will have the biggest impact, attention, and ramifications. Michigan State may match up a little better with Notre Dame than Michigan did last week, and a Spartan win could put them in the mix for a bigger, better bowl.

Notre Dame might as well join the Big Ten since they play so many teams from that conference and impact it the way they do. But don't look for them to give up the TV contract and their sweetheart bowl deal to do so.

Larry's pick: Michigan State

Week Four

This is a week full of big games. Ohio State and Illinois could easily be the pick, and Wisconsin-Michigan State will be entertaining. But Penn State and Iowa is the game to watch this week.

Last year, this game cost Penn State a shot at the national championship, and it could do the same this year. Penn State has something to prove in this one and will try to give Iowa a little payback.

Larry's pick: Penn State

Week Five

Are you kidding? Nothing beats a good rivalry. Michigan and Michigan State go at it in week five, and you can throw history and records out the window. Though I'll agree this game won't have the impact perhaps that Penn State-Illinois may, this is still a rivalry game.

The reason I say it may not have the impact of other games is because Michigan is still a few years from being an impact school.

Larry's pick: Michigan State

Week Six

If you wonder why I haven't mentioned Ohio State up till now, it's because they've been playing pushovers. This week they have a team that can give them a fight. Wisconsin is a team with a good coach at a good team that has played beneath expectations. I think this could be the year they start showing what they are capable of.

This is a game that has upset written all over it, but I think the Buckeyes still have the firepower to hold off the upstarts.

Larry's pick: Ohio State

Week Seven

In a down week overall, this week proves that all games are important and any game is exciting when it's your team playing, but two wannabes compete this week and there could be bowl implications on the line in this one. Neither Wisconsin or Iowa will win their conference this year, but both will go to bowls.

I've just said I expect Wisconsin to be better. Can they best another equally talented team?

Larry's pick: Wisconsin

Week Eight

I've already said that Michigan isn't a relevant team, so why do I pick the Michigan-Penn State game for the impact game of the week? Because it will be interesting to see just how bad Michigan is against a good team.

Larry's pick: Penn State

Week Nine

In all the time I've written these articles, this is a first. Week nine is the week you can take the wife on that cruise, paint the house, or do something other than watch Big Ten football. There just isn't a game this week that I can see as an impact game.

Week 10

It could be the game the country's been waiting to see, the showdown that could decide the conference championship again this year. Penn State-Ohio State, a clash of Titans.  Even fans from the Southern states will sit up and take notice of this one.

I anticipate that both teams could be undefeated. Ohio State stands the best chance to do so, but with a trip to the Rose Bowl on the line, both will fight like they were if they're not.

Larry's pick: Penn State

Week 11

If I was wrong with last week's pick, then only Iowa stands between Ohio State and the Rose Bowl. Anything can happen in college football, and Iowa is hoping it will. 

This Iowa-Ohio State game has all the cards set for an Ohio State win. I think it will be a close game, but home field works its magic for the Buckeyes.

Larry's pick: Ohio State

Week 12

I know you thought I'd HAVE to say that it's going to be the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. The only thing that could remotely be interesting is to watch how bad Michigan is against a top team. But for impact, I'm going with Penn State at Michigan State.

This is a game that will have big bowl ramifications. By this stage of the year, injuries could be the difference in a big game.

Larry's pick: Penn State