Big Ten Endzone

Sept. 20: Iowa @ Pittsburgh – This could be a make or break season for both of these featured coaches: Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz has been catching more and more heat after amassing a 19-19 record in the past three seasons and Pittsburgh’s Dave Wannstedt isn’t fairing too much better. This is also Iowa’s first road game of the year after three straight at home against the likes of Maine (Aug. 31), Florida-International (Sept. 6) and Iowa State (Sept. 13).

Central Michigan @ Purdue – Could be another high-scoring affair in West Lafayette in a rematch of last year’s Motor City Bowl where 99 points were scored. This game will feature a pair of signal-callers that could contend for the O’Brien Award in Purdue’s Curtis Painter (546 yds., 3 TDs against CMU in 2007) and Central Michigan’s Dan  LeFevrour (292 yds., 3 TDs; 33 rushes, 114 yds., 2 TDs vs. Purdue).

Sept. 27: Illinois @ Penn State – The last time Illinois went to a stadium that featured 100,000-plus screaming fans, they beat No. 1 Ohio State. Both teams have holes to fill; for Illinois, it’s finding someone to replace departed Rashard Mendenhall and for Penn State, it’s finding a guy to replace injured linebacker Sean Lee.

Wisconsin @ Michigan – In what will be RichRod’s first Big Ten Conference game, he and the revamped Michigan Wolverines will have to find a way to slow Wisconsin’s power rushing attack. Between P.J. Hill, Zach Brown, Lance Smith and John Clay, the Badgers’ quarterback (no matter who it is) might have an easy day at Michigan Stadium.

Oct. 4: Ohio State @ Wisconsin – It’s usually the Ohio State/Michigan game that decides the conference champion, but with Michigan in rebuild mode this year, the winner of this game could very well earn a trip to the Rose Bowl. Should be fun to watch as Wisconsin’s running game goes up against James Laurinaitis and the Buckeyes in Madison.

Iowa @ Michigan State – These two battled in out in double-overtime last year in Iowa City, with Iowa slipping by 34-27. The loser of this game could determine who stays home for the holidays and who goes bowling.