[NU Sports] 2005 Predictions

[SjT (Stephen J. Truog)]

It's nice being back on the list again after the move
to Arizona, so on lunch break from the teacher's
lounge ...:)
> 
> 09/03/05 (H) Ohio               - WIN
> 09/10/05 (H) Northern Illinois  - WIN

A 2-0 start is a must, but it won't be easy (with the
way our Big Ten slate is, I can see why we're looking
at Nevadas and New Hampshires instead of TCUs and
Stanfords). I hope I'm wrong, but I see us slipping to
NIU to start 1-1.

> 09/17/05 (a) Arizona State      - Loss 

It'd be nice to get revenge on the Devils ... and I
know they're a legit top 20 team and maybe it's just
the desert heat, but I think we do get the upset. They
will be coming off a brutal game at LSU that could
leave them ripe for a letdown game after being so up
for Baton Rouge. 2-1

> 09/24/05 (H) Penn State         - WIN
> 10/08/05 (H) Wisconsin          - WIN

Hopefully our home magic continues and we get both of
these, but again I think we'll split. PSU will be a
top 20 team this year and get the win in Evanston. 3-2

> 10/15/05 (a) Purdue             - Loss
> 10/22/05 (a) Michigan State     - WIN

Here's a spot where we NEED a split ... MSU is the
kind of team that will beat a top echelon team and
lose to a low echelon one, so who knows ... but for
some reason, I think the win comes at Ross-Ade. The
Boilers have a pathetically easy schedule and only the
Iowa game really to block a Big Ten title run, so we
catch 'em napping. 4-3

> 10/29/05 (H) Michigan           - Loss
> 11/05/05 (H) Iowa               - Loss
> 11/12/05 (a) Ohio State         - Loss

This is about as rough a 3-game stretch as you'll find
on any schedule in the country for the past decade.
Three top 10 teams, three MNC contenders, three teams
loaded with talent. I agree that I'd LOVE to see us
beat Iowa and spoil their hopes, but Ferentz is the
best coach in the league and Tate will carve up our D.
And winning at the 'Shoe after beating them last year
won't be easy -- so it's gotta be some night magic
against Michigan. Please!!! 5-5

> 11/19/05 (a) Illinois           - WIN

I'd sure feel better if Illinois (or Indiana) were on
the start of my schedule this year than on the end -
they both will upset at least one team this year in
league play. But with a bowl on the line, I think we
get it this year and beat the Illini again. 6-5

Arizona dreamin ...
GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog at yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


		
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