Ball State vs Illinois is a tough one to call, as I see both Improving. It's @Illinois, and they'll be fired up to start getting the wind behind their program's back, so I have to go with Illinois winning strong. If BSU plays solid, it will be a real test for Illinois' program & Lovie Smith.

BGSU vs MSU is a tough one to call in terms of margin of victory. MSU could be anywhere from 4-8 to 8-4 this year. Most likely in the middle, but who the hell knows. BGSU should be improved, and they've walked into dangerous stadiums before, so this shouldn't rattle them. I agree with a 38-14 game as a likely result. If BGSU plays solid, and it's a close game -- look out for WMU @MSU.

WMU vs USC is an easy one to call as far as a solid win by USC. The word on the street is that USC is getting it's offensive gears still tuned... but their D is solid as a rock. They did give up high-40s against Penn State at the end of last year, which is a good sign for WMU's solid running game and at least talent at new QB to be able to put some points on the board to avoid a virtual shutout... but that's going to come down to how well-minded & gelled the WMU offense will be... and how much WMU can keep USC's strong running game contained within reason. WMU could lose 48-3, they could lose 38-21. It'd be so much better if WMU played the D1AA team first, then Idado, Then USC -- under the reasonable assumption WMU doesn't come out surprisingly on-point, out of the gates.