B1G Football: Legends Non-Conference Preview

August 30, 2012; Las Vegas, NV, USA; B1G Football: UNLV Rebels running back Tim Cornett (35) is brought down by Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Derrick Wells (13) Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota

Aug 29, UNLV

This game last season was a disaster, only coming to life when the two teams entered overtime. Minnesota pulled out the win then, and they’ll do it again this time, but in far different fashion. Jerry Kill has done a good job turning around the fortunes of the Golden Gophers, and this year is their best team yet. With plenty of players returning on offense, and a speedy defense, Minnesota should run roughshod over the beleaguered Rebels.

Sep 7, @ New Mexico State

Speaking of beleaguered, the Gophers travel to Las Cruces to take on the Aggies, and the results should be similar. NMSU will have a new coach, a new quarterback, and a rebuilt front seven on defense, but the Gophers should be able to pick them apart at their leisure, while the defense runs rampant.

Sep 14, Western Illinois

After facing two FBS foes, Minnesota takers on an FCS team that has won five games in the last two years. With the Leathernecks only managing four games last season where they scored 10 or more points, even a coaching change won’t turn around a program in time to pull an upset over a Minnesota team who may surprise this season..

Sep 21, San Jose State

After a run of easy wins, the Spartans continue their run of non-AQ opponents with a visit from a tough San Jose State team who won 11 games last season. David Fales will lead a prolific offense that could cause problems for the Gopher defense. The Spartan offensive line gave too many sacks last season, and that could be a problem against Minnesota’s active defensive front. The potential lack of an efficient running game won’t help matters. This game will be close – too close, say Minnesota – but the Gophers will win out.

Minnesota’s non-conference record: 4-0

September 8, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive end Datone Jones (56) brings down Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Taylor Martinez (3) in the end zone for a safety during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska

Aug 31, Wyoming

The Cornhuskers will have a lot of new faces on defense, but are absolutely loaded on offense, including quarterback Taylor Martinez. Wyoming may be capable of surprising their Mountain West opponents from time to time, but knocking heads with Nebraska is a different animal. Nebraska’s speed and talent will be too much for the Cowboys.

Sep 7, Southern Mississippi

This was the opening game for both teams last season, and the Golden Eagles got a taste of what was to come as the Huskers rolled over them 49-20. The bad news is, the problem that plagued the Eagles all season may not be quite ready to take on a big league team like Nebraska. The rest of the team is good enough to give the Huskers a fight, but ultimately, like last year, Big Red will have too much firepower.

Sep 14, UCLA

After allowing the Bruins to run rampant last season in a 36-30 loss, the Cornhuskers get UCLA in Lincoln with a chance for revenge. Of course, much of the defense that folded last season is gone, but the results can’t be any worse, especially with Jonathan Franklin gone from the Bruins. Nebraska will get their revenge on their home turf, but the Bruins will make them earn it.

Sep 21, South Dakota State

The Jackrabbits may be an FCS team, but they are pretty good, getting knocked out in the second round of the FCS playoffs by conference mates and eventual winners, North Dakota State. They have one of the best running backs in the FCS, a solid quarterback and defense, but in all likelihood they won’t trouble the Huskers, who’ll get a good look at their reserves for much of the game.

Nebraska’s non-conference record: 4-0

Sep 1, 2012; Syracuse, NY, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Venric Mark (5) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Northwestern defeated Syracuse 42-41. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Northwestern

Aug 31, @ California

This is tough game to call, as the Golden Bears are something of an unknown heading into the season with new coach Sonny Dykes, formerly of Louisiana Tech, leading the charge. There’s always a ton of talent in Strawberry Canyon, but there is a lack of experience at quarterback and receiver. Can Dykes inspire the same kind of explosive attack he ran with Tech? There is little doubt of that, but some kind of growing pains will be felt, and the first game of the season will not be the breakout game. It will be close, but the savvy Wildcats will pull it out.

Sep 7, Syracuse

Another unknown quantity going into the season, the Orange have a new coach and lose a three-year starter at quarterback. New coach Scott Shaffer steps up from defensive coordinator, and will maintain much of the systems used the last couple of years, so transition will not be a major issue. The backfield is strong, as is the defense, but the passing attack won’t be ready to trade shots with Northwestern, who will pull away late in the game.

Sep 14, Western Michigan

The Broncos continue their MAC schedule, and this could be the toughest game of all, as the Wildcat pass rush will harass Tyler VanTubbergen, while the speed of Venric Mark and Kain Colter on offense will be too much for WMU’s defense to handle. The Broncos will score points on the Wildcats, but the Evanston boys will score a lot more..

Sep 21, Maine

The Black Bears won just five games last season, and were trounced by offensively challenged Boston College to open the season. While they played better as the season progressed, that was against fellow FCS teams, and bad ones at that. They have some decent players, but nothing to threaten the Wildcats, who round out a perfect non-conference slate.

Northwestern’s non-conference record: 4-0