The Big 10 Non Conference Schedule

The Big 10's reputation has taken a hit with the league's performances in recent bowl games. The 2009 nonconference schedule features several games to help the league's reputation.

Penn State: Syracuse, Temple, Eastern Illinois

Ohio State: Navy, USC, Toledo (in Cleveland), New Mexico State

Illinois: Missouri (in St. Louis), Illinois State, Fresno State, at Cincinnatti

Michigan State: Montana State, Central Michigan, at Notre Dame, Western Michigan (in Detroit)
Northwestern: Miami (OH), Towson, at Syracuse, Eastern Michigan

Minnesota: at Syracuse, Air Force, California, South Dakota State

Iowa: Northern Iowa, at Iowa State, Arizona, Arkansas State

Wisconsin: Northern Illinois, Fresno State, Wofford, at Hawaii

Michigan: Western Michigan, Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan

Purdue: Toledo, at Oregon, Northern Illinois, Notre Dame

Indiana: Eastern Kentucky, Western Michigan, at Akron, South Florida

The premier game here is the Ohio State USC rematch. An Ohio State victory would make them national championship contenders. Terelle Pryor will be off to the races against a revamped Trojan defense.

The Missouri game is a good test for the Illini. The Tigers are losing their top players from the last two years' Big 12 North championship teams. Illinois shouldn't have to come back like the last two years. In the last week of the season Illinois will play at Big East champ Cincinnatti. This game will affect bowl positioning.

Minnesota and Cal is an intriguing matchup. Iowa and Arizona will feature Iowa's smashmouth running game against Arizona's spread attack. Purdue goes out to Eugene and the much feared Autzen Stadium against Oregon to complete the Big 10-Pac 10 round robin. Michigan State, Michigan, and Purdue will get cracks at likely top 25 Notre Dame.