We are just hours away from the first weekend where all the Big Ten teams are in action. I did fairly well last week and look to continue my picking power with some interesting matchups this week. As always, let me know which picks you like and which ones you don’t in the comments.

Last week’s results: 8-2 Season Total: 8-2

Michigan at UMass

A few years ago this would have been the matchup of the week – two blue bloods battling it out in non-conference play – but UMass has fallen off in the past few seasons. Michigan fell in their opener, but seemed to right the ship in their second game, so I’m going to take them again. Prediction: Michigan 2-0

Michigan State at Air Force

The Spartans looked the part of contender in the opening series and convinced me they hype surrounding them is real. With that said, it’s tough to go across the country and face Air Force’s up-tempo style of play. I think the time change and the Falcons get to them. Prediction: Split 1-1

St. Thomas vs/at Minnesota

The Gophers open their season with a split-series (Game 1 in St. Paul and Game 2 at home) against their Twin City rival St. Thomas. The Tommies are bad, like real bad, and Minnesota has been sitting at home for a week watching all their friends play. This does not end well for St. Thomas. Prediction: Minnesota 2-0

Notre Dame at RIT

The Irish had a rough start against Clarkson in game 1 last week, but came out and dominated in Game 2. The Tigers dropped their opener, but I think they’re an underrated program. Look for Notre Dame to struggle on the road, but keep it close. Prediction: RIT 1-0

Lindenwood at Ohio State

Ohio State opened with a win against Mercyhurst on the road and now return to Columbus looking to keep momentum going. Lindenwood is the right team to play for that to happen. Look for the Buckeyes to look like a dominant team this weekend and improve to 3-0 on the year. Prediction: OSU 2-0

Penn State at Clarkson/St. Lawrence

In one of those weird, early-season scheduling blunders, Penn State is playing two games against two different opponents in two different places. I think in a normal weekend, Penn State would take care of business against both these teams, but the hiccup to their normal routine gives me hesitation. I’ll take a split, but don’t ask me which one they lose. Prediction: Split 1-1

Wisconsin vs Bemidji State/North Dakota

Wisconsin also plays two different opponents this weekend, but at least this one is explainable: the Ice Breaker Tournament. The Badgers won both games last weekend and have not allowed a goal thus far this season, but dominating Augustana is not a great measuring stick. The opponents this week are. Look for Badgers to beat the Beavers and fall to UND, but both will be close. Prediction: Split 1-1