Iowa State takes the field for the '09 College Football season vs. North Dakota State tonight

Yes, the Bison of North Dakota State enter Ames with a 3-2 record vs. the FBS, since 2006. Yes, Iowa State was a lowly FCS team in '08, finishing 0-8 in the Big 12 North and 2-10 overall. But, new head coach Paul Rhoads should have the Cyclones ready for the challenge. Openers often favor FBS programs vs. FCS. The exception was at Michigan in '07.

Iowa State over North Dakota State in the opener tonight for the Cyclones. Cyclones 33 Bison 21

Other Games to Kickoff the 2009 College Football season for Thursday, September 3, 2009(our picks or simply who we want to win in bold):

• South Carolina at North Carolina State, 6:00 p.m. ESPN (HD)


• North Texas at Ball State, 6:30 p.m., ESPNU (HD)


• Eastern Kentucky at Indiana, 7:00 p.m., BTN (HD)


• Utah State at Utah, 8:00 p.m., Mtn.


• Oregon at Boise State, 9:15 p.m., ESPN (HD)


• Coastal Carolina at Kent State, 6:00 p.m.


• Illinois State at Eastern Illinois, 7:00 p.m., WEIU


• North Dakota State at Iowa State, 7:00 p.m., Mediacom (Cable - IA, IL, MN, SD, and WI)


• Troy at Bowling Green, 6:00 p.m., BCSN / online (may be free)


• Villanova at Temple, 6:00 p.m.


• Western Illinois at Sam Houston State, 6:00 p.m., SLCTV / online (free)

The Indiana Hoosiers will unveil their "pistol offense" in Bloomington tonight against Eastern Kentucky, whose former coach is now at Purdue. This is a big season for 3rd year coach Bill Lynch at IU. Coach Lynch could see his job it the "Hot Seat" in '09, if the Hoosiers don't see progress in the OOC and in the Big Ten. Getting close to 6-6 in '09 will be a key goal for this team, that has only participated in one bowl game, since '93. The 2007 team finished 7-6 and lost 33-49 in the '07 Insight Bowl to Oklahoma State.

Indiana 34 Eastern Kentucky 20 is the prediction for the first game on the Big Ten Network for '09.

peace