With the Central Connecticut State game over and done with, Northwestern is now 10-1. They may well be ranked heading into their Big Ten opener at Illinois.

The team has been a pleasant surprise so far this year. When Coble went down, many (including me) wrote the Cats off for dead. But can they navigate a tough Big Ten schedule to make the NCAA tournament for the first time ever?

In a word, yes. But it won't be easy. Here's a look at the first nine games of the Big Ten season, and how I think Northwestern will fare in them.

December 30th at Illinois: I'm going to go out on a limb here and say the Cats will win this one. Bruce Weber's a good coach, but the Illini haven't played very well this season. We may be catching them at the right time.

January 2nd vs. Michigan State: Welsh Ryan will be rocking for the Cats'home opener. If my prediction about Illinois is right, Northwestern will be playing with a tremendous amount of confidence. But Michigan State will win. I'd be astonished if Izzo lets the Cats sneak up on the Spartans like we did last year. It'll be close, though.

January 10th at Michigan: Michigan's been terrible so far this year. But they'll beat Northwestern in Ann Arbor. Count on it.

January 13th vs. Wisconsin: We have to split with the Badgers. Since we won't beat them in Madison, this is a must win. I think the Cats will get it done.

January 16th vs. Purdue: If Purdue's offensive woes continue, we have a chance. But don't bet on it.

January 19th at Ohio State: Does anyone know when Turner will be back? If he's still hurt when the Cats play this one, they'll win. Even if he isn't, the Cats still have a chance. I'm not sold on the Buckeyes.

January 23rd vs. Illinois: The Cats always lose at least one game they should win. This will be that game.

January 26th at Minnesota: We could pull the upset here, but I don't think we'll beat the Gophers on the road.

January 30th at Michigan State: Will lightning strike twice in East Lansing? I doubt it.

Projected Record: 3-6 through the first nine games.

That sounds bad, but it really isn't. We get to play Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa twice in the final nine games. Plus we get Michigan and Minnesota at home. We should be able to get 6 wins out of that, which would get us to that magic 9-9 mark. The key is to not lost hope during this brutal opening stretch. Go Cats!