This concludes my preview of Northwestern's Big Ten schedule. The last 9 games of the 18 game schedule are, thankfully, much easier than the first nine. Here we go.

February 2nd vs. Michigan: Michigan always gives the Wildcats trouble, and I predict that trend will continue. This one gives me a bad feeling.

February 7th vs. Indiana: Does anyone else remember the nerve wracking game Indiana gave our Cats last year. Yeah, me too. But hopefully the Hoosiers' freshmen continue to play like freshmen. I like our chances (particularly at home).

February 10th at Iowa: If we lose a game to Iowa this year, we aren't worthy of the NCAA tournament. Both games vs. the Hawkeyes look like easy wins (but you never know).

February 14th vs. Minnesota: We beat the Gophers at home last year, and I expect us to do the same this year.

February 17th vs. Penn State: Just don't let Talor Battle beat you, and this one should be an easy win.

February 21st at Wisconsin: Almost nobody beats the Badgers in Madison, so why should we be any different?

February 25th vs. Iowa: See previous Iowa comments.

February 28th at Penn State: We always struggle at Penn State (see last year's game). But this year's Cats seem... different. For whatever reason, I don't expect us to drop one against them this year.

March 6th at Indiana: This one could be much tougher than it ordinarily would. It's the last game of the regular season, and it's in Bloomington. But, once again, the Cats should get it done.

Prediction: 7-2 in the final nine games, 10-8 overall.

If we beat Texas Pan American and Chicago State in the non-conference as well, that brings us to 22-9 overall. One win in the Big Ten Tournament would just about seal a bid for the Cats. Since we'd be a 6 or 7 seed in the tournament, we'd probably face Indiana or Iowa in the first round. Beat them, and we're going dancing. Dare to dream, folks.