Around the Big Ten: Week 1
“It’s finally college football time in the Midwest.”
Justin Fields (1) of the Ohio State Buckeyes tries to get around the tackle of Khaleke Hudson (7) of the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Michigan Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Ann Arbor, MI. Fields was one of the proponents of restarting the Big Ten conference amind COVID-19 pandemic. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images/TNS)
October 22, 2020
Big Ten Power Rankings
- Ohio State
Breaking: The Buckeyes might be the 2020 Big Ten Champions.
- Penn State
I can wait for the Hawkeyes matchup against the Nittany Lions on Nov. 21.
- Michigan
Here we go again with Jim Harbaugh.
- Iowa
Warning: Many of the games won’t look pretty.
- Wisconsin
Can quarterback Graham Mertz step it up if necessary?
- Minnesota
I don’t think P.J. Fleck is looking back.
- Indiana
Maybe the Hoosiers can win a bowl game this year.
- Michigan State
The Big Ten is not the Pac-12, Mel Tucker.
- Nebraska
Congrats, every team is eligible for a bowl game.
- Purdue
Engineering power doesn’t equal football power.
- Illinois
My mom went to Illinois. I wish I could put it last.
- Maryland
Is it basketball season yet?
- Rutgers
Greg Schiano, the Scarlet Knights are not in the Big East anymore.
- Northwestern
The Wildcats need to prove they don’t belong in this spot before I take them out.
Big Ten matchups
Illinois vs. No.14 Wisconsin
Friday | 7 p.m. |BTN
Last time around, Illinois defeated No. 6 Wisconsin in Champaign. “Jump Around,” even with no fans, will be too much for Illinois in Madison.
Rutgers vs. Michigan State
11 a.m. | BTN
This is the annual reminder Rutgers is a member of the Big Ten Conference. Mel Tucker shouldn’t have a problem here.
Nebraska vs. No.5 Ohio State
11 a.m. | FOX
Nebraska, no one in Iowa cares about your complaining that this is your first game of the season. Another dominant performance from Ohio State coming.
Iowa vs. Purdue
2:30 p.m. | BTN
Iowa can get off to a good start in West Lafayette. But after seeing previous editions, it’s going to be an interesting one.
No.8 Penn State vs. Indiana
2:30 p.m. | FS1
Penn State somehow lost this game in 2013, but that was the only time it’s happened. Here comes another season where Penn State is trying to make a run at Ohio State.
No.18 Michigan vs. No.21 Minnesota
6:30 p.m. | ABC
Whoever wins this game gets a Little Brown Jug. Fun fact: it’s the oldest trophy game in FBS football, going back to 1909.
Maryland vs. Northwestern
6:30 p.m. | BTN
The good news for Northwestern is it doesn’t have to worry about adjusting to playing in front of no fans.