Here’s a look at some of the top games for Big Ten football teams during the 2024 season, including a matchup with Wisconsin:
Michigan vs. Ohio State, November 30
Is a spot in the division title game at stake when these rivals meet in Columbus? Possibly. No matter what’s at stake, Ohio State coach Ryan Day needs a win to silence his critics after three straight losses to the Wolverines. Can you imagine the fear in Columbus if Michigan’s Sherrone Moore beats Day again? Yuck.
Ohio State vs. Oregon, October 12
The Buckeyes are loaded. The Ducks are expected to compete for the Big Ten title. Teams from the old Pacific 12 know that Autzen Stadium can be intimidating.
Oregon vs. Michigan, November 2
Three weeks after the game against Ohio State, the Ducks can pack their bags and head to the Big House to face the reigning national champions.
Ohio State vs. Penn State, November 2
Penn State officials would no doubt be happy with a night game combined with a white out. Beaver Stadium at night is an intimidating combination.
Texas vs. Michigan, September 7
The Wolverines won the College Football Playoff title last season under Jim Harbaugh. Texas reached the semifinals but lost 37-31 to Washington in the Sugar Bowl. Steve Sarkisian has got the Longhorns going.
USC at Michigan, Sept. 21
The Trojans finished 11-3 in 2022, Lincoln Riley’s first season in Los Angeles. Last season, they slipped to 8-5 despite having Caleb Williams at quarterback. USC’s defense was atrocious last season, and the task of rebuilding that unit falls to D’Anton Lynn, who turned UCLA’s defense into a formidable unit before moving to the other city.
Michigan State vs. Michigan, October 26
One surefire way to gain a fan base in your first season as a head coach is to beat your team’s biggest rival. Jonathan Smith did a great job at Oregon State before taking the job at Michigan State. If you beat the Wolverines, Smith might not have to pay for a meal during his stay in East Lansing.
Oregon vs. Oregon State, September 14
Oregon State and Washington State were the last two programs standing — in obscurity — when the Pacific 12 imploded. Do you think the Beavers, led by a former coach (rookie head coach Trent Bray), would be keen to show their in-state rivals?
Alabama vs. Wisconsin, September 14
This game has lost some of its luster with the retirement of Nick Saban, but Alabama is still Alabama. The Crimson Tide last played a road game against a Big Ten team in 2011 – a 27-11 victory over Penn State. Luke Fickell’s team has a chance to make a big statement early in the season.
Colorado at Nebraska, September 7th
Colorado has won the last three meetings between the teams, whose rivalry was heated in the 1980s and 1990s. This will be Deion Sanders’ first trip to Lincoln as head coach, and the Cornhuskers would love to send him back to Boulder with a loss.
