Big 10 Gets It’s Moment to Shine Saturday With Multiple Prime Games
After years of being the underdog conference, the Big 10 will finally get a chance to show its might. With pivotal games at every prime time slot, the Big 10 hopes to get its new image across to the entire nation and tell them one thing: We are back!
To start off the day, #17 Iowa and #20 Northwestern will be featured as ESPN’s prime 12 pm game. Every year we see Northwestern go on an improbable run, but never reach the promise land after a big loss. That big loss came last week, so is this the beginning of the fall for Northwestern? A strong Iowa defense could be the difference in ESPN’s top 12 pm game.
Following the battle in Illinois will be a showdown between in-state rivals #7 Michigan State and #12 Michigan. Once again, the Big 10 gets big time TV time as ESPN’s priority 3:30 match-up.
Finally to close out the night, one of the most storied rivalries in college football will be on display. Penn State goes into #1 ranked Ohio State with a real shot of brining down their division rivals. The prime time game will feature so many great story lines: Christian Hackenberg vs. Cardale Jones; Carl Nassib and Joey Bosa; DaeSean Hamilton and Michael Thomas. There could potentially be seven first round picks playing in this game: Hackenberg, Jones, Nassib, Anthony Zettel, Bosa, Thomas, and Taylor Decker. What a great battle of talent in the midst of a raging Big 10 East battle.
Both teams are in the midst of some long winning streaks. Penn State is coming off of five straight wins (all at home) after the brutal loss to Temple on the road. Ohio State of course is still undefeated this season coming off an improbably National Championship win last season.
Heading into this great weekend of college football, four teams are contending for the Big 10 East title: Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State, and Michigan. While the two later teams do have a loss on the schedule, a victory Saturday by both teams would tie up the conference and overall records for all four teams.
Another interesting note is that all four teams have been perfect at home so far this season.
How often have we seen so many pivotal Big 10 teams get this much prime air time? The influx of talent brought in by Jim Harbaugh and James Franklin has clearly changed the dynamic of the once ridden conference. With so many playoff scenarios and potential draft stars, this weekend will surely not be one to miss. Enjoy it while it lasts fellow Big 10 fans!