USC Trojans quarterback Miller Moss (7) - Brandon Sloter/Getty Images
Week four of the college football season is here and there are some major Big Ten football games. While all games are important to each individual team, there are head-to-head matchups that are exciting, and crucial. Here is a look at some of the top Big Ten football games to watch this weekend.
USC Vs. Michigan
The USC Trojans will head to Michigan this weekend to face the Michigan Wolverines. This is a big game on both sides of the ball. On Michigan’s side of the competition, they already have one loss under their belt. Another one would likely keep them out of the College Football playoffs. To have to meet that in just week four is tough for Michigan. The Wolverines are making a change at quarterback. They will be starting Alex Orji this weekend. Orji has completed just three passes this season for 15 yards and two touchdowns, according to ESPN. He has also rushed the ball ten times for 58 yards. Quarterback Davis Warren has thrown six interceptions this season, compared to just two touchdowns. This is a smart decision for a big game this weekend.
On the USC side, it is time to see if the Trojans can keep their momentum and winning going. USC’s first test of the year was against LSU, but this will be the next one. USC came into the season fairly underrated. They were ranked, but low. USC came in and defeated LSU in week one and has slowly continued to rise. They are coming off of a bye week, which hopefully will not ruin their momentum. This is their first Big Ten opponent, which makes it crucial for them to win. If they get this win, they can knock an in-conference opponent to two losses, while also making a push for the College Football playoffs.
Nebraska Vs. Illinois
The Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. the Illinois Fighting Illini will be a game to watch. Nebraska has had a major rise in college football, but Illinois has also been a sneaky contender. On Nebraska’s side, this is the second test to see how good this team is. The game against Colorado was a big one, but this is the team’s first in-conference game. Illinois has been a strong team this year too, and it will be up to Nebraska to show their dominance. Nebraska quarterback, Dylan Raiola has done well avoiding turnovers. The key will be for Nebraska’s offense to score early. The Cornhuskers defense has been underrated this year. If they can stop Illinois’ offense early, and let the offense gain momentum, that will be key.
The Illinois Fighting Illini usually is a team that can compete. They have a strong defense, and they usually do. But this is the year they also have a good quarterback. Quarterback Luke Altmyer has been safe with the ball and has already passed for 647 yards, according to ESPN. What Illinois will have to be careful of is letting the pressure get to him. Altmyer has been sacked five times this season. If he can keep the ball safe and not be sacked too many times, Illinois could keep this close.
Minnesota Vs. Iowa
This weekend the Iowa Hawkeyes will head to Minnesota to face the Golden Gophers. This may not be the flashiest game, but it is an important one for both teams. Iowa started the season strong, then in week two they fell apart. In week three they improved, but their offense still felt like the weak link. This will be a game that shows where they are at as a team. Iowa usually has a strong defense but could have been better last weekend. The offense on the other hand continues to struggle. They will need a win this weekend to show they are a competitive Big Ten football team.
Minnesota also had a slow start to the season. They were the first and only Big Ten team to lose in week one. The Gophers have been picking it up though. They are now 2-1, slowly rising. This week’s matchup will be a good test to see where they are at. They could surprise people this weekend. Their opponents have been less competitive, but they did come out with a big win in the past two weeks. Minnesota must take advantage of Iowa’s weaker offense, and the Gophers offense should utilize their strong run game. This will be an interesting game to watch within the Big Ten this weekend.
Washington Vs. Northwestern
Although it may not seem like it, the Washington Huskies going against the Northwestern Wildcats will be interesting. It may not be the top game of the weekend but will be something to keep an eye on. The Washington Huskies are coming off of a tough loss against the Washington State Cougars. The biggest struggle for Washington in that game was their discipline. The Huskies should be the winners of this weekend’s matchup, but if they have as many penalties as they did last weekend, Northwestern will put up a fight.
Northwestern is one of the teams with a very slow start to the season but has been picking it up. The Wildcats are currently 2-1. This will be their first Big Ten opponent of the 2024 season. The key for Northwestern will be to score early and utilize the run game. If the Wildcats can get Cam Porter going early, they can eat up the clock and keep this a close one.
Big Ten Football Schedule
Friday:
Illinois @ Nebraska: 8:00 P.M. Eastern
Saturday:
Marshall @ Ohio State: Noon Eastern
Charlotte @ Indiana: Noon Eastern
Villanova @ Maryland: Noon Eastern
USC @ Michigan: 3:30 P.M. Eastern
Kent State @ Penn State: 3:30 P.M. Eastern
Rutgers @ Virginia Tech: 3:30 P.M. Eastern
UCLA @ LSU: 3:30 P.M. Eastern
Northwestern @ Washington: 7:00 P.M. Eastern
Iowa @ Minnesota: 7:30 P.M. Eastern
Michigan State @ Boston College: 8:00 P.M. Eastern
Purdue @ Oregon State: 8:30 P.M. Eastern
Bye Week:
Oregan Ducks
Wisconsin Badgers
