The hot topic around college football at this point in the season is the start of conference play. Last week, both the SEC and Pac-10 opened up their conference seasons. This week, the Big Ten will begin its conference play.
After four weeks of facing non-conference opponents, the Big Ten remains one of only three Bowl Subdivision conferences to have at least four undefeated teams, but that is likely to change when the teams’ daunting Big Ten schedules begin.
There are two marquee matchups this weekend in the Big Ten. First, No. 8 Wisconsin travels to Michigan to take on the Wolverines. Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema has emphasized the importance of this game to his players after losing at Michigan in 2006.
“We haven’t been successful in road games against quality opponents in the last few years,” Bielema said Tuesday during the Big Ten’s weekly teleconference. “The team that took the field that day, a lot of our players are out there again this coming year.”
The second intriguing matchup this weekend is between No. 12 Penn State and No. 22 Illinois. The Nittany Lions have looked like an offensive powerhouse in their first four wins, averaging nearly 53 points per game.
As Impressive as Penn State’s wins have been, many doubt the Nittany Lions’ superiority, citing their weak opponents.
“[I] probably would have preferred that [we would have] had a little tougher [non-conference schedule],” Penn State head coach Joe Paterno said.
Illinois would also like to prove it can be an elite team. Despite a loss to a superior Missouri team in week one, the Illini have remained in the Top 25. After a bye week, they look to knock off Penn State and prove themselves after losing to the Tigers early on.
Many fans are waiting to see which of the Big Ten teams are legitimate and which have benefited from easy non-conference schedules. One 4-0 team that will be tested is Northwestern. The Wildcats travel to Iowa City to play the Hawkeyes (3-1), who are coming off a narrow one-point loss to Pittsburgh last week.
Minnesota is another such team after beginning the year 4-0 after a dismal one-win season a year ago.
“This team is totally different than last year,” Minnesota head coach Tim Brewster said.
The Gophers will be tested by a talented Ohio State team and star freshman quarterback Terrell Pryor. Brewster also noted that preparing for the Buckeyes will be especially different with Pryor taking snaps.
The two other games involving Big Ten teams include Indiana taking on Michigan State and Purdue taking on in-state rival Notre Dame. Purdue head coach Joe Tiller hopes quarterback Curtis Painter steps up for the big game.
“The most impressive thing about Curtis is his numbers. He knows the offense, he understands the offense, and when he gets in rhythm he is as good as any,” Tiller said. “We always attempt to sell our players on enjoying the rivalry.”
Big Ten Notes
— Paterno also said he intends to coach from the sidelines this week, despite moving to the coaches’ box during the second half last week.
— Last week Joe Tiller picked up his 85th win as Purdue head coach, making him the winningest Purdue coach of all time.
“I’m a survivor. Sometimes if you break a record it means you were in it for a long time; you have to be in it for a long time,” Tiller said.