Looking Ahead: The Big Ten's Biggest Upcoming Matchups

Written by Carter Ball

1. Washington at Michigan (Week 8)

When these two teams play next weekend, it will likely be a matchup of one-loss teams hoping to go into their end-of-season rivalry games with just one loss. A Michigan win would likely set the group up to face #1 Ohio State at home with a 10-1 record, meaning a loss to the Buckeyes would not eliminate the Wolverines from playoff contention. A loss against Washington, however, would require Michigan’s playoff hopes to rely on Bryce Underwood defeating the nation’s #1 team as a freshman, a situation that no Michigan fan wants to find themselves in. Similar to Michigan, a UW win against Michigan sets the Huskies up at a likely 10-1 going into the group’s final game against Oregon. In a season full of upsets, breathing room is necessary. A loss in this game, however, eliminates any room for error for the losing team.

2. Penn State at Ohio State (Week 10)

A rivalry matchup in the Shoe gives Penn State the perfect chance to silence the group’s many doubters following last week’s upset loss to 0-4 UCLA. Drew Allar returns to his home state of Ohio in a must-win matchup against the Buckeyes, who will likely come into the game undefeated. A chance for Penn State to prove itself, this game will be must-watch TV.

3. USC at Oregon (Week 13)

A sneaky end-of-season matchup that will likely see a 9-2 USC team face off against a likely 10-1 Oregon team in a must-win for each side is set up to be absolute end-of-season cinema. Win, and USC is likely in, especially if the Trojans can beat Michigan this weekend. Lose, however, and the Ducks have likely cemented themselves in the Big Ten Championship. This game will impact the entire CFB race and will likely be a CFP play-in game. Gear up for cinema in Eugene on November 22nd.

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