As the college football season commences, fans are eager to dive into the action, particularly within the Big Ten Conference. This week marks the beginning of our weekly series where we will provide predictions for every game involving Big Ten teams, excluding those against FCS opponents. With a full slate of nonconference matchups, there is much to anticipate as teams look to establish momentum early in the season.
The week kicks off with a Thursday night game featuring Rutgers taking on UMass. Despite a personal connection to Massachusetts, the reality is that UMass has struggled significantly in recent years, often being cited as one of the weakest programs in the FBS. Therefore, Rutgers is expected to secure a comfortable victory in this matchup.
Also on Thursday, Illinois faces off against UAB. The Illini's recent performance at home against USC suggests they are a formidable opponent, making UAB’s chances of pulling off an upset highly unlikely. Illinois is favored to win this contest decisively.
Moving to Friday, Michigan State will host Toledo. The Spartans are navigating a turbulent period, having cycled through four head coaches since 2019. However, they have consistently opened their seasons on Friday nights, and this year should be no different as they aim for a strong start against Toledo.
In another Friday matchup, the USC Trojans will take on Fresno State. USC is looking to build on their success from the previous week, and a win here would mark their second victory before many other teams even begin their seasons.
On Saturday, Indiana will start their title defense against North Texas. As the reigning national champions, Indiana is expected to begin their campaign with a straightforward win against a less experienced opponent.
Nebraska is set to face Ohio, and while expectations for the Cornhuskers are tempered this season, they are still anticipated to come out on top against Ohio. Similarly, Ohio State is pitted against Ball State, where the Buckeyes are heavily favored to win without much complication.
Oregon will clash with Boise State, marking a nostalgic matchup as both teams have a rich history in college football. Oregon aims to continue its strong performance against fellow Pac-12 teams, while Penn State will look to kick off the Matt Campbell era with a win against Marshall.
Iowa is matched against Northern Illinois, a team that has previously caused problems for higher-ranked opponents. However, Iowa is expected to emerge victorious. Meanwhile, Michigan will take on Western Michigan, with the Wolverines favored to secure a win.
Lastly, UCLA faces Cal, making this the first Big Ten team to potentially experience defeat this season. The weekend wraps up with a rivalry game as Washington takes on Washington State in the Apple Cup. While the rivalry remains intense, Washington State's recent struggles in the conference may hinder their chances.
To conclude the weekend, Notre Dame will challenge Wisconsin, where the Badgers are looking to avoid an early setback. With the stakes high and several teams eager to establish their presence in the Big Ten, Week 1 promises to deliver exciting matchups and pivotal moments that could shape the trajectory of the season.
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