15. Michigan vs. Nebraska
It would be the battle of big name coaches who aren’t quite doing what they’re supposed to at their respective alma maters.
The difference? Michigan could win by ten and some would scream that Jim Harbaugh should’ve won by 20, all while Scott Frost would probably be offered a contract extension.
The Huskers and Wolverines have only played four times since the Big Red joined the Big Ten fun – the series is tied at 2-2 in conference play. The Nebraska 17-13 win in 2013 was the only interesting game.
– CFN Preview: Big Ten head coach rankings
14. Clemson vs. Pitt
You really, really want this game.
Clemson doesn’t fear any team – it’s been through too much to get into a twist over anyone who isn’t Ohio State or an SEC champion – but it’s not going to want anything to do with a Pitt team whose defensive front will probably lead the nation in sacks again.
These two have only played three times, and one of them was a 43-42 Panther win to hand eventual national champion Clemson its only loss of 2016.
And the Pitt star quarterback was … ?
Nathan Peterman. By the way, Deshaun Watson only threw for 580 yards in the loss.
13. Minnesota vs. Penn State
Minnesota is currently supposed to miss Indiana, Ohio State, and Rutgers, too – there’s a 50/50 shot it’s not going to be happy if it has to play an extra conference game.
Penn State lost a thriller in Minneapolis last year and would likely get this back in Happy Valley, making the matchup a double-whammy for the Gophers even though they’ve won two of the last three meetings.
12. Clemson vs. Virginia Tech
It’s the 2019 ACC Championship we almost got, but Virginia Tech lost a thriller to Virginia in the regular season finale. The Tigers and Hokies might just be the two best teams in the conference this season, and it might just be a good battle considering how strong the Tech defense should be.
Clemson has won five in a row in the series – including two ACC Championships – going back to 2007.
– CFN Preview: ACC Preseason Rankings
11. Minnesota vs. Ohio State
This would’ve been the Big Ten Championship if the Gophers didn’t drop the date to Wisconsin in the regular season finale.
2000. PJ Fleck was just about to turn 20, and that was the last time the Golden Gophers beat the Buckeyes, losing 11 straight.