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The return of Big Ten football was huge for the college football world. It brought suspense in Indiana vs. Penn State. It brought surprises in Rutgers vs. Michigan State and Illinois vs. Wisconsin. It also brought out what we already knew in Ohio State vs. Nebraska.
It was a mixture of those things for Michigan football and its Big Ten Week 1 debut. It took down Minnesota on the road in prime time, 49-24, and the way the Wolverines played on offense and defense showed this Michigan team is different. Not only did the fans for the Wolverines and Golden Gophers see it, but also the AP poll voters saw it. The Wolverines moved up because they won and because some ahead of them lost, but they also moved up because of how they won against Minnesota.
This week, Michigan could get more help if it can beat Michigan State easily and have it over by halftime. The Wolverines also need help as they jumped from 18 to 13 in the latest polls. A few upsets here and there, along with another big win in a rivalry game, and they could sneak into the top 10. Check out which games to focus on besides the Michigan vs. Michigan State game, which kicks off at noon EDT on FOX.
Game 1: Texas vs. No. 6 Oklahoma State
As is a usual tradition for the past couple of seasons, Texas believes it’s back until it isn’t. At 3-2, Texas can kiss its playoff hopes goodbye, but what it could also do is possibly ruin the playoff chances for another team in the conference. Oklahoma State has tougher games ahead after Texas, so even if the Longhorns can’t figure it out, others have a shot.
Having Oklahoma State lose to an unranked Texas team, rather than lose to a ranked Kansas State or Oklahoma team, looks worse, so should it lose to a worse team, Texas, would drop them further down the polls than losing to a lower-ranked team.
Root for: Texas
Game 2: Missouri vs. No. 10 Florida
Bye weeks can help or hurt a team, but this kind of bye week is different. No. 10 Florida wasn’t on a bye because it wanted to. Given how many COVID-19 cases the team had, the game two weeks ago against LSU was postponed, and so was its game last week against Missouri. Now with no other wiggle room, Florida has to play its game this week against Missouri, and who knows who will play for the Gators.
Having back-to-back weeks off could throw the Gators off their game, and they could still miss key players due to COVID-19. Nobody knows who was infected and who could still be infected. That uncertainty puts Missouri in a good spot to win this football game.
Root for: Missouri
Game 3: No. 3 Ohio State vs. No. 18 Penn State
After getting upset last week, Penn State needs to do it to Ohio State this week. The Buckeyes had a slow start in their victory over Nebraska, but overall they looked like a great team once again. Penn State, on the other hand, looked good but wasn’t able to make one more stop in overtime.
Penn State has a chance for a huge redeeming win this week. While the win would push Penn State above the Wolverines, it would pull Ohio State down. I don’t think the Buckeyes would fall out of the top 10, depending on the final score, but having an early season loss would put Michigan in first place in the Big Ten East if it beat Michigan State. That could help the Wolverines down the road if it comes down to it.
Root for: No. 18 Penn State
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