The Big Ten needs a B1G Week One

By Tyler Waldrep | Jun 18, 2015

With six big games against major non-conference opponents in the first week, the Big Ten needs to show that the end of last year was more than a fluke.

First impressions can make all the difference.

During the first few weeks of the upcoming season the conferences will jockey for position. The results of the out of conference games will establish a pecking order. Right or wrong that will likely impact the rest of the season including the selection of the four teams that will receive playoff berths.

More from Big Ten

As has become the norm, the first week will feature several neutral site games between quality teams. Even playoff favorites who start with an easier game have a vested interest in the results of week one.

Perhaps no conference has as much to gain, or to lose, in the first week as the Big Ten does. The conference is currently riding high off of momentum gained by the end of last season. A good first week could keep all that excitement from evaporating.

The Big Ten has five games against Power 5 opponents in the first week, and Nebraska plays host to BYU. The Big Ten of recent memory would lose four, five or perhaps even all of those games. If the conference wants to avoid becoming a laughing-stock (again) it needs to win at least half of those games.

Michigan kicks off the big week on the road at Utah. A win, would be a great way to kick off the Jim Harbaugh era. Considering the teams the Wolverines have fielded recently, a loss would not be the end of the world for the conference or the program, but it would be a disappointing sign that the Wolverines still have a ways to go.

Two days later on September 5^th, Northwestern hosts Stanford in a game that, like Michigan’s road trip to Utah, can only really only benefit the conference. Both academic powerhouses have been trending in the wrong direction recently, but the Cardinal is still playing on a different level than the Wildcats. A Northwestern upset would be huge for the conference and it might even eliminate a potential playoff dark horse.

The Big Ten’s impact on the playoff field doesn’t stop there. On Thursday Minnesota will host TCU while Wisconsin meets Alabama in Dallas on Saturday night. Both programs should be ranked in the top 10 if not the top six. It’s unlikely that either Big Ten programs can win, but if either of them does upset their opponents then the conference can ride that respect for the rest of the year.

The remaining two games don’t provide the conference with much to gain, but there is certainly everything to lose. Nebraska will kick off the Riley era against BYU and, as one of the conference’s better teams, it is important that the Cornhuskers defeat the Cougars.

The most important game of the week for the conference also happens to be its last. Ohio State travels to Virginia Tech with hopes of claiming revenge for their lone loss last season. Last year that loss almost kept the Buckeyes from winning the national title, and a loss this year could end the team’s chances of repeating before the season even gets going.

Watching all of this take place is Michigan State, who among other Big Ten teams, plays a relatively easy opener. Michigan State might not be challenged that first week but the Spartans will have a hard time impressing the playoff committee if the Big Ten embarrasses itself right out of the gate.

Next: Suggesting New Fight Songs for Every Big Ten Team

More from Saturday Blitz