Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Big Ten football: Top 10 non-conference games in 2023

By Luke Fletcher

Sep 29, 2018; University Park, PA, USA; Cheerleaders carry the flags prior to the game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2018; University Park, PA, USA; Cheerleaders carry the flags prior to the game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next

In the playoff era, non-conference games might be more important than ever before in college football. It’s not just about winning every game these days; it’s about who you beat along the way.

A look at the top 10 non-conference games involving Big Ten teams in 2023:

West Virginia at Penn State

Penn State is set to host long-time rival West Virginia at Happy Valley in Week 1. The schools announced on Sept. 19, 2013, that they would renew the series with a home and home in 2023 and 2024.

Penn State and West Virginia have not met on the football field since the 1992 season, but before then were intense regional rivals in a series that dates back to 1904. The Nittany Lions lead the series against the Mountaineers overall with a 48-9-2 lead.

Ohio State at Notre Dame

The Buckeyes have won five in a row against the Irish and lead the all-time series 5-2. Notre Dame only has three marquee teams on the schedule this year. When Ohio State travels to South Bend (for the first time since 1996) it will be the first of the three marquee matchups.

Can Notre Dame get their first victory over Ohio State in the modern era?

Michigan State vs. Washington

Michigan State’s Week 3 home game against Washington will be broadcasted exclusively on NBC’s streaming service, Peacock. That means fans who don’t want to pay $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year, subscription cost won’t be able to watch the game at home. It also means fans won’t be able to watch the game from their favorite game day local bar or restaurant unless that establishment has a Peacock subscription.

The Huskies lead the all-time series 3-1 over the Spartans.

Minnesota at North Carolina

North Carolina and Minnesota agreed to a home-and-home football series for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. They have never met on the gridiron before. Drake Maye taking on Minnesota’s defense is going to be fun to watch. Minnesota fans are wondering what the offense will look like with a new coordinator and quarterback.

Home/Big Ten