Circle October 1st and 29th as Important Dates in 2011 Big Ten Football

A review of the 2011 Big Ten schedule shows that the most critical contender versus contender matchups occur on October 1st and October 29th.

October 1st - Contenders in Each Division Play Each Other

Michigan State at Ohio State - The Spartans could arrive in Columbus with a 4-0 record and face a depleted Buckeye team due to currently mandated suspensions.  Beating Ohio State on their turf is always tough, but who can guarantee the Buckeyes will be 4-0 at the beginning of October?

Nebraska at Wisconsin - Welcome to Big Ten football, Cornhuskers!  You start with Wisconsin at Camp Randall.  Your run defense better be really good, because the Badgers are going to run and run some more.  I suspect both teams will be 4-0 at kickoff.

October 29th - Slugging It Out within Each Division

Michigan State at Nebraska - The schedule seems to favor Nebraska.  Michigan State plays Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin before traveling to Lincoln.  The Cornhuskers play Wisconsin, Ohio State and Minnesota before hosting the Spartans.  Nebraska's defense seems to be well stocked in comparison to MSU's defense.  The outcome of this game could determine the winner of the Legends Division.

Wisconsin at Ohio State - Bret Bielema and the Badgers arrive just in time for Ohio State's homecoming weekend.  Can they beat the Tressel-less Buckeyes?  Yes, but it won't be easy. Last year, Wisconsin faltered against the Spartans in East Lansing and ended up sharing the Big Ten title with Michigan State and Ohio State.  Besides, how likely is it that the Buckeyes will lose two critical conference games at home?

Other Key Matchups by Date

Here are some other critical games to watch during the season:

• October 8 - Ohio State at Nebraska
• October 15 - Michigan at Michigan State
• October 22 - Wisconsin at Michigan State
• November 5 - Northwestern at Nebraska
• November 12 - Michigan State at Iowa
• November 19 - Penn State at Ohio State
• November 26 - Iowa at Nebraska

An Aside - "Them's the Breaks"

Of all the Big Ten contenders, Iowa seems to have the softest conference schedule.  They do have to travel to Happy Valley on October 8th, but will Penn State be better than the 2010 7-6 team?  The Hawkeyes play Northwestern, Michigan and Michigan State at home and go on the road to play Minnesota and Purdue.  They could sail into Lincoln on November 26th and leave with a victory and a place in the Big Ten championship game.

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