3 must-watch games in the Big Ten's opening week
The Big Ten has some appealing storylines heading into the opening week of the season. Defending national champion Ohio State aims to avenge its lone loss from last season when it faces Virginia Tech on Labor Day.
Meanwhile, traditional powers Wisconsin and Nebraska break in new head coaches against formidable foes. With these things in mind, here is a look at the conference’s three must-watch games this week:
Wisconsin vs. Alabama at AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
Saturday, Sept. 5, 8 p.m. ET, ABC
Paul Chryst’s first challenge as the head coach of the Badgers is a tough one: beat Alabama. To do so, Wisconsin will have to rely on its offensive line, which features three new starters, to control the line of scrimmage.
Aiding the new linemen will be running back Corey Clement who has great vision and exceptional breakaway speed. The Crimson Tide struggle to contain backs who can run well vertically, so it’s important Wisconsin tests this weakness early and often. If the Badgers can succeed running the ball, it'll take pressure off quarterback Joel Stave and give him more control of the game. Alabama’s secondary has shown signs of susceptibility in giving up big plays, so it’s vital Stave uses this to his advantage.
On defense, the Badgers have an experienced secondary anchored by safety Michael Caputo. The experience of this unit can pay off well in this contest if the front seven can apply pressure on whichever of the five quarterbacks Nick Saban decides to play. If this occurs, the Badgers’ secondary needs to become more opportunistic at forcing turnovers, something they didn’t excel in last season.
Ultimately, Alabama is an incredibly talented team, but Wisconsin has experience in key areas, especially on defense, to make this a tough matchup for the Crimson Tide.
BYU at Nebraska at Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, Nebraska)
Saturday, Sept. 5, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Nebraska hopes to forge a championship identity under new head coach Mike Riley. Riley wants to incorporate a pro-style offense in which balance is the main emphasis. Breaking in this new offensive scheme against BYU will pose plenty of difficulties.
BYU’s defense thrives on stopping the run, giving up only six running plays of 20 yards or more last season. However, while the Cougars are adept at stopping the run, they are susceptible to plays in the passing game. This means if Tommy Armstrong can make some big throws early, it could soften up the defense and give the Cornhuskers more chances to establish a run game.
Meanwhile, Nebraska’s defense will have a tough time shutting down BYU’s quarterback Taysom Hill. His dual-threat ability means the Cornhuskers’ defense, particularly its young linebackers and secondary, will have to play within their assignments to limit Hill’s effectiveness.
Nebraska hopes to maintain the nation’s longest home-opening winning streak, which currently sits at 29 games. To accomplish this feat, it must control the tempo of the game. BYU loves to run a quick-paced attack, and with the temperature forecasted to be in the low 90s, the pace of the game might wear Nebraska out if its defense doesn’t succeed.
Ohio State at Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium (Blacksburg, Virginia)
Monday, Sept. 7, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
The defending national champions will start their 2015 campaign in a hostile environment against a well-coached team. This will be no cake walk for the Buckeyes, who'll face one of the country’s best secondaries with a wide receiving group that has a wealth of promising talent, but are short on experience.
The suspensions to Jalin Marshall, Dontre Wilson, and Corey Smith, coupled with Noah Brown’s season-ending injury means Ohio State will have to rely more on playmakers like Michael Thomas, Ezekiel Elliott, Curtis Samuel, and Braxton Miller, whose move to H-back seems brilliant now. Another player to watch in this game is tight end Nick Vannett. If the Buckeyes can establish a running game early, it will open up the play action pass and Vannett’s speed could pose a matchup problem for Virginia Tech in the middle of the field.
On the other side of the ball, it’s imperative Ohio State’s defensive line creates play disruptions with penetration. Since Joey Bosa will miss the game due to suspension, it leaves a big hole that'll take a collection of players such as Sam Hubbard and Jalyn Holmes to fill. The Buckeyes can use their opportunistic defense to force turnovers.
Overall, this has the makings of a dramatic game that'll be competitive until the final whistle. Ohio State possesses an explosive offense predicated on exceptional blocking by all units. “The Slobs” and the receivers in particular will have to play consistently well Monday to help the Buckeyes win. If they struggle against the athletic Virginia Tech defense, it’s possible the Hokies will pull off another upset.