After listing our top-five players in the conference at each position going into the 2019 season, now it's time to evaluate some big picture storylines that could shape how the Big Ten plays out.
We continue our annual Ranking the Big Ten series today by listing the best non-conference matchups, which will provide some lofty early tests for the league.
Related: QB | RB | WR | TE | C | G | T | DE | DT | ILB | OLB | CB | S | K | P | RET | Toughest Schedules
1. Michigan vs. Notre Dame - Oct. 26
Not only is Michigan's home game vs. Notre Dame the most high-profile non-conference game of the season in the Big Ten, it could potentially carry some serious College Football Playoff implications with it falling on Week 9 of the schedule.
The Fighting Irish used last year's win over the Wolverines in the season opener to propel themselves to a playoff berth, while the loss helped leave UM just short. It's also worth noting that Michigan plays at Penn State the week before, while Notre Dame will be coming off a bye.
2. Iowa at Iowa State - Sept. 14
Iowa has controlled the annual in-state rivalry series as of late, but Iowa State will be as formidable as ever coming off back-to-back eight-win seasons under head coach Matt Campbell.
The Hawkeyes have won the past four meetings vs. ISU, including winning three straight in Ames. But this one figures to be a defensive slugfest, and it will likely once again go down to the wire. Five of the last eight meetings have been decided by less than a touchdown, including two overtime contests.
3. Nebraska at Colorado - Sept. 7
It didn't take long at all for an old Big Eight and Big 12 rivalry to pick up right where it left off last year. Not only did Colorado come to Lincoln and hand Scott Frost a loss in his first official game as Nebraska's head coach, it also controversially injured star quarterback Adrian Martinez, which helped lead to an 0-6 start to Frost's inaugural season.
The chirping hasn't cooled down out of Boulder this year, either, as the Buffalos are doing all they can to prevent a Big Red invasion of NU fans to Folsom Field and new CU head coach Mel Tucker spiced things up even more with his recent "What has Nebraska done?" comment.
Most importantly, the nationally televised afternoon game on FOX will be a huge early turning point for both teams, especially a Nebraska squad looking to get off to a hot start with a favorable league schedule.
4. Northwestern at Stanford - Aug. 31
Northwestern took the Big Ten by surprise last season by turning a 1-3 start into an 8-5 finish, including an 8-1 conference record, to win the West Division and earn a trip to the league title game in Indianapolis.
The Wildcats won't be catching anyone off-guard this year, and they'll be put to the test right out of the gates in Week 1 on the road at Stanford. The Cardinal were ranked as high as No. 7 nationally last season, but their 9-5 finish and trip to Pac-12 Championship felt a little different than Northwestern's similar path. Both teams will have something to prove to start 2019.
5. Michigan vs. Army - Sept. 7
This one might not seem like a competitive matchup on the surface, but it could potentially change the College Football Playoff landscape if Army was somehow able to pull off an upset.
The Black Knights, who are 29-10 over the past three seasons, won't be intimidated coming into the Big House. They went down to Oklahoma last year and took the Sooners to overtime on their way to an 11-2 finish. Prepping for a triple option offense is never easy, especially for a Michigan defense returning just five starters.
Here's the craziest part: if Army were to win, there's a realistic chance it could finish the season undefeated.with a 13-0 regular-season record. Should that happen, the Black Knights could cause chaos in the College Football Playoff picture, especially if the committee needed to wait until after the Army-Navy game to set its final field.
