Dissecting Some of the Best Big Ten Non-Conference Match-ups: 2019
Before we begin this list, note that these aren’t all the highly anticipated non-conference games this year. These are just a handful of good match-ups to look for this season. We all know how important in conference games are, and they always bring excitement. However, the non-conference games are the games that can really give certain teams an edge on their resume. Here, we take a deeper look into some of the biggest non-conference Big Ten games of the 2019 season.
Michigan vs. Notre Dame
This one comes as no surprise. This rivalry has been renewed in recent years, after facing each other several times since their first meeting, dated all the way back to 1887. Michigan leads the rivalry all-time by a slight margin. Last year, Notre Dame was able to edge the Wolverines 24-17 in a tough battle, between the two top-15 teams.
This year, both of these teams are ranked inside the top 10 by most people and in the preseason coaches poll. Many believe, whoever loses this game, it could potentially be their only lose of the year. There are many advantages that Michigan has in this game over Notre Dame.
First, home field advantage is a big factor in this game. The atmosphere will certainly be loud and chaotic. Second, Michigan has a lot less positions to fill than Notre Dame does. Michigan did lose a lot of top talent on their D-line, but they usually recruit well enough to get that talent back. Third, there is also a lot less uncertainty with how this talent will perform. Michigan has most of their offense returning and most of their secondary as well. One advantage Notre Dame has is that Michigan will be facing Penn State, in Happy Valley, the week prior. So whatever happens, emotions will be running at an all-time high the week prior, which could affect how the Wolverines prepare for the Fighting Irish. Just ask Ohio State about what happened two years ago.
Right now, it seems that Michigan should have the upper hand, given the uncertainty at some key positions on the Notre Dame roster. If Michigan can sustain a top 10, or even top 20 defense, that should still be enough to slow the Fighting Irish down. However, college football is very unpredictable, and both of these teams are well equipped to come out with a win.
Northwestern vs. Stanford
The Stanford Cardinals may not be the highly ranked team they were with Christian McCaffrey, but they are still a good football program. Northwestern obviously showed what they were capable of last year. They came within one game of being Big Ten Champions. Currently, the cardinals are heavy favorites, with a 75% chance of winning, by ESPN.
Firstly, the game is in Stanford territory, so the Cardinals already have the advantage. On top of that, it’s the first game of the year for both teams. It may turn out to be a sloppy game in the early going, but home field advantage already gives the Cardinals an extra boost to bounce back. To Northwestern’s benefit, Stanford has struggled mightily, in the last five years, against teams with winning records.
Another advantage that Northwestern has in this game is the Stanford offense is introducing a lot of new faces. The run game was a disappointment at times for Stanford last year, while the run game got a major boost last year for Northwestern, with the help of Isaiah Bowser. Both defenses are looking to improve this year, but Northwestern already seems to have seniority and more talent on that side at the moment. Will this game go down to coaching? Well, if it does, and it matters on who prepares there team better for this game, the chips may fly in Pat Fitzgerald’s corner.
Purdue vs. TCU
If you are a giant fan of high-powered offenses and big scoring totals, you will likely enjoy this game. These two teams, especially over the last few years, have been known to score many points, but also give up many points at the same time. Purdue last season, averaged 30.5 points a game, with over 440 yards of offense. However, they also surrendered 30 points per game and gave up close to 400 yards as well. TCU, while earning and giving up less points and yards than Purdue, still had roughly the same ratio of numbers.
Both of these teams are looking to revamp their offenses this year. Both teams faced several injury problems last year, especially with their QB groups. So, they look to gain some consistency and have their QB’s healthier this year. TCU may have the best collection of running backs in the Big 12 in 2019. Purdue certainly thinks they’ve found some young talent in their backfield also. Purdue certainly has an advantage in the WR category, having Rondale Moore as the center piece.
Since neither team has been well known for their defenses, don’t expect to see a low scoring game in this match-up. These teams can easily put up over 60 points in this game, and maybe even higher. It will depend on the QB situation for both teams, before we can decide who is the favorite in this game. Both of these teams are well coached. However, due to the collection of talent, and it being at Purdue, one could make the argument that Purdue has a slight edge in this contest.
Iowa vs. Iowa State
This next one is a rivalry that has definitely had some momentum going into it in recent years. The Hawkeyes of Iowa, have dominated this rivalry as of late, currently with a 4 game win streak, and have the longest stretch of wins in a row, winning 15 straight against the Cyclones from 1983-1997. The current favorite to win this match-up, according to ESPN, is the Iowa State Cyclones, with a 60% chance, which is not very high.
Iowa certainly has the offense necessary to score points against their rival. However, newly head coach Matt Campbell has the Cyclones on a hot streak. The Cyclones have posted back to back winning seasons for the first time since 2004-2005. Iowa State returns 16 starters this year, 8 on each side of the ball. While Iowa has the more sound QB at the moment, their losses on defense could hurt them. One thing Iowa has, that Iowa State may not have an answer for, is a man by the name of A.J Epenesa. Epenesa is one of the best defensive lineman in the NCAA, and looks to show that against his rival.
Entering this season, Iowa certainly has a lot more stability in key positions. Iowa State certainly has momentum and optimism on their side, given their recent production. However, due to this game being played early in the year, and being at Iowa State, the Cyclones get the early nod on this game, for now.
Michigan State vs. Arizona State
The last time these two teams faced each other, it was a nail biter. Unlike the rest of the contests mentioned before this one, MSU has a size-able chance of winning. The Spartans have a 78% chance of winning, according to ESPN. There are many reasons to understand why the Spartans have the clear advantage before the season starts.
It’s a home game for the Spartans, which certainly helps. If the game turns into a defensive match like last year, the Spartans also have the upper hand. With Kenny Willekes as the front runner of their defense, good luck trying to run the ball. Michigan State, while struggling last year offensively, is expecting many people to return, including their QB, Brian Lewerke. Both of these teams are well coached, which will make for some interesting play and adjustments.
This game is not the only highly anticipated match-up that weekend. Almost half the Big Ten teams are facing a tough non-conference opponent that weekend. If you are a Sparty fan, this game will be a great game to measure where the Spartans might be towards the end of the year..