Week 5: Game Day in Kinnick Stadium

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Kickoff: 11:05 a.m.
TV: ESPN2 – Kevin Brown and Andre Ware
Last Meeting: This is the first meeting between the two schools.
The Weather: Cloudy skies with temps in the low 60’s at kickoff with winds around 10 mph.
The Line: Iowa is a 24 point favorite.
History: While this is the first meeting between the two schools, Iowa is 6-1 against C-USA programs with the last win coming over North Texas, 62-16, in 2015.

If you are not on the Rivals Network, you should look into Hawkeye Report, the Lounge and the work of Tom Kakert and Blair Sanderson for the Hawkeye site.

This week's prediction for Iowa.

Hawkeyes 38

Middle Tennessee Red Raiders 14

The Hawkeyes should finish non-conference portion of their schedule 3-0. The Hawkeyes have shown good performances in all three phases of the game: offense, defense and special teams.

The Hawkeyes have already opened Big Ten play 1-0, when they beat Rutgers 30-0, in Week 2 in Kinnick Stadium.

The Hawkeyes are looking for their third straight home win in 2019. They won an highly unusual first road game, 18-17, in a double storm delayed cliffhanger, in Ames, against the Iowa State Cyclones, two weeks ago.

One trophy game is in the books. Will Iowa play more trophies in 2019?

We shall see soon enough. Be gold.

Both, Iowa and Middle Tennessee are coming off bye weeks. The Red Raiders opened the 2019 season in Ann Arbor. The Hawkeyes travel to Ann Arbor next week for their 2019 Big Ten road opener.

The Hawkeyes can't afford to look ahead. The senior leadership likely will not do that, lead by senior QB Nate Stanley.

GameDay: Iowa (3-1, 0-1) @ Michigan State (2-1)

East Lansing, MI --- The Iowa Hawkeyes (0-1 B1G) travel to East Lansing for the first time, since 2012, to face the Michigan State Spartans, in a West vs. East showdown. The Hawkeyes last played the Spartans to close the 2015 Big Ten season, in the Big Ten Championship Game in Indianapolis.

This series has been a close one. Since Mark Dantonio, became the Spartans head coach, in 2007, the series is tied 4-4. Since the dean of college football, Kirk Ferentz became Iowa's coach, in 1999, the series is tied 7-7. The Hawkeyes are 7-5-1, since 1982, up in East Lansing.

The last game played in this series, the 2015 Big Ten Championship
Game came down to the last series,as the Spartans, pulled out a 15-13
slug-fest in Indianapolis to clinch the Big Ten title and a date in the
College Football Playoff.

Most games often come down to one series or even one play, as the 2009, walk off touchdown by Iowa. We have seen games in overtime, including the 2007 game that first pit each head coach; and the last game played in East Lansing.

Our prediction today, in East Lansing ... another close one!

• Iowa 22
• Michigan State 18

Iowa off to first 5-0 start, since 2009; twenty years ago, Iowa opened 5-0, as well.

The Iowa Hawkeyes (5-0, 1-0 B1G West) are off to the best start in six years, as well are ranked for t he first time, since the 2010 season. The 10-6 win over Wisconsin (3-2, 0-1 B1G West) was the first Iowa win over a Top 25 opponent, since the 24-16 win over Michigan in 2011.

The Iowa-Wisconsin game has been played ten times for the 
Heartland Trophy.  The series is now tied at 5-5, with Iowa's 10-6 win. 
The overall series is now, 43-44-2 in favor of the Wisconsin Badgers. 
Kirk Ferentz is now 4-3 in Madison.

Head coach Kirk Ferentz has 120 wins as a member of the Big Ten Conference, passing Barry Alvarez (119) for ninth in conference history. A nice way to celebrate the 120th season of Big Ten football.

Iowa Kirk Ferentz is 2-0
head to head vs. Paul Chryst,
after his 24-20 win last
season at Pitt.

The road team has won seven of the last nine games in this series. This is an amazingly close series, with Wisconsin leading 44-43-2 all-time. The Heartland Trophy record, since it was debuted in 2004 is tied at 5-5. The Hawkeyes ended a three game winning streak by the Badgers. All three games were in Iowa City.

Iowa offensive coordinator Greg Davis and defensive coordinator Phil Parker are now 4-0 in Big Ten road openers, since 2012. It is Davis' fourth season at Iowa, while Parker is in his fourth season as DC; he has been at Iowa for all 17 seasons, since Ferentz became head coach.

Iowa is now ranked for the first time, since the 2010 season, after the win in Madison. The Hawkeyes are ranked #22 in the latest AP Poll, released on Sunday, after the Week 5 win. The Hawkeyes are #23 in the Coaches Poll.

Iowa CB #14 Desmond King is showing outstanding moments
over the past five games, including his second game, with
two interceptions. He leads the Big Ten in interceptions.

The Hawkeyes have won their second trophy game of the season (Cy-Hawk, Heartland), after the previous road win @ Iowa State 31-17 in Week 3. Iowa has two trophy games remaining on its schedule (Minnesota, Floyd of Rosedale; Nebraska, Heroes). Last season, the Hawkeyes were 0-4 in trophy games.

Junior CB Desmond King recorded his fourth and fifth interceptions of the season for Iowa. It was his second multi-interception game of the season (Pitt). King tied for the team lead with three interceptions last season. He entered the game tied for the Big Ten lead with three interceptions. His second quarter interception led to an Iowa touchdown. Three of his five interceptions this season have resulted in Iowa scores (2 TDs, 1 FG).

Iowa senior DE #34 Nate Meier forces a big fumble in the game at
the goal line. The Hawkeyes won the turnover game 4-3 @ UW.

Iowa senior DE Drew Ott forced a fumble in the second quarter. It was Ott's third forced fumble of the season, and third of his career. Senior DE Nate Meier recovered the fumble, Wisconsin's first lost fumble of the season (resulted in 33-yard field goal). Ott (2.5) and Meier (1.5) combined for four TFL and 1.5 sacks.

Iowa Junior DT Faith Ekakitie recovered a fumble inside the Iowa five-yard line in the fourth quarter. It is his first career fumble recovery.

Talk about an all-Big Ten type day for Wisconsin senior 
OLB #58 Joe Schobert, who was extremely disruptive all game. 
He is a force for the Badgers.

One Badger was very disruptive today.

Wisconsin OLB #58 Joe Schobert, with
one of his sacks on #16 C.J. Beathard
during Saturday's trophy game. 

Wisconsin senior OLB Joe Schobert finished with 8 tackles, with 3.5 tackles for loss, including three sacks. He also added 5 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Schobert now has 13 tackles for loss and entered the game tied for the national lead in that category. He also entered the game tied for 4th nationally in sacks and now has nine on the year.

Iowa junior QB #16 C.J. Beathard had
a very challenging day, with Badgers
senior OLB Joe Schobert pressuring him.

QB C.J. Beathard is 6-0 as Iowa's starting quarterback, a record that includes a 3-0 mark on the road and a 3-0 mark at home. The junior QB's numbers include 101-of-168 (62.6) passing for 1,284 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions, and 192 yards rushing with three rushing touchdowns for the season. The last Iowa quarterback to win his first six career starts was Matt Sherman, who won seven from 1994-95, when Sherman opened the 1995 season with a 5-0 mark, twenty years ago.

Beathard was disrupted much of the day, by Wisconsin's OLB Schobert, who clearly distinguished himself, as one of the Big Ten's best in 2015. Beathard  was 9 for 21 passing, with one interception and one touchdown pass.

Iowa senior RB #33 Jordan Canzeri came up
with 125 yards on the ground. He also 
caught one pass for 14 yards.

Iowa senior RB Jordan Canzeri rushed 26 times for 125 yards. It is his third 100-yard rushing game this season, and the fifth of his career.

Iowa sophomore OLB #44 Ben
Niemann was the Iowa Radio Network's
player of the game, as a leader in
the Hawkeyes own defensive effort in the
10-6 win over Wisconsin.

Iowa fifth year senior WLB Cole Fisher (14) and sophomore OLB Ben Niemann (7) recorded career high in tackles. Junior CB Greg Mabin (7) and sophomore SS Miles Taylor (7) matched their career highs with seven tackles.

Iowa junior LT #64 Cole Croston
got his first start, in place of injured
Boone Myers @ Wisconsin.

Junior LT Cole Croston and true freshman WR Jerminic Smith made their first career starts for Iowa. Iowa likely missed senior WR Tevaun Smith, who lead Iowa with four catches for 78 yards, including long of 32 yards, in last year's 26-24 loss in Iowa City to Wisconsin.

Junior WR #89 Matt VandeBerg
continues to be Iowa QB C.J. Beathard's
favorite target in most games.

Smith is the first Iowa freshman to start at wide receiver since junior Matt VandeBerg started two games in 2013. Thirteen Hawkeye have made their first career start this season: junior RB LeShun Daniels, Jr., sophomore LT Boone Myers, sophomore DT Nathan Bazata, junior DT Jaleel Johnson, fifth year senior WLB Cole Fisher, sophomore OLB Ben Niemann, sophomore SS Miles Taylor, redshirt freshman TE Jameer Outsey, redshirt freshman DE Parker Hesse WR Riley McCarron, LT Croston, and WR Smith.

WR Matt VandeBerg had six catches for 61 yards. It is the fourth time in five games he has had at least six catches. However, most of his production was all in the first half.

For the second straight game, Iowa junior
TE #46 George Kittle scored a TD reception
from QB C.J. Beathard. 

Iowa junior TE George Kittle caught a 1-yard touchdown in the second quarter. It was the second receiving TD of his career, and the second in as many weeks.

Wisconsin had won nine straight trophy games, until Saturday's Iowa win. The Badgers will play another trophy game this Saturday at Nebraska (2-3, 0-1 B1G West), when they meet for the Freedom Trophy against the Cornhuskers. The Badgers close out the 2015 Big Ten regular season at Minnesota (3-2, 0-1 B1G West) in the battle for Paul Bunyan's Ax.

Wisconsin won the toss and elected to receive. It was the first time this season Iowa did not receive the opening kickoff. In 17 seasons as Iowa's head coach, Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes have started the game on defense in 39-of-205 games (21-18).

The 2015 Homecoming Game at Iowa.

The Hawkeyes return to Iowa City, with a Saturday game at Kinnick Stadium for Homecoming. This year's Homecoming opponent is the Illinois Fighting Illini (4-1, 1-0 B1G West), who won their second straight fourth quarter comeback, with a 14-13 win in the Big Ten home opener against Nebraska.


The Homecoming game will be another 11 a.m. kickoff, this game will be televised by ESPNU. This is the 103rd Homecoming game in 126 seasons of Iowa Football. Iowa is 16-4, since 1995 in Homecoming games. Since 2000, the Hawkeyes are 12-3, with a 12-4 record under Kirk Ferentz for Homecoming. The Hawkeyes won last season's Homecoming game in a 45-29 shootout with Indiana.

Iowa defeated Illinois in Champaign last season, by the score of 30-14. Ferentz is 6-3 in his career at Iowa, as head coach. The last game in Iowa City was back in 2007, when Iowa beat Illinois by a score of 10-6, when the Fighting Illini represented the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl. Ferentz is 3-1 in games played at Kinnick Stadium.

What a start to the 2015 season for the Big Ten West and East ...

Week 5 of the 2015 College Football season is in the books ...

Cedar Rapids, IA -- The 2015 College Football season has completed the first five weeks of play in Year 2 of the College Football Playoff, with a great Oktoberfest first weekend in the Big Ten. How will the 2015 Big Ten race close out, now that the Big Ten has a Championship Game, as we celebrate the 120th season of conference play?

Who should be a the Top 4 in 2015?

Ohio State junior RB #15 Ezekiel Elliott is a reason the Buckeyes are a serious
candidate for a repeat in 2015 in the College Football Playoff.

1. Ohio State (5-0, 1-0 B1G East) or Michigan State (5-0, 1-0 B1G East)

2. Utah (4-0, 1-0 Pac 12 South)

3. Clemson (4-0, 1-0 ACC Atlantic)

4. LSU (4-0, 2-0 SEC West)

5. Oklahoma (4-0, 1-0 Big 12)

The defending champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes are off to a 5-0 start in 2015, as are the 2nd runner-up in the Big Ten East, the Michigan State Spartans. Neither team has hit high gear, as Week 5 closes out, in the first weekend of October.

The Utah Utes are playing very well to kickoff the 2015 season, though they were idle on Saturday. They will host the Cal Bears (5-0, 2-0 Pac 12 North) in a big inter-division conference game this Saturday.

The Clemson Tigers took care of business at home over Notre Dame 24-22, on Saturday night in a prime time game against the Fighting Irish. The Tigers host Georgia Tech (2-3, 0-2 ACC Coastal) this Saturday.

In the other two spots, the LSU Tigers are in as a projected team, after taking care of business at home over Eastern Michigan. The Tigers have the best running back in College Football, with sophomore Leonard Fornette leading the ground attack. The Tigers travel to South Carolina (2-3, 0-3 SEC East) this Saturday.

The Big 12 doesn't have a title game in the conference, so while TCU (5-0, 2-0 Big 12)and Baylor (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) roll up great scores; Oklahoma has the highest quality win to open 2015. We are going to project the Oklahoma Sooners in the Big 12, as the top projection in 2015.

Michigan State senior QB 18 Connor Smith has the top record, among active
Big Ten starting QB, in most wins. His Spartans got off to a 21-0 start over
Purdue on Saturday, but had to hang on for a 24-21 victory to open B1G play.

The Big Ten is now into full swing with all 14 teams with one game under their belts in 2015

The B1G TWO

1. Ohio State (1-0) - The Buckeyes are 25-0 in Big Ten regular season games, under coach Urban Meyer. The only B1G loss came in the Big Ten title game in 2013. The Buckeyes host  Homecoming this Saturday, as the Maryland Terrapins (0-1) come to town, ripe for a Buckeye rebound, after the 34-27 dog fight @ Indiana on Saturday.
2. Michigan State (1-0) - The Spartans continue to get over each hurdle, which is what you should expect in College Football. Mark Dantonio is in his ninth season and lost a couple of assistant coaches, after 2014. Winning pretty isn't the key; it is winning and Dantonio has been good, since the final two games of 2012.. The Spartans opened the season @ Western Michigan (1-3), so a road trip to Rutgers (0-1) before the huge road trip to Ann Arbor should be a good tune-up for the retooling Spartans.

Huge match up in Ann Arbor this Saturday, as undefeated Northwestern comes to town!

3. Michigan (1-0) - The Wolverines are playing very well, after the opener @ Utah. Something suggests that the Wolverines could be a spoiler in 2015 and could enter the mix for the B1G East race, by season's end. Graduate transfer quarterback Jake Rudock has 14 B1G starts now, with 13 at Iowa, so it will be interesting to see how the Michigan signal caller rebounds and leads the Wolverines, as they face common opponents over the next seven games. Rutgers and Penn State will be the only two common opponents Rudock hasn't faced, as a starter.

Coach Jim Harbaugh has the Michigan
Wolverines playing very good right now.
Harbaugh has been all in with #15 Jake
Rudock at QB for the Wolverines in '15.

• Ten years ago, Penn State won a share of the Big Ten title, with Ohio State at 7-1
• Twenty years ago, it was the Northwestern Wildcats, with Pat Fitzgerald at LB
• Thirty years ago, it was the Iowa Hawkeyes, with Hayden Fry, Kirk Ferentz was a OL coach
• Forty years ago, it was the Ohio State Buckeyes
• Fifty years ago, it was the Michigan State Spartans
• Who wins the 2015 Big Ten title in football? 
• Do they finish undefeated, as the 20 and 40 year champs were?

What about the B1G West, Year 2?

Iowa @ Wisconsin leads to a 10-6 Hawkeye victory. The visitor has won seven
of the past nine games in the Heartland Trophy game. The series is 5-5, as a
Trophy game, 43-44-2 overall, as a Big Ten rivalry. Defense was the story of the day,
as Iowa QB #16 C.J. Beathard wins sixth, as a starter for Hawkeyes, fifth of 2015.

It will be a wide open race and very few expected Illinois, Iowa and Northwestern to lead, after Week 1, in conference play, correct?

However, it is far too early to guess how the B1G West race will close out, but there are some huge games heading into Week 6, the second week of October, in Big Ten play?

Illinois LEO #91 Dawauane Smoot is one of the Fighting Illini starters, in the
new 3-4 defense. The Fighting Illini won a come back victory over Nebraska
14-13, to open the season 1-0 for the first time, since the 2011 season.

• Illinois (1-0) - The Fighting Illini took care of business over Nebraska (0-1) 14-13 for the first time, as Big Ten members. The Bill Cubit era is off to a surprising 4-1 start, in some people's eyes, but a manageable schedule for the Fighting Illini. It was the second straight 4th quarter comeback for the Fighting Illini, as they head to Iowa City this Saturday, in an attempt to derail the Hawkeyes homecoming!

“I think we did a heck of a job moving the ball today. I just don’t think we did a good job of putting it in the end zone. That’s something we did last week, but this week we never gave up. Our defense didn’t give up in that last possession, and the offense never had any doubt going onto the field with that time. It was just an awesome win and I’m really happy for our guys and for the program.” - QB Wes Lunt on making the final drive count.

• Iowa (1-0) - The Hawkeyes beat Wisconsin 10-6 in a hard, defensive slugfest. It was the first win, in four games in the series. The Hawkeyes' C.J. Beathard is off to the first 6-0 start, as a starting QB (over two seasons), by a Hawkeye signal caller in 20 years, when Matt Sherman was leading Iowa, under Hayden Fry. The Hawkeyes are off to their first 5-0, since the 2009 season. In 1995, Iowa opened 5-0, but they hit a middle of the season losing streak, which ironically, included back to back losses vs. Illinois and @ Northwestern.
  Who do the Hawkeyes face in the next two weeks?

The Iowa Hawkeyes entered 2015, coming off a disappointing 7-6 season, with
zero trophies in the case. Thus far, Iowa is two for two in road games, each
trophy games, as the Hawkeyes pull out the Heartland Trophy game over
Wisconsin with a 10-6 win, in Madison. The Hawks end a three game losing streak
against the Badgers and even the trophy game record for the Heartland at 5-5.

• Northwestern (1-0) - The Wildcats may have their best team in ten seasons, under head coach Pat Fitzgerald? Twenty years ago, Fitzgerald was a linebacker leading the Wildcats defense to a Big Ten title. The next two weeks @ Michigan and vs. Iowa for Homecoming will determine a lot, about the B1G West race and the Wildcats' season. The 27-0 win over Minnesota is exactly how the Wildcats want to do it. The Wildcats won their home opener last season, as well, against Wisconsin, but hit a four game losing streak, afterwards. It was a 10-9 loss vs. Michigan, in Evanston, last season. This the first the 5-0 start, since the 2012 season for the Wildcats. The Cats are coming off back to back 5-7 seasons, but excitement is back for them.

Northwestern QB #18 Clayton Thorson is a redshirt freshman, who is off to a 5-0
start, as the Wildcats' signal caller. Huge road test on Saturday, in Ann Arbor.

Wisconsin senior OLB #58 Joe Schebert
may be the top defensive performer in the
Big Ten in 2015. It showed on Saturday.

Wisconsin (0-1) - The Badgers lost the conference opener in 2014, as well. They went on to a seven game win streak to lock up the first B1G West title. The Badgers are 3-2, with both losses against traditional two back offenses, Alabama and Iowa. The Badgers have a very good defense and nearly opened with a win over the Hawkeyes. Senior Joel Stave has been in this position before. It will be an interesting game in Lincoln against Nebraska (0-1), since it is the first time, since 1959 that the Huskers have started 2-3 for the season. First Badgers trip to Lincoln, since the 2012 season opener.

Defense was the spotlight of Iowa's 10-6 victory @ Wisconsin. The Badgers
lost the Hawkeyes, but they opened 2015, as they did in 2014, with a loss.
Defense could fuel another Badgers run in the Big Ten, with a manageable
schedule ahead for first year coach Paul Chryst at Wisconsin.

Nebraska (0-1) - The Cornhuskers lose in the final minute @ Illinois 14-13 to fall to 2-3 on the season. After seven seasons under Bo Pelini of four losses each season, the first year, under Mike Riley is one of transition and three early set backs. This is new territory, with Nebraska fans witnessing the weakest start, since 1959, back in Bill Jennings third season in Lincoln. With defending B1G West champion Wisconsin up next in Lincoln, it will not be an easy rebound for Nebraska this Saturday?

The Cornhuskers junior QB #4 Tommy Armstrong is adjusting to a new offense,
in Mike Riley's first season in Lincoln. The Honeymoon is absolutely coming to an end.

Minnesota (0-1) - The Golden Gophers open the 2015 B1G season with a 27-0 loss @ Northwestern. The loss of offense from 2014 has been the story-line throughout the first five games, as the Gophers fall to 3-2. The Gophers are back on the road again, as they open B1G play with back to back road trips. Minnesota heads to West Lafayette on Saturday to face a hungry Boilermakers squad.

Minnesota senior OLB De'Vondre Campbell is the leading
returning tackler on the Golden Gophers defense. The defense
had played hard through the non-conference, allowing the
offense opportunities, but that came to an end in B1G opener.

 Purdue (0-1) - The Boilermakers gave a strong comeback @ Michigan State, but fell short in the 24-21 loss. The Boilermakers are off to a disappointing 1-4 start in Darrell Hazell's third season. They are seeking their first win over a FBS program, but they have shown improvement at times. 

Purdue RB #8 Markell Jones is a true freshman. The Boilermakers have made
too many turnovers this season, but they have brought in new playmakers into
the program and played Minnesota strong in '14 in a 39-38 loss @ Minnesota.

The B1G East gets the buzz heading into the Big Ten in 2015

1. Ohio State
2. Michigan State
3. Michigan

The Penn State offense has struggled at times to open 2015.
Junior QB #14 Christian Hackenberg's 2nd season under
coach James Franklin has not been in sync at times.

• Penn State (1-0) - The Nittany Lions are undefeated at home, with three non-conference wins, including the 20-14 loss over Army on Saturday. The Nittany Lions opened B1G play with a solid 28-3 win over Rutgers in Week 3. Next up: vs. Indiana (0-1) in the B1G home opener. This will be the biggest test, since the road loss @ Temple in the season opener.

The Indiana defense needs to step up in B1G play. Typically, they have found
themselves in plenty of shootouts, as they seek first bowl, since 2007 season.

• Indiana (0-1) - The Hoosiers fell in the B1G home opener 34-27 against Ohio State to fall for the first time, after four non-conference wins to kickoff 2015. This is coach Kevin Wilson's fifth season in Bloomington. It was a costly game vs. the Buckeyes, as QB Nate Sudfeld and RB Jordan Howard, each came out due to ankle injuries in the competitively fought game. 

The two newest Big Ten members are struggling in their sophomore campaigns

Maryland senior DE #99 Quinton Jefferson knocks the ball loose against Michigan
QB Jake Rudock, but the finish was far different against the former Hawkeyes this year.

• Maryland (0-1) - The Terrapins fall 28-0 against Michigan at home to fall to 2-3 in the 2015 season, after a 7-6 overall record in their inaugural season of B1G football. The Terrapins are in the fifth season, under coach Randy Edsall, but the lack of production at quarterback and on offense is hurting Maryland in the second season in the B1Gs.

Rutgers sophomore QB #5 Chris Laviano against Penn State in the 28-3 B1G
opener in Week 3. It doesn't get easier in the B1G home opener, with
Michigan State coming to town. Last year's outing was a 45-3 road loss.

• Rutgers (0-1) - The Scarlet Knights enjoyed a bye week, in an early season marred by off the field issues, a suspension of fourth year coach Kyle Flood and the loss of players to rule violations. Rutgers was 8-5 overall in the inaugural season in the Big Ten.

October College Football ... Thursday and Friday Night Lights

October has arrived; many programs are entering conference play ...

Thursday, October 1st

• Miami-FL at Cincinnati 6:30 pm on ESPN - ACC vs. AAC on a Thursday night ...

Friday, October 2nd 

• Memphis at South Florida 6:00 pm on ESPN2 - AAC game on a Friday night ...
• Temple at Charlotte 6:00 pm on CBSSN - AAC vs. C-USA on Friday night ...
• UConn at BYU 9:15 pm on ESPN2 - AAC vs. one of the three lone Independents!

Week 5 favors the road teams on Thursday and Friday nights ...

The real season kicks off in October with Big Ten play in the B1G West and East

September has come to an end, with five Big Ten teams finishing 4-0 in out of conference play. Of course, with the variety of schedules, it doesn't always indicate the true strength of a team ...

2015 marks the 120th season of Big Ten Football.
It is the second season of the B1G West vs. B1G East.

• Ohio State - the defending champions are looking to repeat in the Big Ten, as well in the College Football Playoff, after being crowned the first champion
• Michigan State - The Spartans were dethroned in year one of the West vs. East format ... they will be seeking a date in their third Big Ten Championship Game in 2015
• Indiana - The Hoosiers are off the their best start, since 1990
• Iowa - The Hawkeyes are undefeated for the first time, since 2009, when they won nine straight and fell one game short in Columbus of a Big Ten title
• Northwestern - The Wildcats are off to a solid start after back to back 5-7 seasons ...

The Big Ten West race appears to be wide open. There are three huge games to kick off the Big Ten West opening weekend in October.

The defending Big Ten West champs will host Iowa to kickoff the 2015
Big Ten season, as the Heartland Trophy will be on the line in this rivalry
that the Badgers lead 44-42-2. This is the first game in Madison, since 2009,
when Iowa defeated Wisconsin. The Badgers won last year, 26-24 in Iowa City.

• Iowa @ Wisconsin
• Minnesota @ Northwestern
• Nebraska @ Illinois

Purdue has to travel to Big Ten East counterpart Michigan State, so there is always a odd match up, since there are seven teams in each division of the Big Ten today.

The Big Ten East witnessed the kickoff of the 120th season of Big Ten Football, with Penn State (1-0) defeating Rutgers (0-1) 28-3 in Happy Valley. Penn State will host Army, in their final out of conference game, while Rutgers will enjoy a bye week. They close out the non-conference play, with a trip to Army in late November.

There are two Big Ten East headliners to kickoff the 120th season of Big Ten Football: 

• Michigan @ Maryland
• Ohio State @ Indiana

The road to Indianapolis kicks off in full force in the month of October around the Big Ten ...

First year Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst meet
with the Media on Monday, ahead of the 
Big Ten opener vs. Iowa, in Madison.

Wisconsin (3-1) is on a three game winning streak at home, after losing the season opener in Arlington, TX to Alabama (3-1, 0-1 SEC West) 35-17. The Badgers own a three game winning streak over the Iowa Hawkeyes (4-0) heading into the Big Ten opener in Madison.

Iowa defeated Paul Chryst's Pittsburgh team last year on the road, 24-20, so there are some good story-lines heading into the Heartland Trophy Game. Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz is tied with former Wisconsin head coach and current Barry Alvarez for ninth on the Big Ten football win list.

Ironically, Iowa defeated Wisconsin in 2005, in Barry Alverez's final Big Ten game at Madison, by the score of 20-10. Ferentz and Alverez both got their coaching start under Hayden Fry at Iowa. They coached together from 1981 to 1986 for the Hawkeyes, as assistant coaches.

Chryst was a former player and assistant at Wisconsin, so the Iowa-Wisconsin rivalry is very well known to him. He mentioned today during his press conference, how he learned about the rivalry.

Wisconsin RB #28 Taiwan Deal had
a career high 147 yards rushing and
2 TDs, in the 28-0 win over Hawaii.

"I first was exposed to it as a player, but I thought that was one of the best things we did, learning that from Coach Alvarez. When you look at the rivalry games, the trophy games that we have, if you want to win your side (of the Big Ten), you've got to beat those teams and, therefore, I think they are big. And I think our players, even before that trophy came in, I know our players always enjoyed and it was a big deal to play Iowa." - Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst

Iowa senior RB #33 Jordan Canzeri
leads the Big Ten in 2015, with 8 TDs
rushing. Hawkeye fans saw climpses
vs. UW last year, of what Canzeri can
due as a running and receiver in '15.

Wisconsin has a young power running game, with junior Corey Clement sidelined for 3-5 weeks due to injury. In the final non-conference game against Hawaii (2-2), red-shirt freshman Taiwan Deal stepped up for the Badgers with a 147 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Deal was named the Big Ten Conference freshman of the week, due to his performance in the Week 4 game vs. Hawaii, a 28-0 win in Madison.

This will be an interesting difference between the last five years, where Wisconsin had experience running backs, when they faced Iowa. This season, Iowa returns the experience at the running back position, rather than the Badgers.

Wisconsin played Tannor McEvoy at quarterback last year, as well as starter Joel Stave. In last year's 26-24 win over Iowa, McEvoy was very effective on the option, including the game's first touchdown. Now, a full-time free safety, it will be interesting to see how each of the seniors play vs. Iowa. It will be a different game in 2015 in Madison.

Of course, Iowa now has a new quarterback, in junior C.J. Beathard, who is 5-0 as a starter and will be making his third road start for the Hawkeyes in Madison on Saturday. The Wisconsin head football coach saw Beathard lead Iowa to a 24-20 win over his Pittsburgh team last year. He entering the game, after halftime, in relief for the injured Iowa starting quarterback, leading Iowa from a ten point deficit and the win on the road over the new Badgers head coach.

Iowa junior QB #16 C.J. Beathard
has been leading Iowa with both his
feet and his arm leading Iowa to their
first 4-0 start, since 2009. It was also
in 2009, the last time Iowa beat UW.

"I thought he's been playing really well. Actually last year he was in a game where he came in and I think he made the difference in it. He comes from a football family, and I think that like a lot of players, now he knows it's his team, his turn and I think he's playing confident. Looks like he's playing confident. He's certainly very talented, and I think he's -- I don't want to say a big part because I think they have a lot of parts working for them, but certainly a big contributor in their success to this point." - Wisconsin's Chryst shared to the media his thoughts on Iowa' Beathard.

Defense wins championships in the Big Ten. Iowa's 2013 team, which went 8-5 during the season, fell hard in a 28-9 defeat vs. the Badgers. Wisconsin's defense dominated the Hawkeyes on their home turf.

Iowa junior DT #67 Jaleel Johnson is
one of two new starters at tackle. He
will be an important cog in Iowa's
run defense in Madison on Saturday.

Iowa's defense and special teams appear to be improving over last season's disappointing 7-6 team. The Badgers head coach reflecting on Iowa's defense heading into this Saturday's rivalry game in the Big Ten.

"I think they've got very good players and I think that they understand and know their scheme, and I think the scheme is a good scheme, and so I think anytime you've got a good scheme with good players, it makes it a good defense." - Chryst discussing Iowa's effectiveness in 2015 against the run.

Offensively, Wisconsin has been good on third and short. But, there has been more difficulty in 2015, when the Badgers face third and medium and third and long.

Wisconsin senior QB #2 Joel Stave is
no longer in a two-QB system, like '14.
He is 8th among B1G QBs in passing,
5th in passing efficiency in OOC games.

"You’ve got to make plays. I think if you go back, Joel (Stave) and Alex (Erickson) didn't connect on the streak; you know, Alex was open and Joel thought it was going to be a little different spot than where Alex was. I thought that we had the other one, where the ball was behind Reggie (Love), that was another chance for conversion; we got sacked. I think it comes down to execution more than anything, and that's where we've got to keep working." - Chryst on the Badgers challenges facing third down and four or further.

Wisconsin senior WR #86 Alex
Erickson is the Badgers top
returning WR for 2015.

Wisconsin has a new head coach and new offensive coordinator in 2015. Though, defensive coordinator Dave Aranda is 2-0 vs. Iowa, the past two seasons, since arriving in Madison in 2013. The head coach and offensive coordinator faced Iowa last season, while at Pitt.

Iowa changed offensive and defensive coordinators, after the 2011 season. Iowa is 3-0 in Big Ten road openers, under the new coordinators. Ferentz is only 8-8 over his 16 years at Iowa in Big Ten openers, with 12 of those games coming on the road.

The visitor has won six of the last eight in this series, including four in a row. It was a game down to the wire last year, in Iowa City, with Iowa cutting the deficit to two points, on two occasions, in the fourth quarter.

Iowa and Northwestern are the only two Big Ten teams, with two Power 5 wins to open 2015. This is a huge two week window for the Big Ten West race.

• Wisconsin opens with Iowa, then travels to Lincoln to face Nebraska
• Minnesota opens with back to back road games @ Northwestern, then @ Purdue
• Illinois hosts Nebraska, then travels to Iowa City, to face Iowa on it's Homecoming
• Northwestern hosts Minnesota, then travels to Ann Arbor to face Michigan

It appears to be a wide open Big Ten West race in 2015, while the Big Ten East appears to have two at the top, with Ohio State and Michigan State. Michigan (3-1) is improving. Penn State (3-1) appears a year away, at least. Maryland (2-2) and Rutgers (2-2) are not as good, after winning bowl trips, in their inaugural seasons in the conference. 

At season's end, Indiana travels to Purdue, so who knows, if the Hoosiers can get to six wins? The Hoosiers haven't bowled, since 2007, which is the longest drought among Big Ten programs.

Last season, a record eleven conference programs went to bowl games in the first season with 14 programs. Only Indiana, Northwestern and Purdue were home for the Holidays. Northwestern and Purdue, last bowled in 2012.

Michigan determines communication errors made in the handling of QB Shane Morris on Saturday

Sept. 30, 2014

Statement from Dave Brandon, U-M Director of Athletics

Ultimate responsibility for the health and safety of our student-athletes resides with each team's coach and with me, as the Director of Athletics. We are committed to continuously improving our procedures to better protect the health and welfare of our student-athletes.

I have had numerous meetings beginning Sunday morning to thoroughly review the situation that occurred at Saturday's football game regarding student-athlete Shane Morris. I have met with those who were directly involved and who were responsible for managing Shane's care and determining his medical fitness for participation.

In my judgment, there was a serious lack of communication that led to confusion on the sideline. Unfortunately, this confusion created a circumstance that was not in the best interest of one of our student-athletes. I sincerely apologize for the mistakes that were made. We have to learn from this situation, and moving forward, we will make important changes so we can fully live up to our shared goal of putting student-athlete safety first.

I have worked with Darryl Conway, my associate athletic director for Student-Athlete Health and Welfare, to develop a detailed accounting of the events that occurred. Darryl is the person who oversees all athletic training personnel and serves as the liaison to the physicians we work with through the University of Michigan Health System and University Health Services.

It is important to note that our athletic trainers and physicians working with Michigan Athletics have the unchallengeable authority to remove student-athletes from the field of play. Michigan Athletics has numerous medical professionals at every football competition including certified athletic trainers and several physicians from various relevant specialties.

I, along with Darryl and our administrative and medical teams, have spent much of the last two days carefully reviewing the situation regarding Shane Morris. We now understand that, despite having the right people on the sidelines assessing our student-athletes' well being, the systems we had in place were inadequate to handle this unique and complex situation properly.

With his permission, I can share that Shane Morris suffered an ankle injury during the third quarter of Saturday's game. He was evaluated for that injury by an orthopedic surgeon and an athletic trainer several times during the game. With each of these evaluations it was determined that his ankle injury did not prevent him from playing.

In the fourth quarter, Shane took a significant hit and stumbled after getting up. From the field level and without the benefit of replays, medical and coaching staffs did not see the hit. Because they did not see the hit, the athletic training staff believed Shane stumbled because of his ankle injury. The team neurologist, watching from further down the field, also did not see the hit. However, the neurologist, with expertise in detecting signs of concussion, saw Shane stumble and determined he needed to head down the sideline to evaluate Shane.

Shane came off the field after the following play and was reassessed by the head athletic trainer for the ankle injury. Since the athletic trainer had not seen the hit to the chin and was not aware that a neurological evaluation was necessary, he cleared Shane for one additional play.

The neurologist and other team physicians were not aware that Shane was being asked to return to the field, and Shane left the bench when he heard his name called and went back into the game. Under these circumstances, a player should not be allowed to re-enter the game before being cleared by the team physician. This clearly identifies the need for improvements in our sideline and communications processes.

Following the game, a comprehensive concussion evaluation was completed and Shane has been evaluated twice since the game. As of Sunday, Shane was diagnosed with a probable, mild concussion, and a high ankle sprain. That probable concussion diagnosis was not at all clear on the field on Saturday or in the examination that was conducted post-game. Unfortunately, there was inadequate communication between our physicians and medical staff and Coach Hoke was not provided the updated diagnosis before making a public statement on Monday. This is another mistake that cannot occur again.

Going forward, we have identified two changes in our procedures that we will implement immediately:

We will have an athletic medicine professional in the press box or video booth to ensure that someone will have a bird's eye view of the on-field action, have television replay available and have the ability to communicate with medical personnel on the sidelines.

We are also examining how to reinforce our sideline communication processes and how decisions will be made in order to make sure that information regarding student-athlete availability to participate is communicated effectively amongst the medical team and to our coaches.

We have learned from this experience, and will continue to improve ways to keep our student-athletes' health and safety our number one priority.

Two down, so who will be next as Kansas joins SMU with interim coach in football for 2014

Lawrence, Kan. - Charlie Weis has been relieved of his duties as Head Football Coach at the University of Kansas, KU Athletics Director Sheahon Zenger announced Sunday.  Weis was in the third year of a five-year contract.

Zenger named KU defensive coordinator Clint Bowen interim head coach.

"I normally do not favor changing coaches mid-season," Zenger said.  "But I believe we have talented coaches and players in this program, and I think this decision gives our players the best chance to begin making progress right away.

"I appreciate what Coach Weis did with several facets of our football program," Zenger continued.  "But we have not made the on-the-field progress we believe we should.  I believe new leadership gives our coaches and players the best chance to make a fresh start."

Zenger informed Weis of his decision Sunday morning, and then spoke to the rest of the coaching staff.  "I am grateful for the KU fans, alumni and donors who continue to support our coaches and players."

"As we continue to elevate the national stature of the University of Kansas, our pursuit of excellence extends beyond our research and instructional missions," said KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little. "KU alumni, students, fans and supporters expect that Kansas Football will match the other areas in which we excel as a university.  After consulting with Dr. Zenger, I am in agreement that it is time for new leadership of our football program." - KUAthletics.com

*** *** ***

Prior to Charlie Weis's dismissal this weekend, SMU head coach June James walked out of his Dallas office, after an 0-2 start to the 2014 season. The Mustangs couldn't find enough offense, in back to back road losses at Baylor and North Texas.

Jones was in his seven season at SMU and 16th overall at a FBS program. He had lead SMU to four striaght bowls, after 1-11 his first season, but fell to 5-7, 4-4 in the first season in the American Athletic Conference.

*** *** ***

Charlie Weis was a rather peculiar hire by Kansas. His success at Notre Dame was 35-27, but his roots were far more linked to his work as a coordinator in the NFL.

With two gone as September ends, what will October bring in 2014 on the coaching chopping block?

Last year, we saw 20 coaches retire, get fired, resign or move onto other venues.

Ranking the B1G as September Ends after Week 5 of College Football Season

It has been an interesting start to the 2014 season in College Football. The BCS era is gone. The Big 5 Conferences have taken some hits, as North Dakota State wins fifth straight over a FBS program.

There next opportunity apparently will come in 2016 vs. a B1G program in Week 3. But, they are seeking their fourth straight FCS title, as they hit the MVfC schedule this October.

The excitement of the first College Football Playoff this season has talking heads and media types putting the B1G down, since only one team remains undefeated and they are not named Michigan, Ohio State or Penn State.

Michigan State lost in Week 2 at Oregon, who clearly hold the best win of the early 2014 season, when you consider wins by Florida State, Oklahoma or Alabama in the CFP discussion in September.

The B1G season and schedule will begin for every team, as October games unfold this Saturday.
How the B1G conference power ratings take shape as we end September and Week 5 of the 2014 season?

1. vs. 2.
This Saturday night in East Lansing in prime-time, an early B1G East vs. BIG West game with bragging rights on the line, as the defending B1G champ hosts the lone remaining B1G undefeated team.

Michigan State vs. Nebraska ... for bragging rights and the early lead as front runner of the conference for 2014.

The Spartans are 3-1, with eight B1G regular-season conference games ahead, with a ten game win streak on the line, in East Lansing. Mark Dantonio has the Spartans, in good position, heading into his eighth season at the helm.

They earned #1 in 2013, despite a lackluster 2012, with a 3-5 B1G record. The Spartans have won 3 straight bowl games, with wins over Georgia, TCU and Stanford, last year's Rose Bowl. The ugly 49-7 bowl loss to Alabama is history from the 2010 season.

The challenger for #1 in the B1G power order is Nebraska at 5-0, 1-0 in the new B1G West. Is Nebraska the #2 program in the B1G right now? Despite the undefeated start, they have been written off by ESPN talking heads for a date in the College Football Playoff. Is it B1G East bias for the names, like Michigan, OSU and PSU?

The Cornhuskers in the first six seasons under coach Bo Pelini had one constant. Four losses each season, despite the nine or ten win seasons by each of Pelini's Nebraska teams. This year the seven year itch is off to a perfect 5-0 start with a B1G road opener ahead in East Lansing on Saturday.

3. Ohio State is 3-1 as they head to B1G conference play on the first Saturday of October. The Buckeyes lost in Week 2 in Columbus. A first in three seasons under Urban Meyer. Just how bad was the loss to Virginia Tech?

The Hokies are 3-2, losing back to back games after win in Columbus. The losses were to East Carolina and Georgia Tech, who are a combined 7-1, as South Carolina edged ECU.

The Buckeyes are .500 in the last six games, including two neutral game sites, with losses to MSU in 2013 B1G title game and to Clemson in last year's Orange Bowl. So, the Buckeyes open the B1G with first true away game of season. Win over Navy was in Baltimore.

The Buckeyes head to Maryland (4-1, 1-0 in B1G East) for the B1G opener. The Buckeyes have not had a lost under Meyer, in nine games true road games at Ohio State's helm.

Last Ohio State loss was in 2011, under coach Luke Fickel, at Michigan 40-34. How Michigan has fallen, since the first Brady Hoke season in 2011?

4. Wisconsin is 3-1 to start 2014 in the out of conference. They started well in the first half of the season opener in Houston against LSU. But, by the end of the game, the score was in favor of the Tigers and the Badgers were victims of their third staight loss, including Capital One bowl loss to South Carolina.

The Badgers head to Northwestern (2-2, 1-0 B1G West) for the B1G road opener, with a .500 record in their last six games, like Ohio State.

5. Maryland is 1-0 B1G West replaced Penn State with the early lead in the East division, after a sound road win at Indiana to close out the month of September and open their B1G era, as one of the newest members of the conference.

Huge opportunity to make a statement in the Terrapins B1G home opener, with Ohio State coming to town. However, Penn State found a 1-0 B1G home opener not fun. For Maryland's sake, it will not be Homecoming Saturday, as they welcome their first B1G home game.

The Terrapins have never played Ohio State before. They did win at VA Tech in OT last year, in coach Randy Edsall's third season at College Park.

6. vs. 7.
Iowa vs. Minnesota was the B1G opener the past two seasons, but the game was moved to November in 2014. Iowa has won two straight in the series.

The Hawkeyes (4-1, 1-0 B1G West) have played 12 of 16 B1G openers on the road under coach Kirk Ferentz. Iowa opened at Purdue this year, after win last year over Minnesota. The Hawkeyes have won three straight B1G road openers. With Saturday's win to open B1G in 2014, Hawkeyes have won seven of the last nine over Purdue.

The Golden Gophers (4-1, 1-0 B1G West) win the Little Brown Jug to open B1G season on the road at Michigan. Only the third win, since 1978 over Wolverines. It is a long conference season, but Wisconsin has won ten straight over Minnesota. Coach Jerry Kill, in his fourth season, has more unfinished business during this young season, including a B1G season’s end at Wisconsin.

8. Northwestern opens B1G West at 1-0, as both Minnesota and Wildcats win crossover games to give West 2-0 start over the Media suggested stronger B1G East division. 

The Wildcats host huge game on Saturday, with Wisconsin coming to town. Pat Fitzgerald has never won a division or B1G, as he enters his ninth season. Tall order in 2014, but good start at Happy Valley for Wildcats, especially after 1-7 B1G record lasy season. Two game B1G win streak heading back home to Evanston. Last B1G home win was 2012.

Wisconsin at Northwestern
The home team has won seven straight in this series of late. Wisconsin is 1-8 in B1G road openers dating back to Barry Alvarez's final season. One win was 2009 at Minnesota.

Michigan and Penn State are indeed overrated, suggesting that the difference between the East and West isn't as B1G,  as media suggested headed into the new format for 2014?

9. Penn State (4-1, 1-1 B1G East) has worse lost, since 2001, as Northwestern ruins the Nittany Lions Homecoming to close out September of 2014. The Nittany Lions beat Rutgers to open B1G play on the road in Week 3, under first year coach James Franklin. But, the home opener was not close vs. Northwestern.

10. Michigan (2-3, 0-1 B1G East) has lost more games this September,  then any other September in the school's history of fielding a college football team. Brady Hoke was 11-2, then 8-5, then 7-6 and now is 2-3 heading into October of his fourth season. Talk about a Michigan Man taking down the program. Rich Rodriguez was let go, for not being Michigan enough, after moving the record upwards from 3-9 to 5-7 to 7-6. What have we learned  here outside Ann Arbor? Lloyd Carr was encouraged out the door, after 9-3, 7-5, 11-2 and 9-4.

Michigan at Rutgers on Saturday for first ever meeting
Michigan is 8-17 in B1G road games, in last 25 games. Hoke is 0-1 as a head coach taking a team to Rutgers. He was Ball State's coach in 2007, when Rutgers won 52-30. Ironically, Michigan lost to App State to open 2007 season.

11. Rutgers (4-1, 0-1 B1G East) hosts Michigan, after nice road win at Navy and a win back home over Tulane. The Scarlet Knights opened the season in Seattle, with a nice win over Washington State. Coach Kyle Flood lost running back Paul James for season though at Navy, with ACL injury. Flood is in his third season at the helm in New Brunswick.

12. Indiana (2-2, 0-1 B1G East) has won a game, then lost a game to open the 2014 season. The win at Missouri was impressive, but the follow-up at home in the B1G opener vs. Maryland wasn't close. The Hoosiers close out their non-conference slate hosting North Texas, coached by Dan McCarney. Coach Kevin White has work ahead in his fourth season at IU.

Battle for the Cellar is up next in B1G West on Saturday

13. Illinois (3-2, 0-1 B1G West) are 1-16 under third year coach Tim Beckman, as the battle of the Leaders division moves to the B1G West in 2014 this week with Illinois hosting Purdue on Saturday. The lone win last year was a 20-16 road win over Purdue.

14. Purdue (2-3, 0-1 B1G West) has lost nine staight B1G games under second year coach Darrell Hazell. The Boilermakers were 1-11 last season, so they are improving, especially on defense, but quarterback play has a long ways to go for the Boilermakers.

Iowa, Minnesota and Penn State are idle to open the first Saturday in October. Penn State at Michigan will have two weeks of the Nittany Lions focus, with a lot on the line. Iowa hosts Homecoming in two weeks, when Indiana comes to Kinnick for the B1G home opener,  while Golden Gophers await Northwestern's visit.

Iowa wins 24-10 over Purdue to open B1G with another road win

West Lafayette, IN - - The Iowa Hawkeyes (4-1, 1-0 B1G West) survive a pick 6 and Purdue (2-3, 0-1 B1G West) field goal to roar back with 24 unanswered points for a win in Big Ten road opener.

Iowa defense held Purdue to 157 total yards to give the offense the opportunity to overcome a 10 point deficit. The Hawkeyes pulled even before the half at 10-10, dispite miscues and drops on offense.

Iowa picked up their third straight road win at Purdue, as well as third straight win in Big Ten road openers, with the 24-10 win at Purdue.

Iowa won the explosive plays and turnovers over Purdue, and that is often a winning formula, especially for offensive coordinator Greg Davis.

The defense had four sacks and two interceptions by senior strong safety John Lowdermilk,  as the Hawkeyes win back to back road games, fueled by solid defensive play in the second half for the second week in a row. Junior defensive end Nate Meier lead Iowa with six tackles, including two sacks.

Sophomore quarterback C.J. Beathard made his first career start as a Hawkeye, since junior Jake Rudock was out due to a hip injury. Iowa was also without senior running back Damon Bullock and sophomore wideout Matt VandeBerg.

Iowa ran the ball by committee, as senior Mark Weisman, redshirt freshman Jonathan Parker, sophomore LeShun Daniels and senior Jordan Canzeri all contributed in various ways by committee.

Iowa did have an early illegal procedure penalty, poor field position, drops and a costly pick 6 by Beathard. But, Iowa pushed through the inconsistencies to get back into the ball game.

Iowa starts slow at Purdue after Pick 6 as Week 5 Saturday kicks off

Saturday, September 27th

Iowa at Purdue, 11:00 a.m., on BTN in the conference opener and new division showdown the Hawkeyes at Boilermakers on Homecoming in West Lafayette. Prediction: Iowa 34-20. Our preview on today's game.

Northwestern at Penn State, 11:00 a.m. on BTN as Wildcats hit B1G play struggling so far in 2014. It's Homecoming in Happy Valley, as Nittany Lions seek to be first B1G at 2-0.

South Florida at Wisconsin, 11:00 a.m. on ESPNU as Badgers close out out of conference play ahead of opening B1G in October.

TCU at SMU, 11:00 a.m. on CBSSN as Horned Frogs wrap up OOC play ahead of opening Big 12 play with Oklahoma in October.

Tennessee at Georgia, 11:00 a.m. on ESPN as SEC East showdown on final weekend of September.

Tulane at Rutgers, 11:00 a.m.ESPN News as Scarlet Knights wrap up OOC play before trying to get first B1G win in the early conference season at home with Michigan coming to town in October.

UTEP at Kansas State, 11:00 a.m. on FSN Affiliates as Wildcats look to rebound, after loss to Auburn in Week 4. The Wildcats are in 1-0 in conference play though and final OOC tune-up.

Vanderbilt at Kentucky, 11:00 a.m. on SECN as Wildcats and coach Mark Stoops seeks first SEC win as a head coach.

Wyoming at Michigan State, 11:00 a.m. on ESPN2 as Spartans finish non-conference preparations ahead of prime-time B1G opener next week at home with Nebraska.

Colorado State at Boston College, 11:30 a.m. on FSN Affiliates / RSN as both teams play out of conference ahead of conference filled October and November.

Western Michigan at Virginia Tech, 11:30 a.m. on ACC Network as Hokies enjoy final tune-up before ACC Coastal campaign.

Maryland at Indiana, 12:30 p.m. on BTN as Terrapins open new B1G era as they travel to Bloomington for the conference opener for each team.

Arkansas vs. Texas A&M in Arlington, 2:30 p.m. on CBS as Bret Bielema seeks first SEC win in his second season in the SEC.

Florida International at UAB, 2:30 p.m. on NESN+ / CSCA / ASN (affiliates) as these two square off in the C-USA East.

Florida State at North Carolina State, 2:30 p.m. on ABC / ESPN2 alternates as Seminoles seek to remain undefeated as ACC play heats up.

Minnesota at Michigan, 2:30 p.m. on ABC / ESPN2 as the Battle for the Little Brown Jug kicks off conference play for a struggling Wolverines team under coach Brady Hoke. Minnesota is 2-30 vs. Michigan, since 1978, so neither team looks good heading into to battle ...

Northern Colorado at Montana, 2:30 p.m. on RSNW / DTV: 101 / RSRM -  as NCO goes from road trip to UNI to road trip to Montana ... ouch!

Wake Forest at Louisville, 2:30 p.m. on ESPNU in this ACC Atlantic showdown.

Western Kentucky at Navy, 2:30 p.m. on CBSSN as Midshipmen look to rebound after a pair of B1G losses in '14.

Colorado at California, 3:00 p.m. on PAC-12 Network (HD) as Bears seek to rebound at home after tough, late loss in the desert last Saturday.

Louisiana Tech at Auburn, 3:00 p.m. on SECN as former Hawkeyes reserve QB Cody Sokol leads LA Tech into Auburn for a stiff lip.

Temple at UConn, 3:00 p.m. on ESPN News as American conference football kicks off on Saturday.

Texas at Kansas, 3:00 p.m. on FS1 as Longhorns hit road in the Big 12, as the Charlie Strong era looks for some success.

Stanford at Washington, 3:00 p.m. on FOX in Pac 12 North.

Tennessee Tech at Northern Iowa, 4:00 p.m. on CSNCa / Panther Sports Network (cable) as Panthers seek to reach .500 after opening with back to back FBS road losses in '14.

Cincinnati at Ohio State, 5:00 p.m. on BTN as Bearcats seek to upset Buckeyes in Columbus ahead of conference play in '14.

Boise State at Air Force, 6:00 p.m. on CBSSN in MWC action.

Central Michigan at Toledo, 6:00 p.m. on espn3 / BCSN (cable) in MAC action.

Missouri at South Carolina, 6:00 p.m. on ESPN in a huge SEC East game, as Tigers fell at home vs. Indiana last Saturday. 

North Carolina at Clemson, 6:00 p.m. on ESPNU in ACC play.

Rice at Southern Miss, 6:00 p.m. on DTV: 608 / FCSA (cable) - in C-USA.

Duke at Miami-FL, 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2 as Hurricanes return to home and ACC play, after being rocked by Nebraska last Saturday.

Memphis at Ole Miss, 6:30 p.m. on FSN Affiliates / espn3 as C-USA

New Mexico State at LSU, 6:30 p.m. on SECN - a soft SEC non-conference game for Tigers to rebound from after opening loss in SEC last week.

Baylor at Iowa State, 7:00 p.m. on FOX as Bears open Big 12 play in Jack Trice in Ames. Tall order for ISU at 0-1 in Big 12 play.

Notre Dame vs. Syracuse in East Rutherford, 7:00 p.m. on ABC / espn3 as Orange look to knock off Fighting Irish, coming off loss to Maryland.

Texas State at Tulsa, 7:00 p.m. on ESPN News as C-USA heads to the American.

Washington State at Utah, 7:00 p.m. on PAC-12 Network (HD) as Utes return home with win at Ann Arbor for an important Pac 12 match up.

Illinois at Nebraska, 8:00 p.m. on BTN as Fighting Illini hit road to Lincoln in this B1G opener in the new West division.

Nevada at San Jose State, 9:30 p.m. on CBSSN as the MWC heats up.

Oregon State at USC, 9:30 p.m. on ESPN as Trojans look to take care of business in this crossover game in Pac 12.

Akron at Pittsburgh, 12:30 p.m. on espn3 as Panthers look to rebound from 24-20 home loss to Iowa ahead of return to ACC action.

Bowling Green at UMass, 2:00 p.m. on espn3 in the MAC.

Eastern Illinois at Ohio U, 1:00 p.m. on espn3 as Bobcats enjoy one more tune-up ahead of MAC action.

Kent State at Virginia, 2:30 p.m. on espn3 as MAC seeks another win against Big 5 Conference.

Miami Ohio at Buffalo, 2:30 p.m.espn3 in the MAC.

South Alabama at Idaho, 4:00 p.m.on espn3 in Sun Belt action.

Troy at Louisiana Monroe, 6:00 p.m.on espn3 in Sun Belt action.

UNLV at San Diego State, 7:00 p.m. on espn3 in the MWC.

UTSA at Florida Atlantic, 4:00 p.m. on KMYS / TW TX) (cable)  in this C-USA showdown.