It's a new era in the Big Ten. Four former Pac-12 teams are now a part of the Big Ten, and it'll result in some pretty intriguing matchups, new rivalries, and a slew of storylines to follow. Traditionalists might roll their eyes, but there's no denying the intrigue and anticipation of some of the best programs in the history of the sport now being dropped into a situation where they will play more often with massive things at stake.
One of those teams, the Oregon Ducks, are expected to contend for some trophies and confetti this year, but to do it, they'll have to find a way to survive a pretty tough schedule and the demands of traveling across the country several times in their new neighborhood.
Not all games are created equal, however. A home game against a historical doormat shouldn't be as tough as a road game against a college football blue-blood. As we scan across Oregon's schedule, we see plenty of hurdles, but we'll rank the top three games that could decide whether the Ducks get to Indianapolis for the Big Ten championship and even if and where it might land in the 12-team College Football Playoff.
3. at Wisconsin | Saturday, Nov. 16
Big Ten fans and coaches know it. Playing in Madison is never a walk in the park. The fans are loud and ruthless and Wisconsin seems to always get a boost from the environment. Plus, the weather could potentially be unfavorable for a mid-November clash. Oregon may have to find a way to gut this one out like many Big Ten opponents have had to do in years past.
2. at Michigan | Saturday, Nov. 2
They say championships are won in November in college football and that seems to be the case for Oregon. It'll start the month off by traveling more than halfway across the country to play against the defending national champions in the Big House. Michigan may have lost a lot from its roster last season, but the talent and culture is still there. Don't be surprised if the Wolverines are the favorite heading into this one.
1. vs. Ohio State | Saturday, Oct. 12
Perhaps the game of the year in the Big Ten and one of the biggest matchups of the entire college football season, Ohio State will travel to Eugene for a clash that could decide a trip to Indy and seeding in the College Football Playoff. Autzen is a tough, tough place to play, but the Buckeyes might have the most talented roster in the country. Get your popcorn ready and set your DVRs now.