The 2017 college football season doesn't start for several months and spring practice hasn't even started yet. However, we're already pining for the return of Saturdays full of football. There is as much intrigue surrounding the Big Ten as there has been in a decade, and that should make for an extremely exciting football season in the conference. Here are the six best games teams across the conference will play next season:
6) Pitt Panthers at Penn State Nittany Lions - Sept. 9
These two in-state rivals started playing each other again last season, and Pitt was responsible for one of Penn State's two regular season losses, adding some venom to his long-dormant rivalry. Penn State comes into the year with College Football Playoff aspirations, but Pitt is no slouch - remember, they were the only team to beat Clemson in 2016 (and they did it at Clemson).
5) Michigan Wolverines at Wisconsin Badgers - Nov. 18
One week before hosting Ohio State, the Wolverines travel to Camp Randall to take on Wisconsin. This will easily be the Badgers' biggest game of the year and their best chance to prove their worth to the selection committee.
4) Michigan Wolverines at Penn State Nittany Lions - Oct. 21
Penn State became a different team after being blown out by Michigan, and the reigning Big Ten champs what to get revenge for that loss. This game will also likely go a long way in determining the Big Ten East champ.
3) Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio State Buckeyes - Oct. 28
Penn State's win over Ohio State catapulted them to the Big Ten title, and it was the Buckeyes' only loss during the regular season. They made the College Football Playoff in spite of that loss, but you know Urban Meyer & Co. want revenge. This will be a heated game with a rivalry-like atmosphere - both teams should be ranked in the top 10 preseason and the winner should have the inside track on the Big Ten East title and a playoff berth.
2) Oklahoma Sooners at Ohio State Buckeyes - Sept. 9
The second of a home-and-home series between these two, Ohio State went to Norman and blew out the Sooners in 2016. Many believe that loss is what kept Oklahoma out of the playoff. Both teams should be ranked in the top five or 10 in the preseason, meaning this will likely have playoff implications again.
1) Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Wolverines - Nov. 25
This one needs no explanation. Ohio State and Michigan always play good games, and this one will be especially heated after the way their last game ended. And, since it's in Ann Arbor, Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines will be expecting to win.