Now the fun can really begin.
Technically, not every team is at the starting line yet in the Big Ten. But the race is about to get underway in a hurry with a handful of marquee matchups that should reveal a lot about how the finishing order might stack up late in November.
After three weeks of nonconference play, the teams that are legitimate contenders -- and the teams that could be facing some difficult questions -- could separate themselves this weekend.
The stakes are about to rise.
“I think the out-of-conference schedule is just what it is,” said Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio.