Big Ten Week 4 viewer's guide: Marquee matchups in opening week

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. “You can lose them, still recover and play and win a Big Ten championship. You start playing a little bit…