(Photo: Carlos Osorio, AP)
The Big Ten Conference is one the country's most rugged, and this season should be no different.
And, while talent and coaching undoubtedly go a long way in shaping how far a team can go, so can the schedule — who a team plays (and where), and who it doesn't.
In the Big Ten, teams are locked into facing opponents from their own division, as well as three "crossover" games with opponents from the other division.
We're going to take a look at which teams have the toughest roads to hoe in the Big Ten, also accounting for the nonconference schedule that obviously has zero bearing on the conference race, but does play a role in qualifying for bowls, and possibly a spot in the College Football Playoff.