NBC Sports' Big Ten Country

Traditional Big Ten powers had big statements to make Saturday, and they obliged. Penn State used a stifling defense and a potent rush attack to down Illinois in Happy Valley, while Jeremiah Smith continued to dazzle the nation in an Ohio State romp over Michigan State. Ken and James also break down Indiana's 5-0 start and Michigan's bounce back after their early-season struggles. The guys end the show with a significant announcement, and a message to all of our listeners as NBC Sports Chicago says farewell. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two of the top teams in the Big Ten will face their first conference tests this week, and Kenneth Davis and James Neveau are breaking it all down. Eleven Warriors' Dan Hope discusses Ohio State's showdown with Michigan State, evaluating how the team's defense plans to slow down Jordan Chiles and the devastating run game the Buckeyes have deployed this season (1:00). Johnny McGonigal of PennLive then joins the show as Penn State and Illinois collide in a battle of undefeated squads. Can Drew Allar keep up his strong play, and can the Nittany Lions' defense get enough pressure on Luke Altmyer and company (22:21)? Finally, the guys break down several conference matchups, including Minnesota-Michigan and an intriguing showdown between Washington and Rutgers (44:41). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Several teams made big statements in the Big Ten this weekend, with Illinois' win over Nebraska showcasing the grit of Luke Altmyer and the strategic genius of Aaron Henry. Michigan also proved that reports of their demise were premature in a run-fueled win over USC, with Kalel Mullings stealing the show in Ann Arbor. The guys also praise Iowa for an emphatic win over Minnesota and judge whether mudslides, wild safeties or creepy chickens are the Footballiest Thing of the Week. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Big Ten conference matchups take center stage this week, starting with a Friday throwdown between Illinois and Nebraska. Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner discusses Dylan Raiola's strong play, whether Illinois can cause issues for the freshman, and how Pat Bryant has come into his own in 2024. Ryan Abraham of USCFootball.com then breaks down USC-Michigan, debating how Michigan's uncertainty at quarterback could play into the Trojans' hands, and how Miller Moss will respond to his first conference game. Finally, Ken and James break down a slew of other high-profile matchups, including Iowa vs. Minnesota and Michigan State's showdown with Boston College. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rivalry and statement games dotted the Big Ten's schedule this week, and James Neveau and Kenneth Davis have a full recap. Washington drops the Apple Cup, while Oregon blasts Oregon State in a one-sided Civil War showdown. The guys also have plenty of reaction to Alabama thrashing Wisconsin, Indiana and Kurtis Rourke making a statement at the Rose Bowl and Maryland bouncing back against Virginia. Quarterback controversy at Michigan, undefeated starts for Michigan State, Nebraska, and Illinois, and a wild ride through the Footballiest Things of the Week cap off this jam-packed episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Controversy follows Notre Dame into their matchup against Purdue, with questions around quarterback Riley Leonard and the effectiveness of head coach Marcus Freeman. Shaun Davis of the Lucky Lefty Podcast discusses those challenges. Whether Purdue, led by Hudson Card and Devin Mockobee, are primed to pull off an upset against the Irish (1:00). Jake Kocorowski of the Wisconsin State-Journal then breaks down everything Alabama-Wisconsin, including the beauty of scheduling tough non-conference opponents in a 12-team playoff era, how critical Chez Mellusi and the run game will be. Whether Tyler Van Dyke has what it takes to outduel Jalen Milroe (35:25). Finally, the Civil War between Oregon and Oregon State takes center stage, along with the Apple Cup between Washington and Washington State and an intriguing matchup pitting Indiana’s explosive offense and UCLA’s ferocious pass rush in sunny Southern California (1:05:01). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It was a busy weekend in Big Ten Country, and James Neveau and Kenneth Davis serve as your tour guides. The guys break down Michigan's loss to Texas and evaluate the Longhorns as a title contender. The guys then discuss a close win for Dillon Gabriel and Oregon, and break down Nebraska's defensive showcase against Coach Prime's Colorado squad. Illinois' upset win over Kansas also gets plenty of love, and Judge Ken evaluates whether Arizona State's "thicc six" was the Footballiest Thing of the Week. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It is a jam-packed week of games in the Big Ten, and Ken Davis and James Neveau have a preview of all the action to come. The guys discuss the Iowa-Iowa State rivalry, and whether Cade McNamara can help guide the offense to another big week. They then tackle Oregon after a lackluster Week 1, and whether they could be in for a test vs. Boise State. Ken and James then welcome Luke Mullin of the Lincoln Journal Star to discuss Nebraska's showdown with Colorado, and whether Dylan Raiola and company can have another explosive week vs. Deion Sanders' team (24:47). Finally, the guys welcome Isaiah Hole (45:21) from USA Today and Wolverines Wire to talk all things Texas-Michigan. Will the Wolverines use one quarterback? Can Donovan Edwards help spearhead a renewed rushing attack? And can Will Johnson and company slow down Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Drew Allar and Penn State pick up a huge road win over West Virginia, and Ken Davis and James Neveau are discussing what made Saturday's Nittany Lions triumph so remarkable. They heap praise on Tom Allen's defense and look at the road ahead after the victory. The guys then turn to Miller Moss and USC after an impressive win over LSU. Can Lincoln Riley's offense continue to hum like they did against the Tigers, or are there weaknesses that need to be addressed? Finally, the guys discuss Will Howard and Jeremiah Smith's debuts for Ohio State, why they're concerned about Michigan heading into their Texas showdown, and a team that was banned from...using QR codes on their helmets? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's FINALLY college football season, and Ken Davis and James Neveau are here with questions and predictions for the Big Ten. Who will head to New York for the Heisman Trophy presentation? Who is the most overrated team in the Big Ten? Can Ohio State capture a national title, or will Oregon stand in their way? The guys answer all those questions, then tackle Week 1 of the season. Will Minnesota get revenge on North Carolina? Can Penn State take down West Virginia on the road, and will Miller Moss' first season as the full-time starter kick off with a triumphant win over the vaunted LSU Tigers? It's Week 1 folks, and Big Ten Country is here to get you ready. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Penn State has been flirting with playoff contention for years, but is this the year they score a date to the dance? Johnny McGonigal from PennLive dives into that question by examining the prospects for Drew Allar this season, how a new-look offensive line could keep him upright, and whether a defense with new coordinator Tom Allen, newly minted edge rusher Abdul Carter and a ferocious secondary can hang with the big dogs of the Big Ten. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's been a rough road for the Ohio State Buckeyes as they watched Michigan capture a national title, but can Ryan Day turn things around in Columbus? Ken Davis and James Neveau chat with Eleven Warriors' Dan Hope about Ohio State, and how the team could be poised to take steps forward even without Marvin Harrison Jr. Will Howard's strong fall camp performance earns him the starting job, but can he maximize Emeka Egbuka, Jeremiah Smith and company? Later, the guys talk defense, with safety Caleb Downs, edge rusher JT Tuimoloau and Denzel Burke taking center stage. Finally, the guys ask the big question: can Ohio State beat Michigan in 2024? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the Big Ten Country Podcast, host Kenneth Davis is joined by Ethan Segall, editor-in-chief of InsideNU, to preview Northwestern's football season, discussing the university's plans for a new facility, head coach David Braun's first full year after last season's scandal, and the team's quarterback situation and playmakers on offense and defense. Kenneth then talks with Andy Greder, Minnesota Golden Gophers beat reporter for the Pioneer Press, about head coach P.J. Fleck's desirability in college football, Minnesota's realistic expectations in an expanded Big Ten, and the balance between the pass and run games, along with the strengths of the Gophers' offensive and defensive lines. Don’t miss this deep dive into two pivotal Big Ten programs! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Illinois Fighting Illini want to make their stamp on the new Big Ten but can they do it? James Neveau and Kenneth Davis preview the season for the Illini with head football coach Bret Bielema as they discuss his roster, his recruitment for this year, and his expectations for his team. Later in the show, James and Ken are joined by Illinois beat writer Jeremy Werner of the Illinois Inquirer to discuss where Illinois needs to improve this year, the state of the program and more! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a jampacked Big Ten Country, Kenneth Davis and James Neveau take a look at the upcoming seasons for Iowa and Wisconsin, both of whom are hoping to take leaps forward after significant changes in the offseason. They start with Iowa and John Steppe of the Cedar Rapids Gazette, evaluating whether a new-look offense with Cade McNamara at the helm and a defense looking to take strides forward even after the departure of Cooper DeJean will be enough to give the Hawkeyes a shot at a CFP berth. Later, Jake Kocorowski of the Wisconsin State-Journal previews Year 2 of the Luke Fickell regime. Can Tyler Van Dyke seize the reins as the starting quarterback? Can his offensive line give him enough time to thrive? And can Wisconsin's defense, anchored by an experienced secondary, help them through a tough schedule that features Alabama, Oregon and others? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Luke Mullin of the Lincoln Journal Star joins Big Ten Country to talk all things Cornhuskers. The hype around Dylan Raiola is the talk of Lincoln, but how is the quarterback handling the pressure and bonding with his teammates? How is his commitment to the Huskers a byproduct of Matt Rhule's intense reshaping of the program? Finally, can the Huskers do what it takes to finally get back to a bowl game? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the latest Big Ten Country college football season preview, James Neveau and Kenneth Davis turn their eyes toward the great state of Michigan. Aaron McMann helps the guys break down the first season under new head coach Sherrone Moore, who will take over as quarterback for the Wolverines, and how players like Will Johnson and Donovan Edwards will be key to a tough season (6:24). Chris Solari then joins the show to break down Jonathan Smith’s takeover in East Lansing (29:21). The guys discuss Aidan Chiles’ ascent to starting quarterback, and how the Spartans will approach the methodical work required to become successful again in a more-crowded Big Ten. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a jampacked episode of Big Ten Country, Ken Davis and James Neveau kick off their college football previews with a look at all four of the new West Coast teams joining the conference. They get started with Antonio Morales, who breaks down USC's future in a post-Caleb Williams world (7:47). Alec Dietz then joins the show to debate whether Oregon has what it takes to win a national title, and if Dillon Gabriel is the best player in the conference (31:30). Andy Yamashita then hops on to discuss Washington's follow-up to a blockbuster 2023 season, and how the Huskies plan to move forward without Kalen DeBoer and Michael Penix Jr. in the fold (56:24). Finally, the guys break down the new-look UCLA Bruins under head coach DeShaun Foster, and whether a new era of football excellence could eventually dawn in SoCal (1:20:00). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Big Ten Country Podcast, host Kenneth Davis is joined by Mike Straw of Insider Gaming to dive into the highly anticipated EA Sports College Football 25. They discuss their favorite teams to play with (0:48), address issues with the Ultimate Team mode (3:30), and break down the Road to Glory mode (6:16). Mike shares insights on how player ratings are determined and makes a bold statement about Shedeur Sanders' rating (12:05). They debate the top player in the game (14:21) and the best QBs (14:53), and analyze college team rankings (17:55). Stay tuned for the latest news and updates on the game (21:20). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With football season drawing closer, James Neveau and Kenneth Davis break down their Big Ten football power rankings. The guys dive into the significant changes at Maryland and Rutgers and debate whether Dylan Raiola can vault Nebraska up the ranks this season. Later, the duo evaluates how the new West Coast schools will fare and whether Lincoln Riley’s USC program can thrive in its first Big Ten season. Finally, they tackle the big question as Oregon and Ohio State take center stage. Which team reigns supreme in the Big Ten, and which has a better shot at making a deep playoff run? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.