Oh hell yeah!

A Friday night game for the Badgers this week not only means that Wisconsin is back, but it also means that your Saturday just became a lot more wide open. With great games across all major windows in Week 8, hunker down on the couch and have a beer or seven, because Big Ten football is back, baby!

Looking ahead at the week, we at B5Q have you covered on which games to watch across all of the weeks action in college football.

Thursday, Oct. 22

Arkansas State (3-2) at Appalachian State (2-1) —> 6:30 p.m. CST on ESPN

Last week had some great games midweek to watch with ranked teams in action on both Wednesday and Thursday. Arkansas State and Appalachian State does not pack nearly as much firepower, but if you need some football to tide you over until the Badger game, it’s your only answer.

Friday, Oct. 23

Illinois (0-0) at No. 14 Wisconsin (0-0) —> 7 p.m. CST on BTN

The long awaited home opener is here. Don’t spoil your appetite for football on either of the earlier games Friday featuring the likes of South Florida and Tulsa.

The Badgers come into the game seeking revenge for their collapse last year, and it is #MertzSZN. Buckle up.

Saturday, Oct. 10

Morning games

Nebraska (0-0) at No. 5 Ohio State (0-0) —> 11 a.m. CST on FOX

The spread for this game is up to over 25-points, but this game represents the first glimpse of both schools in 2020. While there are more intriguing matchups on paper, this game could be interesting to follow for the beginning. Considering that Rutgers and Michigan State is the only other B1G game on in the morning, Nebraska and Ohio State might be the better route to take.

No. 23 NC State (4-1) at No. 14 North Carolina (3-1) —> 11 a.m. CST on ESPN

North Carolina’s surprising loss last week to Florida State and NC State losing their starting quarterback to injury make this game a little less intriguing than a week ago. That doesn’t diminish the fact that it is the only contest pitting ranked teams against one another in the morning window though.

Other morning games of interest: Oklahoma at TCU, Auburn at Ole Miss, Rutgers at Michigan State

Afternoon games

No. 17 Iowa State (3-1) at No. 6 Oklahoma State (3-0) —> 2:30 p.m. CST on FOX

The juiciest game in the afternoon window in terms of college football playoff implications is on FOX. Oklahoma State is the Big-12’s last remaining hope to crash the playoff, but Iowa State hopes to make it a clean sweep of the two primary Oklahoma schools by knocking off the Cowboys.

No. 8 Penn State (0-0) at Indiana (0-0) —> 2:30 p.m. CST on FS1

The recent news about Journey Brown out with an injury for Penn State shakes some things up for the Nittany Lions last minute, and Indiana could be tough this season after eight wins a year ago. This opening game should shed some light on the status of both B1G East teams right away.

Other afternoon games of interest: Alabama at Tennessee, Notre Dame at Pitt, Iowa at Purdue

Primetime games

No. 18 Michigan (0-0) at No. 21 Minnesota (0-0) —> 6:30 p.m. CST on ABC

The best primetime game stays in the Big Ten, as Michigan and Minnesota square off on ABC. Both teams have some changes on offense and are replacing a lot of talent on the defense as well. I am weirdly excited to see this one kickoff.

Other primetime games of interest: South Carolina at LSU, Utah State at Boise State, Maryland at Northwestern

After dark

No. 9 Cincinnati (3-0) at No. 16 SMU (5-0) —> 8 p.m. CST on ESPN2

The after dark menu is back on this week, and this American Conference showdown packs a punch. Both teams have been clicking all year long, and this contest provides the perfect dessert to a wonderful day of college football.

Other primetime games of interest: UNLV at San Diego State, Texas State at BYU, Air Force at San Jose State