Hammerin' the B1G: 5 games in September I'm most excited about

The time has come for another college football season with fans finally able to turn the page from the offseason into real action on the gridiron.

Week 0 brings the start of the 2024 season this weekend while the majority of the country will kick off the season in Week 1. The traditional Labor Day weekend of festivities features plenty of key matchups, and what will follow is a September with high stakes throughout.

Within the Big Ten, teams will square off in some key nonconference meetings with teams from the Big 12 and the SEC. That is along with some early-season B1G matchups involving the 4 newcomers from the Pac-12.

By the time the calendar flips through September, a few teams will already find themselves looking at an uphill climb to a strong finish while others will feel confident in their status as conference competitors. No matter how they turn out, there are a few matchups in September that have my interest more than others.

Let’s dive into the 5 games in September involving B1G teams that I am most looking forward to. (All times listed are ET.)

5. Colorado at Nebraska — Sept. 7, 7:30 pm (NBC)

The old Big 12 rivals renewed their nonconference series in 2023, and that matchup contained plenty of storylines and fireworks. Doomed by a disastrous day of turnovers, Nebraska watched as Colorado pulled away for a big win in the 2nd half. But the play on the field was only a part of the story.

In the aftermath, Shedeur Sanders claimed Huskers head coach Matt Rhule disrespected Colorado and head coach Deion Sanders during the offseason which made the matchup “extremely personal.” Rhule would later shoot down any idea of disrespect between the head coaches, but that will not take away from the drama this time around.

After the bravado of a hot start last season, Colorado quickly faded into the backdrop while struggling mightily on defense. Meanwhile, Nebraska looks like a team poised to make a leap with a deep defense returning and an improved offense. Whoever wins this showdown will be feeling great about their future prospects early in the season.

Related reading: Nebraska officially names starting QB for 2024 season opener

4. USC vs. LSU (Las Vegas) — Sept. 1 (Sunday), 7:30 pm (ABC)

USC is a team of mixed expectations entering the season. The Trojans still have some talented pieces in place, but there are plenty of question marks surrounding Lincoln Riley’s long-term abilities and the potential of the program under his leadership.

The good news? USC will not have to wait long to find out what the team can accomplish in 2024. The Trojans have 2 games on this list, and it’s not hard to envision USC facing 2 or 3 losses before we even clear September. On the other hand, a few quality wins would elevate the program into the realm of a dark horse contender.

3. USC at Michigan — Sept. 21, 3:30 pm (CBS)

You already know my thoughts on USC’s season ahead. I believe Michigan is the better team in this matchup, even as a program that lost a wealth of talent to the NFL, but the early-season slate is equally treacherous for the Wolverines. Any misstep could cost Michigan a shot at repeating in the B1G or for the national title.

As for this specific matchup, it could be a classic tale of high-octane offense vs. elite defensive play. I’m not sure what to expect from Miller Moss and the Trojan offense, but I believe Riley will maximize the talent and produce plenty of pressure. Then again, we know what we should expect out of Michigan’s defense, and the Wolverines should be among the top units on that side of the ball once again.

Considering USC opens the season vs. LSU and Michigan gets Texas in Week 2, the pressure could already be mounting for one of these teams by the time Sept. 21 rolls around.

2. Alabama at Wisconsin — Sept. 14, 12 pm (FOX)

Alabama and Wisconsin are not among the favorites to compete for a conference title in the SEC or B1G. However, this matchup really stands out to me. It will be the first major game for new Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer, and it’s an awesome opportunity for Luke Fickell’s group.

Expectations for the Badgers are relatively low at this point for what the program once was. That’s not going to change overnight, but Fickell could capture a lot of goodwill with fans if he can deliver a big moment against Alabama. FanDuel has Alabama -9.5 on the road here before the games start, and that strikes me as a bit too rich. Look for the Badgers to at least keep this one as a back-and-forth battle in Madison.

1. Texas at Michigan — Sept. 7, 12 pm (FOX)

Michigan is still basking in the glory of its national title, and the Wolverines will get to flex their title early in the season. Marquee matchups against Texas and USC in the first month guarantee the spotlight will be on Ann Arbor early on, though that doesn’t mean the results will always be positive.

Michigan lost a lot from its national title winning squad, and that’s the understatement of the year. Sherrone Moore is the full-time head coach with loads of potential, but I can’t act like his coaching staff is on par with the one he (temporarily) commanded in Jim Harbaugh’s absences last year. Steve Sarkisian’s group should be the better team here with the Longhorns coming out on top in an instant classic type of showdown.