Here's the 5 most important B1G East games for 2019
Some games just mean a bit more than others.
Whether it is an old-fashioned rivalry or a division-deciding clash, not all games are created equal. Certain games are just bound to have more riding on them than the others on the schedule.
This year, the B1G East race is shaping up to be a three-team race between Michigan, Ohio State, and Michigan State. Penn State could certainly make some noise, but the Nittany lions must first adjust to life without Trace McSorley.
Of the teams mentioned above, expectations are highest for Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines. They have the talent once again to make a special run, and once again their season could come down to The Game against Ohio State.
With that in mind, here are the five most important games in the B1G East this season, starting with:
Michigan-Ohio State
The Game decided the B1G East division in 2018, and it is shaping up to be the same way this season. Ohio State does have questions, mainly adjusting to a new quarterback after the departure of Dwayne Haskins, but transfer Justin Fields seems primed to take over. For the Wolverines, they return a lot of talent from a team that ultimately fell way short in Columbus to end the year. Harbaugh will certainly be out for blood in 2019, and the Wolverines get this game at home.
Michigan-Michigan State
Make no mistake about it: The Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy remains one of the best rivalries in the B1G. And with the game set for Nov. 16, even more could be at stake in this season’s version. By the time this game rolls around, the Spartans will know if they are competing for a B1G Championship or jockeying for bowl game position. For the Wolverines, they’ll be coming off a bye with two rivalry games sandwiched around a trip to Indiana to end the season. The key factor? This game is being played in Ann Arbor.
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Penn State-Ohio State
This game has swung Ohio State’s way by the narrowest of margins each of the past two seasons. This year, the two teams will likely be playing for different reasons on Nov. 23. James Franklin’s squad is replacing Trace McSorley and Miles Sanders just one season after replacing Saquon Barkley. The Nittany Lions will likely be looking for a signature upset at this point in the season while playing for a better bowl position. For the Buckeyes, this will be their last game before a season-ending trip to the Big House, and they may be fighting to keep pace with Michigan.
Michigan State-Penn State
This game is right in the middle of the schedule and will likely decide who the third team will be in the East race should Michigan or Ohio State falter early. Can Penn State score enough points without McSorley? Will the Spartans’ offense be better fully healthy with Brian Lewerke back under center? Schedule wise, both teams will be in the heat of it for this game. Penn State plays Iowa and Michigan leading up to it while the Spartans will be coming off of trips to Wisconsin and Ohio State. Playing in East Lansing could be the deciding factor.
Michigan-Penn State
This will not be Penn State’s first test, but it will be in the middle of the toughest stretch for the Nittany Lions. They play at Iowa, vs Michigan, and at Michigan State before getting a week off before traveling to Minnesota. For the Wolverines, this will likely serve as a “trap game” the week before playing Notre Dame at home. Michigan will likely be heavily favored, but the Wolverines will be wise not to take anything for granted when it comes to a trip to Happy Valley.