Dan Murphy Close ESPN Staff Writer Covers the Big Ten Joined ESPN.com in 2014 Graduate of the University of Notre Dame Mitch Sherman Close ESPN Staff Writer Nebraska/Big Ten/Recruiting reporter. Joined ESPN in 2011. Graduated from the University of Nebraska. 0 Shares Print We’re comparing various aspects of the Big Ten divisions this week, starting with the nonconference schedules. Last September, the league dug itself a giant hole early, requiring nearly three months for its climb back to respectability. Does history repeat itself? Regardless of your opinion, we offer this debate on the most attractive lineup of games: Take 1: Dan Murphy The Big Ten spotlight will shine on Oregon and Michigan State in September. The good news for the Spartans is that they don’t have to face Marcus Mariota this fall. Chris Pietsch/Associated PressThe East is going to stack up well to their counterparts out West in most ways this year, and that includes the early-season schedules. The headliner here is a rematch between two of last year’s top five teams — Oregon at Michigan State on Sept. 12. The Spartans fell victim to a patented quick-hitting Oregon scoring spree in the second half of last year’s game for one of their two losses in 2014. This year, the game is in East Lansing, and Michigan State is a one-point favorite in what might end up being the best nonconference game in all of college football this year. …
Continue Reading: Take Two: Big Ten football’s East vs. West nonconference schedules – Big Ten Blog – ESPN
