MisterGopher
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https://www.cbssports.com/college-f...g-the-first-loss-for-all-16-conference-teams/
Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti has pounded the strength-of-schedule drum throughout the summer, much like his SEC counterpart, Greg Sankey. When it comes to college football's toughest slates, the Big Ten's nine-game league format -- along with a 10th contest against a Power Four opponent -- should result in additional automatic bids in future playoff expansion.
At least, that's Petitti's argument.
But just how tough is the road in the Big Ten? Looking ahead to the 2025 schedule, there are enough loaded weekends to believe the league may not produce an unbeaten champion like it did last fall with Oregon. Here's a closer look at every team's path to the playoff -- and a projection for where each team's first loss could occur.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
First loss: at Ohio State on Oct. 4
Minnesota heads west for a matchup with Cal in Week 3 before an open date leads into Big Ten play. If the Golden Gophers handle that game and Rutgers, they'll be 4–0 heading into a showdown in Columbus. Coach P.J. Fleck would take that scenario right now.
Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti has pounded the strength-of-schedule drum throughout the summer, much like his SEC counterpart, Greg Sankey. When it comes to college football's toughest slates, the Big Ten's nine-game league format -- along with a 10th contest against a Power Four opponent -- should result in additional automatic bids in future playoff expansion.
At least, that's Petitti's argument.
But just how tough is the road in the Big Ten? Looking ahead to the 2025 schedule, there are enough loaded weekends to believe the league may not produce an unbeaten champion like it did last fall with Oregon. Here's a closer look at every team's path to the playoff -- and a projection for where each team's first loss could occur.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
First loss: at Ohio State on Oct. 4
Minnesota heads west for a matchup with Cal in Week 3 before an open date leads into Big Ten play. If the Golden Gophers handle that game and Rutgers, they'll be 4–0 heading into a showdown in Columbus. Coach P.J. Fleck would take that scenario right now.
