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.
8-4 teams in the CFP? Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti explains vision for college football postseason
Brandon Marcello
First loss: at Indiana on Sept. 20
Overlooking Duke on the road in Week 2 could derail the season for Bret Bielema, but a veteran-laden roster should be able to take out the Blue Devils prior to the start of Big Ten play. The matchup in Bloomington is a vital…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/2025-big-ten-football-schedule-breakdown-predicting-the-first-loss-for-all-16-conference-teams/
Author : Brad Crawford
Publish date : 2025-07-27 15:35:00
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