Big Ten Football: Key Games and Playoff Predictions for the Second Half of the Season

Playoff Contenders:: Ohio State, Indiana, and Oregon are currently favored to make the College Football Playoff. Why this matters: These teams have demonstrated consistent performance and are well-positioned in the conference standings.

Key Matchups:: Games like USC at Notre Dame, Nebraska at Penn State, and Ohio State at Michigan will significantly impact the playoff race. Why this matters: These high-stakes games will test the contenders and reveal their true potential.

MLive's Predictions:: MLive's college football writers have provided picks against the spread for every Big Ten game, offering insights into potential upsets and dominant performances. Why this matters: These predictions can help fans and bettors make informed decisions.

USC at Notre Dame (Oct. 18):: USC, after a win against Michigan, faces a tough test against a strong Notre Dame team. A win here would solidify USC's playoff aspirations.

UCLA at Indiana (Oct. 25):: This game is crucial for Indiana, potentially being their biggest test of the season. A win would bolster their playoff chances.

USC at Nebraska (Nov. 1):: Nebraska, with only one loss, needs a win against USC to gain national respect and set up a potential 10-win season.

Nebraska at Penn State (Nov. 22):: This game features a compelling storyline with Matt Rhule, a former Penn State linebacker, potentially facing his former team.

Oregon at Washington (Nov. 29):: This late-season matchup could be a winner-take-all game for a playoff spot or Big Ten title contention.

Ohio State at Michigan (Nov. 29):: The annual rivalry game will have significant implications for the Big Ten title and College Football Playoff.

A:: At least three, possibly four, Big Ten teams are expected to make the 12-team field.

A:: Ohio State, Indiana, and Oregon are currently positioned as strong playoff contenders.