Big Ten football: Game times, TV networks announced for Week 8

The Big Ten has released kickoff times and TV networks for the Week 8 college football slate. The schedule includes five games between conference opponents, with rivalries new and old taking place.

Below is the full set of games for the week, along with their start times and TV designations. All times listed are Eastern.

• Illinois Fighting Illini at Penn State Nittany Lions, Noon, ABC
• Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Wolverines, Noon, FOX
• Wisconsin Badgers at Purdue Boilermakers, Noon, Big Ten Network
• Maryland Terrapins at Minnesota Golden Gophers, 3:30 PM, ESPN2
• Ohio State Buckeyes at Indiana Hoosiers, 7:30 PM, ABC

Some of the best teams in the Big Ten will be in action, facing tough tests as they look to avoid upsets. Additionally, some middle of the pack Big Ten teams will be jockeying for position as bowl season rolls around.

First, the Penn State Nittany Lions must win out if they hope to get to the College Football Playoff. When the Illinois Fighting Illini come to town, it could serve as a warm-up for a gigantic game against Ohio State.

As for the aforementioned Buckeyes, they’ve seemingly found their groove. While the Indiana Hoosiers gave them fits last season, Ohio State should take care of business in Week 8.

Finally, Jim Harbaugh has Michigan playing some impressive football. Their game against Northwestern is the prelude to a gigantic matchup against Michigan State, where both teams could very well be undefeated.

Week 8 is the prelude to a momentous Week 9 in the Big Ten, but Penn State, Ohio State and Michigan still have to get through their matchups. As for Michigan State, they’ll enjoy a well-earned bye week in Week 8.

The Big Ten may very well be the best conference in college football at the moment, and the same should ring true when Week 8 rolls around.