Traditional Big Ten powers had big statements to make Saturday, and they obliged. Penn State used a stifling defense and a potent rush attack to down Illinois in Happy Valley, while Jeremiah Smith continued to dazzle the nation in an Ohio State romp over Michigan State. Ken and James also break down Indiana's 5-0 start and Michigan's bounce back after their early-season struggles. The guys end the show with a significant announcement, and a message to all of our listeners as NBC Sports Chicago says farewell.

Two of the top teams in the Big Ten will face their first conference tests this week, and Kenneth Davis and James Neveau are breaking it all down. Eleven Warriors' Dan Hope discusses Ohio State's showdown with Michigan State, evaluating how the team's defense plans to slow down Jordan Chiles and the devastating run game the Buckeyes have deployed this season (1:00). Johnny McGonigal of PennLive then joins the show as Penn State and Illinois collide in a battle of undefeated squads. Can Drew Allar keep up his strong play, and can the Nittany Lions' defense get enough pressure on Luke Altmyer and company (22:21)? Finally, the guys break down several conference matchups, including Minnesota-Michigan and an intriguing showdown between Washington and Rutgers (44:41).

Several teams made big statements in the Big Ten this weekend, with Illinois' win over Nebraska showcasing the grit of Luke Altmyer and the strategic genius of Aaron Henry. Michigan also proved that reports of their demise were premature in a run-fueled win over USC, with Kalel Mullings stealing the show in Ann Arbor. The guys also praise Iowa for an emphatic win over Minnesota and judge whether mudslides, wild safeties or creepy chickens are the Footballiest Thing of the Week.

Big Ten conference matchups take center stage this week, starting with a Friday throwdown between Illinois and Nebraska. Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner discusses Dylan Raiola's strong play, whether Illinois can cause issues for the freshman, and how Pat Bryant has come into his own in 2024. Ryan Abraham of USCFootball.com then breaks down USC-Michigan, debating how Michigan's uncertainty at quarterback could play into the Trojans' hands, and how Miller Moss will respond to his first conference game. Finally, Ken and James break down a slew of other high-profile matchups, including Iowa vs. Minnesota and Michigan State's showdown with Boston College.

Rivalry and statement games dotted the Big Ten's schedule this week, and James Neveau and Kenneth Davis have a full recap. Washington drops the Apple Cup, while Oregon blasts Oregon State in a one-sided Civil War showdown. The guys also have plenty of reaction to Alabama thrashing Wisconsin, Indiana and Kurtis Rourke making a statement at the Rose Bowl and Maryland bouncing back against Virginia. Quarterback controversy at Michigan, undefeated starts for Michigan State, Nebraska, and Illinois, and a wild ride through the Footballiest Things of the Week cap off this jam-packed episode.

Controversy follows Notre Dame into their matchup against Purdue, with questions around quarterback Riley Leonard and the effectiveness of head coach Marcus Freeman. Shaun Davis of the Lucky Lefty Podcast discusses those challenges. Whether Purdue, led by Hudson Card and Devin Mockobee, are primed to pull off an upset against the Irish (1:00). Jake Kocorowski of the Wisconsin State-Journal then breaks down everything Alabama-Wisconsin, including the beauty of scheduling tough non-conference opponents in a 12-team playoff era, how critical Chez Mellusi and the run game will be. Whether Tyler Van Dyke has what it takes to outduel Jalen Milroe (35:25). Finally, the Civil War between Oregon and Oregon State takes center stage, along with the Apple Cup between Washington and Washington State and an intriguing matchup pitting Indiana’s explosive offense and UCLA’s ferocious pass rush in sunny Southern California (1:05:01).

It was a busy weekend in Big Ten Country, and James Neveau and Kenneth Davis serve as your tour guides. The guys break down Michigan's loss to Texas and evaluate the Longhorns as a title contender. The guys then discuss a close win for Dillon Gabriel and Oregon, and break down Nebraska's defensive showcase against Coach Prime's Colorado squad. Illinois' upset win over Kansas also gets plenty of love, and Judge Ken evaluates whether Arizona State's "thicc six" was the Footballiest Thing of the Week.

It is a jam-packed week of games in the Big Ten, and Ken Davis and James Neveau have a preview of all the action to come. The guys discuss the Iowa-Iowa State rivalry, and whether Cade McNamara can help guide the offense to another big week. They then tackle Oregon after a lackluster Week 1, and whether they could be in for a test vs. Boise State. Ken and James then welcome Luke Mullin of the Lincoln Journal Star to discuss Nebraska's showdown with Colorado, and whether Dylan Raiola and company can have another explosive week vs. Deion Sanders' team (24:47). Finally, the guys welcome Isaiah Hole (45:21) from USA Today and Wolverines Wire to talk all things Texas-Michigan. Will the Wolverines use one quarterback? Can Donovan Edwards help spearhead a renewed rushing attack? And can Will Johnson and company slow down Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns?

Drew Allar and Penn State pick up a huge road win over West Virginia, and Ken Davis and James Neveau are discussing what made Saturday's Nittany Lions triumph so remarkable. They heap praise on Tom Allen's defense and look at the road ahead after the victory. The guys then turn to Miller Moss and USC after an impressive win over LSU. Can Lincoln Riley's offense continue to hum like they did against the Tigers, or are there weaknesses that need to be addressed? Finally, the guys discuss Will Howard and Jeremiah Smith's debuts for Ohio State, why they're concerned about Michigan heading into their Texas showdown, and a team that was banned from...using QR codes on their helmets?

It's FINALLY college football season, and Ken Davis and James Neveau are here with questions and predictions for the Big Ten. Who will head to New York for the Heisman Trophy presentation? Who is the most overrated team in the Big Ten? Can Ohio State capture a national title, or will Oregon stand in their way? The guys answer all those questions, then tackle Week 1 of the season. Will Minnesota get revenge on North Carolina? Can Penn State take down West Virginia on the road, and will Miller Moss' first season as the full-time starter kick off with a triumphant win over the vaunted LSU Tigers? It's Week 1 folks, and Big Ten Country is here to get you ready.

Penn State has been flirting with playoff contention for years, but is this the year they score a date to the dance? Johnny McGonigal from PennLive dives into that question by examining the prospects for Drew Allar this season, how a new-look offensive line could keep him upright, and whether a defense with new coordinator Tom Allen, newly minted edge rusher Abdul Carter and a ferocious secondary can hang with the big dogs of the Big Ten.