It’s almost ‘go time’ for Big Ten

Buckeyes are favored again

The wait is almost over for the Big Ten.

The ACC, Big 12 and SEC have been playing anywhere from three to five weeks amid the pandemic, and all the players and coaches around the Big Ten could do is watch.

“Most of it’s been torture, just not being able to play games,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. “There’s been a part of it I’ve actually enjoyed, but for the most part it’s been hard and I just want to be playing, get these guys on the field and get rolling.”

The eight-game, conference-only schedule begins Oct. 23 with Illinois visiting No. 16 Wisconsin. The rest of the league gets started Oct. 24. Every team plays every week through Dec. 12 barring cancellations because of outbreaks of COVID-19.

No. 6 Ohio State is favored to win a fourth straight league title and return to the College Football Playoff. Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields, with his wide array of weapons around him, is among the Heisman Trophy front-runners after finishing third in last year’s voting.

Defending West champion Wisconsin and No. 24 Minnesota are expected to battle it out again for the division title.

Just getting to this point has been an adventure. The Big Ten initially put out a 10-game schedule on Aug. 5 only to cancel the season six days later in the name of player safety.

As the ACC, Big 12 and SEC pushed forward with plans to play, the outcry against the Big Ten’s decision was relentless. Nebraska hinted it might schedule games on

AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields throws a pass during their NCAA college football practice Oct. 3 in Columbus, Ohio. Fields is returning for a second season as Ohio State starter. Coaches and teammates say Fields is in better shape because of his diet and workout regimen, and is a more confident and vocal leader.