Our college football writer ranks the Big Ten's best nonconference schedules:
1. Michigan
Middle Tennessee, Army, Notre Dame.
The highlight, of course, is the visit from the Irish, the only projected top-10 team on the Big Ten nonconference schedule. The Oct. 26 game comes right after trips to Illinois and Penn State. Don't sleep on Army, either. Coming off a great season, the Cadets are projected in the Top 25.
2. Maryland
Howard, Syracuse, at Temple.
Welcome back Mike Locksley. The toughest game, by far, is the visit from rising ACC power Syracuse, which will be ranked in the preseason Top 25.