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Best Big Ten Games During Opening Weeks of 2024-25 Season

© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The official start of the College Basketball season is less than a week away, and there will be plenty of eyes on several games during the first couple weeks of the season. The Big Ten has some very intriguing match-ups early in the schedule. The first couple of weeks will be able to showcase what each of the 18 teams in the league has to offer. The more historic programs of the Big Ten have once again showcased match-ups in the opening weeks.

Michigan State once again draws the Number One team in the country as they partake in the annual Champions Classic. As for Purdue, who were the National Runner-ups last season, have a huge match-up with second-ranked Alabama at Mackey Arena. The new-look Michigan Wolverines have quite a road test as they will visit Wake Forest during the opening week. Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the top five best Big Ten games.

Best Big Ten Games During Opening Weeks of 2024-25 Season

1. No. 19 Texas vs. Ohio State (Las Vegas)

Coach Jake Diebler and the Ohio State Buckeyes aren’t afraid to take on a ranked foe, on the opening night of the season. That will be the case as the 19th-ranked Longhorns take the floor against the Buckeyes in Las Vegas. T-Mobile Arena will be electric as both teams look to start the season on a high note. Texas makes its SEC debut, against an Ohio State team with plenty of new talent. The Buckeyes will look to transfer Meechie Johnson and former Kentucky center Aaron Bradshaw, to get things rolling quickly. A win in this match-up certainly could put the Buckeyes into early conversations as a contender in the Big Ten. This is certainly one of the biggest Big Ten games of opening night.

2. Northwestern @ Dayton

Sure the Flyers of Dayton are far from being a contender at this point. Still, it won’t be an easy trip for the Wildcats. The Wildcats have a clash earlier in the week for a tune-up. Still Northwestern has to retool after the graduation of Boo Buie. UD Arena should be rocking for this clash. This match-up is certainly a game to watch, as both teams are coming off a NCAA Tournament berth in 2023-24.  Northwestern has some great experience back, and it will be interesting if they can keep up the momentum they have built over the past several seasons. Nick Martinelli looks ready to take the next step. Having a healthy Ty Berry is going to be important if the Wildcats want to stay near the top of the Big Ten. Posh Alexander and Zed Key were huge transfer additions for Dayton, and they have performed well against Big Ten foes in the past. The Flyers and Wildcats should be a great opening-week match-up.

3. Michigan vs. Wake Forest (Greensboro)

Michigan has a chance to make a bunch of early impressions. A completely rebuilt roster, and far better shooting have already proven to be useful, in the Wolverines’ two exhibition games. Though Toledo hung around with them in the second one.

The Wolverines will get to show what they are made of as they travel to Greensboro, North Carolina on November 10th. They will face the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at First Horizon Coliseum. An early afternoon match-up will feel like a real home game for the Deacons, as they won’t have to travel far for this match-up. Wake Forest is fresh off an NIT berth last season, while Michigan will look to better an 8-24 campaign. The Wolverines have a lot of great shooters, but can they defend, that’s remains a question mark. Adding the likes of Tre Donaldson, Roddy Gayle Jr and and Rubin Jones, certainly improved the guard spot. A win here could show how much work Michigan has done this offseason.

4. No. 1 Kansas vs. Michigan State (Atlanta)

Tom Izzo gets the schedule he always likes. It doesn’t mean a win is guaranteed, as the Spartans head down to Atlanta for the Annual Champions Classic. This year they draw No. 1 ranked Kansas. Luckily for Michigan State, this is the team they have done the best against at the event. The question will be is Szymon Zapala, Carson Cooper, Jaxon Kohler, and Xavier Booker ready to take on Hunter Dickinson. The Spartans know him well from his time at rival Michigan. For once the Spartans will have two games played before this match-up so they can build a little confidence. Is Jeremy Fears Jr ready to lead the Spartans to greatness? The Spartans and Jayhawks will certainly be ready to duke it out.

5. No. 2 Alabama @ 14 Purdue

The first double-ranked meeting featuring a Big Ten team of the season will see second-ranked Alabama visit Mackey Arena in West Lafayette. They will face the 14th-ranked Purdue Boilermakers. Braden Smith will look to lead the Boilers to yet another home victory.

Mackey Arena has been a death trap for everyone who enters. That could be the same story on November 15th. Both teams reached the Final Four last season, and they each lost to eventual National Champion UConn. Outside of the Champions Classic, this might be the best match-up during the opening weeks of the season. Mark Sears, Clifford Omoruyi, and Aden Holloway will have to have a great night to sneak a win in West Lafayette. Omoruyi knows a thing or two about beating Purdue, during his time at Rutgers. His experience should only help the Tide.

Kaleb Kraus

Kaleb Kraus

Kaleb Kraus is a proud graduate of Michigan State Universities School of Journalism. Kaleb strives to use his vast knowledge of sports in any way he can. Kaleb's sports interests include the NFL, NBA, NHL, NASCAR and both College Football and Basketball.

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