Ex-Michigan football tight end Jake Butt, now a prominent analyst for the Big Ten Network, has shared his insights on the five best games from the Big Ten regular season. This list is not just a collection of games; it reflects the passion and intensity that define college football, particularly within the Big Ten Conference.
Rivalry Games Take Center Stage
Butt, who donned the maize and blue from 2013 to 2016, has a special appreciation for “The Game,” the fierce rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State. After Michigan’s thrilling 13-10 victory over Ohio State in Columbus, Butt took to social media to express his thoughts on the heated postgame altercation that ensued.
In his statement, he acknowledged the emotional stakes involved in such a high-pressure matchup. “There will likely come a time when Ohio State wins one of these games,” Butt wrote on December 1. “I’d expect them to try and plant a flag. And I’d expect Michigan to respond by saying, ‘Not in our house.’ And I’m okay with it. So long as it doesn’t turn into an all-out brawl and people don’t get severely injured. It’s the price to be paid for a beautiful rivalry.”
Dissecting the Postgame Drama
The aftermath of the Michigan-Ohio State game sparked a debate among analysts, including ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit. While Herbstreit suggested that consequences should be imposed on those who instigated the fight, Butt took a different stance. He argued that the players’ reactions were a natural response to the emotions that come with such a hard-fought game.
“Disagree. The players are a product of leadership,” Butt stated. “The obvious solution is to ban flag planting going forward, but the players all reacted pretty much how you’d expect them to react after a tough win/loss in a highly emotional rivalry.” This perspective highlights the complexity of college football rivalries, where passion often spills over into intense moments.
Top Five Games of the Season
Butt collaborated with ex-Penn State tight end Adam Breneman, who played for the Nittany Lions from 2013 to 2015 before wrapping up his collegiate career at UMass. Together, they compiled their lists of the top five games from the Big Ten regular season, showcasing both similarities and differences in their selections.
Here’s a look at their top five games:
| Jake Butt’s Top 5 – Michigan football alumnus | Adam Breneman’s Top 5 – Penn State football alumnus |
| 1. Ohio State vs. Michigan | 1. Oregon vs. Ohio State |
| 2. Oregon vs. Ohio State | 2. Penn State vs. USC |
| 3. Oregon vs. Penn State (Big Ten title game) | 3. Oregon vs. Penn State (Big Ten title game) |
| 4. Penn State vs. USC | 4. Ohio State vs. Michigan |
| 5. Nebraska vs. Illinois | 5. Ohio State vs. Indiana |
Looking Ahead
As the college football season progresses, the stakes continue to rise. The Buckeyes are set to host Tennessee in their first-round matchup this Saturday, while Michigan has earned a spot in the ReliaQuest Bowl, where they will face Alabama on New Year’s Eve. These upcoming games promise to deliver more excitement and drama, further fueling the passion that defines college football.
It’s clear that the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry has reached new heights, with intensity that will only grow in the coming years. Fans can expect more unforgettable moments, as both teams continue to battle for supremacy in the Big Ten.
In a sport where emotions run high and rivalries are fierce, Jake Butt’s insights remind us of the beauty of college football. It’s about more than just the games; it’s about the stories, the rivalries, and the unforgettable moments that keep fans coming back for more. So, as we look forward to the next chapter in this storied rivalry, one thing is certain: the passion for college football is alive and well.
