Nebraska at Illinois

Brian Christopherson, Husker247: This question tests the brain since Scott Frost's team very well could be a preseason top 25 team, yet also was just 4-8 a year ago. So ... who will the Huskers be favored against is tough enough to guarantee in these summer months. But I'll settle on Nebraska's Big Ten opener. It's on the road against an Illinois program everyone in the Big Ten likes to crack jokes about. But it's a table-setting game for this Husker team the week before they host Ohio State and Northwestern. It's the kind of game early in the season where Frost's team can prove they can go take care of their business when they're supposed to without looking ahead. I also think Nebraska has the real chance to be 4-0 coming out of the Illinois game to set up a national spotlight game with the Buckeyes. It'd be a shame to blow that by taking their eye off the road in Champaign.

Oklahoma vs. Texas

Joey Helmer, OU Insider: Well, seeing as the Sooners are going to be favored in every single game this season, the obvious choice here is Texas and the Red River Showdown. The Longhorns are the biggest hurdle in what’s once again a very navigable schedule for the Crimson and Cream, who’s looking to make its third straight College Football Playoff appearance and fourth in the last five seasons. Texas has its fair share of issues entering 2019, losing eight defensive starters, three starting offensive linemen and tight end Andrew Beck, receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey and running back Tre Watson, all starters as well. However, back to lead the troops is quarterback Sam Ehlinger, who is on the preseason short list for the Heisman Trophy and defeated OU in the Cotton Bowl last year. Back with him are playmakers Collin Johnson, Devin Duvernay and Keontay Ingram, among others, so the Sooners will have their hands full with their arch rival.