Last year Bret remarked a lot about a sort of "revenge tour," and we got quite a few victories on that front, including multiple VERY satisfying beatdowns!):
W 24-3 vs. Virginia (lost 42-14 in Charlottesville in 2021)
W 34-10 at Wisconsin (lost 24-0

in Champaign in 2021)
W 9-6 vs. Iowa (lost 33-23 in Iowa City in 2021)
(We also beat Minnesota and Northwestern for the second straight year and Nebraska for the third straight year!)
Well, there is certainly opportunity for some more fuel to that fire this year!
at Purdue: Not much needs to be said here. The loss in Champaign last year was about as painful as it gets for many reasons, and it cost us a trip to Indianapolis and a rematch with a Michigan team that we almost beat in Ann Arbor. Also, no ill will toward Ryan whatsoever, but I really don't want to drop one to him in his first year at PU.
at Maryland: We didn't play the Terps last year, but that loss in Champaign during Bret's first year was incredibly frustrating and a pretty epic collapse.
vs. Indiana: Considering the
infuriating nature of our loss in Bloomington last year and that this one is at home, I hope we absolutely embarrass them.
We also have some chances to really rectify our pitiful recent history and get on some nice streaks if we get the following wins:
W vs. Penn State: First time beating PSU in Champaign since 2014 (that's only one loss though, lol...) but most importantly - the first time beating PSU twice in a row EVER.
W vs. Nebraska: We wouldn't really break any records (we did that last year!), but I cannot begin to describe how funny it would be to beat Nebraska for four straight years.
W at Maryland: First time ever beating Maryland (0-2, losing to them in both 2018 and 2021).
W vs. Wisconsin: First time beating Wisconsin two times in a row since 2001 and 2002.
W at Iowa: First win in Iowa City since 1999 (I was there!) and first time beating Iowa twice in a row since 1999 and 2000.
W vs. Northwestern: First time beating the Kitty Cats three years in a row since 1988 through 1990 ... yes, you read that correctly. It's time to reestablish them as a non-threat.
I haven't been this excited for a season in a long time! I was excited for last year, but I really wasn't expecting anything better than fighting for six wins. This year I will try not to have my expectations "too high" or anything, but I am honestly very optimistic and quite pumped!