There are plenty of big college football games this weekend, including Alabama at Florida, Clemson at Virginia Tech, and Texas A&M at Arkansas.

But for three players inside the Nashville Predators dressing room, there is no bigger game on Saturday than No. 8 Nebraska at No. 7 Wisconsin.

Ryan Suter, Blake Geoffrion and Craig Smith all attended the University of Wisconsin and root for the Badgers, although the level of intensity varies. They will need to DVR the game because kickoff is at the same time as when the Predators host Carolina in the final preseason game.

We spoke with the three players about the upcoming game. A few observations: Suter thinks the atmosphere will be ridiculously intense, Smith isn’t a huge fan of football but is supporting his team, and Geoffrion is so knowledgeable about college football that he could be an analyst on ESPN’s College GameDay, which will appropriately be in Madison on Saturday.


Ryan Suter
“It should be pretty exciting and it will be a really good atmosphere up there. I wish I was up there to watch it. It will start a big rivalry, I guarantee you that. I’m sure it’s going to be a chippy, hard fought game. It’s the first Big 10 conference game for Wisconsin, and I know both teams want to start it off right.”


Craig Smith
“That’s going to be a great game. I’m not a huge football junkie, but I know everyone was talking about it during the summer. Nebraska has a pretty good team. They’re known for their football. Coming in, we have a pretty good team this year. It should be a great game. I’m excited, and go Badgers.”


Blake Geoffrion
“I think it will be a good game, two schools that thrive on the run game. I think Wisconsin has the advantage this year. (Quarterback) Russell Wilson has been great and Nick Toon is having a great year. (Toon) is about to pass his dad (Al) in total receptions in a career. Linebackers, I think that’s a weakness for us, we’re pretty small. But I have faith in our special teams and in the offense to get it done.”