Big 10
The East is all but won if Michigan wins out the next 2 weeks against Rutgers and Indiana, which would seem like foregone conclusion. That would have the divisional title clash coming down to a game in Columbus against Ohio State, which has been a problem for Michigan in recent years. If the Buckeyes lose to Michigan State, which is a possible scenario, and then had issues with Maryland, which really isn't, that game in Columbus in the finale would not be worth much to the Buckeyes, and would only serve as a spoiler spot to keep Michigan out of the CFB playoff. Here is the realistic breakdown:
Michigan wins if: They win out, including a win over Ohio State in Columbus. If Michigan loses once, which does not seem realistic given the schedule, they would still need to beat Ohio State, unless the Buckeyes were to lose to Michigan State this weekend, or Maryland the week after.
Ohio State wins if: They win out, and then beat Michigan. There is no other path.
The West is Northwestern's to lose at this point, as they already have wins against both Wisconsin and Purdue this season. With Iowa at 2 games out, there is not much they can do right now in the 4 spot except to hope for chaos. Here is the breakdown:
Northwestern wins out if: They win out, or lose just one more game in their final 3. They play their toughest, by far game in that slate this week against Iowa on the road. They can afford a loss there. They cannot afford 2. Minnesota and Illinois are the final 2 games, so I would not expect the Wildcats to collapse against that slate.
Wisconsin wins if: They win out, and Northwestern loses twice.
Purdue wins if: Same as Wisconsin. They need to win out, and hope that Northwestern loses twice. Wisconsin plays at Purdue next week, a game that both would need to win.
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