Big 10
Still in it: Michigan, Ohio State, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Iowa, Purdue
On the Edge: Michigan State, Penn State, Maryland
Elimination Zone: Indiana, Rutgers, Nebraska, Minnesota, Illinois
The Breakdown: The East is essentially down to undefeated (in conference play) Michigan, and Ohio State. That could change this week and moving forward. Penn State could claw their way back into the race by beating Michigan this week, but have no doubt, this is an elimination game for Penn State this week. Michigan has to be aware of the desperation that Penn State should have coming in. Ohio State's loss to Purdue looms large, but not in the division. the Buckeyes still have one goal in mind...beat Michigan, and win out, and hope that someone else beats the Wolverines for insurance. The Buckeyes have already defeated Penn State this season, but after taking on Nebraska this week, a pesky team for the Buckeyes looms in Michigan State on the road. If Michigan State can win out, and get some luck along the way in a couple of Michigan losses, Sparty can still steal the East. They do need Michigan to lose more than what is realistic, but there is an extreme outside shot here. Sparty has beaten Penn State already, and gets Ohio State at home next week.
The West is more convoluted this week. Northwestern, of all teams, is in firm control. They have already beaten outside shot Purdue in the season opener, so they have one hurdle dealt with. They also beat Wisconsin. Northwestern has a brutal lineup in the next two weeks, however. They get Notre Dame out of conference this week, and then will have one final hurdle to jump over in Iowa the following week in Iowa City. A win by the Hawkeyes will put Iowa in the drivers seat for now. Iowa would still need a bit of help to clear the air, however, as they already have a loss to Wisconsin. Iowa takes on Purdue in what should be an elimination game this weekend. After getting Iowa at home this weekend, the Boilermakers still will have Wisconsin on the horizon, as the sides meet in West Lafayette on 11/17. This game against Iowa is absolutely a must for both sides.
Top Week 10 Games: Michigan State at Maryland; Iowa at Purdue; Penn State at Michigan; Notre Dame at Northwestern
Coaches on the Hot Seat: Chris Ash, Rutgers; Lovie Smith, Illinois
Already Fired: DJ Durkin, Maryland (Matt Canada Interim)
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