East Contenders: Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan State, Michigan
Ohio State: The Buckeyes have the inside track right now after having beaten Penn State and Michigan State, but a win over Michigan is still a must get, as is a win over Illinois this week. The Buckeyes should be largely favored in both contests, but they cannot afford a slip up like the Iowa game. Another loss by all three other contenders this week would lock it up for the Buckeyes before the Michigan game.
Penn State: With losses to both Ohio State and Michigan State, the Nittany Lions are on the outside looking in, but a wholesale chaotic finish that would see the Buckeyes and Spartans both lose out would hand the division right back to Penn State being that they have already defeated Michigan. Penn State wraps the season with games against Nebraska and Maryland, both being likely wins.
Michigan State: The Spartans completely collapsed against Ohio State this weekend, and that put a dagger into them, but if Ohio State were to lose out, Michigan State has a tie breaker against Penn State and Michigan. That is helpful to consider. If Ohio State wins this week, however, they are eliminated, as is Penn State. The Spartans should win out in games against Maryland and Rutgers.
Michigan: Michigan needs both Michigan and Michigan State to lose one more game each, and they need to win out, including a win over Ohio State in the finale. If that all happens, Michigan is your division champ. Again, tall order, but possible. Here's the rub...Michigan plays at Wisconsin this week before hosting Ohio State next week. The wall just got taller.
West Champion: Wisconsin
The Badgers locked up the West this week with a 24-14 win over Iowa, and now await the mess to unravel in the East. Wisconsin still has the ability to have a say in that race by beating Michigan this week, and will take on Minnesota in the finale. Winning out would give the Badgers a better than solid chance at competing for a national title.
Bowl eligible: Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Iowa
Can become bowl eligible this week: Minnesota
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