The last week of the regular season is upon the Big Ten football landscape. With so much still at stake, including who will play Oregon in the Big Ten title game, along with CFP scenarios and bowl eligibility, let’s take a look at the big picture for this weekend.
Ohio State Can Clinch Title Spot
This year’s matchup between Michigan and Ohio State doesn’t have the luster of previous seasons. Michigan took the year off from being relevant with poor QB additions through the transfer portal and the departure of Jim Harbaugh to the NFL. But it’s still a huge game for Ohio State.
Ohio State, while a massive favorite can lock up a Big Ten championship game spot and a rematch with Oregon by simply beating the Wolverines—something that hasn’t happened in a few seasons. Losing to Michigan would create a massive shockwave in CFP rankings, but I still think the Buckeyes would make it in.
Penn State Can’t Afford a Second Loss
Penn State and Maryland have been playing since 1917. The Nittany Lions have dominated the series 43-4, and I can’t imagine a scenario where that dominance changes this week. The Terrapins are a mess from top to bottom and Penn State will be celebrating senior day and playing for a home playoff game in the CFP.
This is technically a rivalry, by name alone. If Mike Locksley doesn’t want a warm seat heading into the 2025 season, a group that looks inspired will be needed.
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Matt Rhule Gets Huskers Bowl-Eligible
The Heroes Trophy will be about pride and bowl positioning this year. Matt Rhule finally got his team to bowl eligibility, and this game can be more than just trying to get to postseason play. If Nebraska can go into Iowa City and win this game, I can see the ReliaQuest Bowl taking Nebraska. Right now, Iowa is in line for a sunny Florida bowl game.
With a win and its 8th victory, the Hawkeyes will assure themselves of that. With a loss, the Dukes Mayo Bowl is highly probable. Nebraska fans travel well, and that’s what matters when you talk about records that match and new teams to bowls. On the field, this one will be about the Huskers stopping Iowa running game and its new-look offense with Dana Holgerson. Intrigue galore on Black Friday.
Fickell Under Fire
The Paul Bunyan Axe is up for grabs in Madison this weekend. Funny enough, so is the Badgers’ fan base appreciation and patience for head coach Luke Fickell. His record is 12-12 through his first 24 games, and with a loss to Minnesota, bowl eligibility is out the window.
Minnesota is a competent, tough, and dangerous team. That’s something Wisconsin hasn’t been in over a month. The Badgers firing Phil Longo hasn’t helped spark their offense and the defense has struggled badly except for the Oregon game. This is a MUST-win rivalry game for the Badgers. Meanwhile, the Gophers are just trying to improve their bowl positioning.
Abraham Lincoln’s Hat
Illinois and Northwestern will do battle at Wrigley Field for the second time this century. Northwestern is playing strictly for pride and to keep the Hat. Illinois is playing for nine wins and the possibility of a top-15 CFP ranking. Why would that motivate Illinois?
Last year, bowl-eligible Northwestern kept Illinois from going to a bowl game. It was also senior day and the heartbreak was unbearable. Illinois had a chance to tie the game with a late 2-point conversion but failed. This year, the group of Illinois players won’t just be motivated for the trophy or that ninth win—demoralizing the Wildcats will be part of the mission.
Cascade Clash
Oregon lost both matchups last year to the eventual national runner-up Washington. Oregon has reloaded and Washington has been demoted. Jedd Fisch and his Washington Huskies have “6-6” written all over them. Not only is Oregon the No. 1 team in nation, they don’t lose at home.
An undefeated season and CFP positioning is reason enough, but beating Washington like they stole something makes too much sense. The Ducks won’t forget what happened last year—Dan Lanning won’t let them.
Old Oaken Bucket
The only thing on the line in this game is Indiana’s CFP spot. While that’s a really big deal, Purdue hasn’t shown the ability all year to keep any Big Ten team under 24 points. Ryan Walters would love to spoil that for the Hoosiers but after being embarrassed in Columbus, Curt Cignetti will have his boys primed.
They hear the noise and know a sound victory will work just fine to stay in the top 10, make the historic first 12-team playoff, and win 11 games as a first-year Hoosier head coach. A truly historic season for them.
Michigan State Playing for Bowl Lives
Rutgers at Michigan State won’t be a rivalry game but it will be a game the Spartans desperately need. Even with Rutgers already bowl eligible, heartbreaking loss at home to Illinois won’t stop the Scarlet Knights from trying to get that taste out of their mouths.
MSU needs to regroup after a sloppy win over a bad Purdue team at home last week. Aidan Chiles was off his game in the second half. Can Jonathan Smith get his team motivated and into a bowl in year 1?
