The regular season is over, and the Big Ten has nine bowl eligible teams. Maryland lost to Penn State to fall to 5-7, and Indiana lost to Purdue, dropping to 5-7 as well, as the Boilermakers jumped to 6-6. Minnesota beat Wisconsin for the first time since 2003 to go to 6-6 and secure bowl eligibility. Ohio State rolled over Michigan to advance to 11-1 and will play Northwestern for the Big Ten title. Their Playoff chances are lower than Michigan’s would be as a 12-1 Big Ten champion because of their loss to Purdue. If Oklahoma and Georgia lose, the Buckeyes will be in the Playoff with a win, but Oklahoma appears to be their biggest hurdle right now. The Big Ten will have nine teams playing in bowl games this season.
Ohio State: Rose Bowl vs Washington
Michigan: Fiesta Bowl vs LSU
Penn State: Citrus Bowl vs Kentucky
Northwestern: Outback Bowl vs Mississippi State
Iowa: Holiday Bowl vs Utah
Wisconsin: Gator Bowl vs Auburn
Purdue: Pinstripe Bowl vs Duke
Michigan State: Quick Lane Bowl vs Boston College
Minnesota: Redbox Bowl vs Cal