Iowa Hawkeyes
Assuming the Hawkeyes beat Nebraska, they are in a very good bowl position. They won’t get into the NY6 or the Citrus Bowl, and, as described above, can’t be taken for the Outback Bowl. Win or lose, Iowa is looking at the Holiday Bowl, Gator Bowl, or Redbox Bowl. With a loss to Nebraska, Iowa will almost certainly go to the Redbox Bowl. Other than that, though, it could really be any game. Either the Holiday or Gator Bowl will provide a great matchup, while the Redbox Bowl likely will get a weaker team.
It’s hard to go too in-depth as to who the likely opponents for those games are, though two SEC teams in the CFP will likely mean a weaker Gator Bowl opponent. I’ll let fans decide for themselves whether that’s worth it.
Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin, like Iowa (and Michigan) is locked into Gator, Holiday, or Redbox Bowl if chalk holds this week. Lose to Minnesota, and those are the possible destinations. (Again, it is technically possible that all three of these also get the Pinstripe Bowl, but it would be very surprising if any team but Illinois–or maybe Indiana if the Hoosiers lose this weekend–goes to the Pinstripe Bowl.)
If Wisconsin beats Minnesota this week, though, then there are real possibilities. The Badgers will go to the Rose Bowl if they win out, or maybe the CFP if there’s enough chaos. To reach the CFP, Wisconsin definitely needs either Baylor or Oklahoma to lose this week. In addition to that, a Michigan win over Ohio State would be very important. Auburn beating Alabama is likely necessary, and Clemson losing wouldn’t hurt.
If Wisconsin can beat Minnesota, then either the Orange, Cotton, or Citrus Bowl is a definite possibility. For this to happen, as many teams as possible need to clear out of Wisconsin’s way. Remember, jumping these teams may not be enough, because a loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game could drop the Badgers below these teams. Florida losing to Florida State would help, as would another loss from Baylor, Utah, and Oklahoma. This is where things get contradictory, though. While wins by Michigan and Auburn help Wisconsin’s Playoff dream, they would hurt Wisconsin’s shot at an NY6 Bowl if the Badgers can’t beat Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game.
So, Wisconsin fans will need to make an honest assessment this weekend. Do you root for Ohio State and Alabama, knowing that a loss to Ohio State still keeps NY6 hopes alive–and being okay with a Rose Bowl bid if you do beat the Buckeyes? Or do you go for broke, and pull for that one situation that could get you into the CFP?
Michigan Wolverines
I’m not going to lie, it’s weird to write about what Michigan should root for on an Ohio State site. The Wolverines are in the Big Ten, though, so they get mentioned.
Thankfully for me, though, Michigan doesn’t have too much to do care about this weekend. Beat Ohio State, and the Wolverines will get an NY6 Bowl. In quite a twist of irony, the Wolverines should then root for Ohio State next week–because a convincing Ohio State win over Minnesota or Wisconsin would put the Wolverines into the Rose Bowl.
If the Wolverines lose to Ohio State, then it’s either the Gator, Holiday, or Redbox Bowl. As long as Michigan looks somewhat strong against Ohio State, the destination is most likely not the Redbox Bowl.