Big Ten Conference Championship: What Would’ve Happened Without Divisions
The no-division thing might have been fair, but it wouldn’t have been a whole lot of fun. Ohio State would’ve been in almost every year, the West rarely would’ve had any fun, and forget about Northwestern and the other upstarts getting their shot.
The years when the championship would’ve been different without divisions are in bold, and the ones when the matchup would’ve been what actually happened aren’t. The records are for the regular season conference season only.
2021 Michigan 42, Iowa 3
No Divisions Championship: Michigan vs Ohio State
Iowa was 7-2, Ohio State was 8-1. The Buckeyes would’ve had their shot at revenge against the Wolverines.
2020 Ohio State 22, Northwestern 10
No Divisions Championship: Ohio State vs Indiana
The COVID year controversy of the Big Ten blowing off its own rules to let Ohio State into the championship would’ve stayed, but 6-1 Indiana would’ve received the call over 6-2 Northwestern.
2019 Ohio State 34, Wisconsin 21
2018 Ohio State 45, Northwestern 24
No Divisions Championship: Ohio State vs Michigan
Round Two. Ohio State was 8-1 with a win over Michigan. 8-1 Michigan beat 8-1 Northwestern.
2017 Ohio State 27, Wisconsin 21
2016 Penn State 38, Wisconsin 31
No Divisions Championship: Penn State vs Ohio State
This is how it should’ve been. Ohio State beat Wisconsin. Penn State and Ohio State were 8-1, Wisconsin was 7-2.
2015 Michigan State 16, Iowa 13
2014 Ohio State 59, Wisconsin 0
2013 Michigan State 34, Ohio State 24
2012 Wisconsin 70, Nebraska 31
No Divisions Championship: Nebraska vs Michigan
This was messed up in every possible way. Ohio State was 8-0 but ineligible from the Leaders Division. Wisconsin was 4-4 and went on to hang 70 in the blowout win because 6-2 Penn State was also ineligible. That would’ve left 6-2 Michigan to face 7-1 Nebraska.
2011 Wisconsin 42, Michigan State 39
No Division Championships: What Would’ve Happened?
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