Two losses in the top seven opened the door for the Big 12 if its champion makes it through the gauntlet with just one loss. Though the Oklahoma Sooners haven’t been impressive, they and the Oklahoma State Cowboys represent an outside shot for the conference to make the playoff depending on how the next couple of weeks go.
Oregon and Michigan State losing clear the path for Cincinnati, as well as that’s one less Power Five champion they’ll have to contend with for a berth in the College Football Playoff.
After dominant performances in week 12, the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes will lock up for what could be an offensive explosion next week. The winner goes onto the Big 10 championship and has the inside track at a College Football Playoff berth. The loser is likely eliminated, but depending on the story of that game, could find itself still in the mix depending on what happened elsewhere.