Let’s just go through the Big Ten games this week and which would help Ohio State’s resume overall more, just in case we end up with the committee splitting hairs between a 12-1 Ohio State team and a 12-1 Utah, Oklahoma, or Baylor team. The Buckeyes will have the far superior resume anyway, but every little extra bit of juice will help, just in case.
Iowa @Nebraska
The Buckeyes didn’t play Iowa, and the Hawkeyes will remain ranked even with a loss. Meanwhile, Nebraska reaching 6-6 and a bowl game will mean that a whopping ten (or nine, if Michigan State loses to Maryland) of Ohio State’s 13 opponents will have reached bowl games. That’s an unreal and important stat. It might weaken the Big Ten’s overall profile a drop, but the benefit of Nebraska getting to six wins is worth it.
Northwestern @Illinios
The Buckeyes played Northwestern and not Illinois, but the Wildcats will be viewed as a cupcake no matter what. In this case, the Big Ten’s overall profile being weakened by an Illinois loss isn’t worth the tiny benefit of a Northwestern win.
Indiana @Purdue
The Buckeyes played Indiana, and having another eight-win team on the resume (Ohio State could have as many as seven of those out of the 12 regular-season games) would be very helpful. I don’t think the committee will rank Indiana regardless, but the win definitely looks better with the Hoosiers at 8-4 than at 7-5 and on a three-game losing streak.
Wisconsin @Minnesota
As mentioned earlier, the Buckeyes should be rooting for Wisconsin here, because a 12-1 Minnesota team with a head-to-head win will likely jump a 12-1 Ohio State. There is far less concern of an 11-2 Wisconsin team with a head-to-head split jumping a 12-1 Ohio State team.
Rutgers @Penn State
Root for Penn State to keep the Nittany Lions as a top-quality win. Nothing Rutgers does will get it out of cupcake range, so there’s no upside whatsoever to a Rutgers win.
Maryland @Michigan State
Same thing here. There is minimal upside to a Maryland win, but Michigan State winning means the Spartans are going bowling. Rooting for Michigan State is the obvious move here.