Entering the back half of the season, it appears that both divisions of the Big Ten are entirely open for the taking and is a matter of who wants to go get it. Well, that is for the Big Ten West, at least.
On the West, it is a mess of teams near the top with none undefeated in conference play. The No. 18 Fighting Illini, who are on a bye, are becoming the favorite but Purdue, Minnesota, and somehow Nebraska are all right behind them chasing the trip to Indianapolis.
On the East, it is a two team race. Michigan and Ohio State are on a collision course to meet each other undefeated for a spot in the Big Ten championship game. The rest of the conference is playing for their bowl berth.
We do have Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, and Michigan State all on a bye this week giving us five conference matchups to dive into.