Big Ten Rooting Interests
Minnesota @Northwestern
Don’t overthink this. Yes, the Buckeyes played Northwestern and might not play Minnesota. Still, nothing–not even two more wins–will get Northwestern out of cupcake range in the committee’s eyes this year. Root for Minnesota to keep three Big Ten teams in the Top 10 moving forward.
Illinois @Iowa
We can overthink this one a little. Ohio State played neither team, and Iowa should easily stay ranked at 8-4. Meanwhile, an 8-4 finish for Illinois would be impressive for the conference as a whole. It might even slide the Illini into the rankings. (And Illini fans will forever wonder what could have been had Illinois not let those two close games against Eastern Michigan and Nebraska slip away.) Another Illinois win probably also helps Minnesota’s resume more than the Iowa loss would hurt it. Of course, Iowa winning the next two games means a likely Top 15 finish for six Big Ten teams. And an Illinois loss hurts Penn State’s and Michigan’s resumes a bit, too. All in all, either result is fine for Ohio State, but an Iowa win is probably a bit better.
Michigan State @Rutgers
Nothing can get Rutgers out of cupcake range, and Michigan State can still reach a bowl with two more wins. Root for the Spartans.
Michigan @Indiana
The logic in this one is very, very similar to the Iowa-Illinois logic above. Michigan probably stays ranked, even at 8-4. Indiana will definitely be ranked at 9-3. Neither result hurts, really. And if a 12-0 Ohio State loses to Minnesota (or Wisconsin) in the Big 12 Championship Game, having a whopping five ranked wins will likely keep the Buckeyes in the Playoff picture. On the other hand, if the Buckeyes lose to Penn State, it would probably be better if the final statement was beating down a highly-ranked Michigan team. (Though, again, having four ranked wins out of 11 is pretty good too.) Either result again is fine for Ohio State, but Indiana winning is probably a bit better–as long as the Hoosiers can also beat Purdue next week.
Nebraska @Maryland
Ohio State played both, and neither team is going bowling. Also, anything Ohio State gains by Nebraska getting to six wins would be offset by the fact that the Cornhuskers need to beat Iowa to get there. So which looks better in the committee’s eyes? Beating two 4-8 teams or one 3-9 team and one 5-7 team? I have no idea. Maryland winning will very marginally help the SOS numbers a drop more, but it really doesn’t matter.
Purdue @Wisconsin
Purdue can still reach a bowl game by beating Wisconsin and Indiana, but Buckeye fans don’t want that. Root for the Badgers to win handily and keep their high ranking.