Wisconsin can still win the Big Ten West

Wisconsin can still win the Big Ten West

This is somehow becoming a semi-weekly article. Wisconsin is still alive to win the Big Ten West, along with every other team in the division.

The Badgers finish at home against Nebraska and on the road at Minnesota. The team needs a win to become bowl-eligible, and two if it has any hope of pulling a wild upset in the division.

Here, simply, is what Wisconsin fans should be rooting for:

  • Wisconsin wins out vs Nebraska, at Minnesota
  • Iowa loses vs Illinois, at Nebraska
  • Illinois beats Northwestern to close the season

This would make Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois all 5-4 to close the season. The Badgers would advance because of their division-winning percentage.

The issue is, nothing from the Badgers on the field over the last month gives any indication that a run is imminent. We’re more in the mode of hoping the team can extend the program’s 22-year bowl streak.

Plus, the Badgers can’t lose to Nebraska on Saturday.

Knowing what would be waiting for the team in Indianapolis (an amazing Michigan team), part of me is just rooting for the max-chaos scenario of Northwestern winning the West in its final year.