WATCH: BTN analysts debate whether winner of Wisconsin-Iowa claims the West

We’re just four weeks into the season and entering the first full week of B1G action. But a marquee matchup between No. 18 Wisconsin and Iowa has some major implications.

Saturday night will serve as the B1G opener for both the Badgers and the Hawkeyes. And with both teams considered the favorites in the West Division, the outcome of this week’s contest could have a significant impact further down the road.

But does a win on Saturday, for either team, guarantee a division title? That’s what the analysts at Big Ten Network debated on Wednesday.

Marcus Ray and Howard Griffith both argued that the winner as an early advantage (obviously) but that it doesn’t necessarily guarantee anything. They also both pointed to Wisconsin’s schedule as being problematic, as the Badgers have Michigan and Penn State on the slate.

Here’s what Ray and Griffith had to say about Saturday night’s matchup:

They were the top two B1G West teams entering the season.

Three weeks in, most still feel @HawkeyeFootball and @BadgerFootball are the West favorites.

So, will Saturday night's outcome decide the division? pic.twitter.com/EQpO3sh7wK

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 19, 2018

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB