B1G bowl projections following Week 12

Saturday was a pretty scary day for the top of the B1G.

Ohio State and Michigan struggled against Maryland and Illinois, respectively, heading into the most anticipated game of the season on Nov. 26. Still, both the Buckeyes and Wolverines will enter The Game 11-0 for likely a spot in the College Football Playoff. However, with Tennessee losing to South Carolina, there is a path in which even the loser of The Game makes the Playoff.

The problem is USC. TCU continues to win and USC, if it were to win the Pac-12, would probably jump the loser. The winner of The Game and Georgia would be the other inclusions.

Michigan State’s loss to Indiana was the next biggest development of the weekend, effectively assuring the Spartans will not crack 6 wins this season. The Spartans are still in it, of course, but would have to beat a likely top 10 Penn State team to make it. Otherwise, the B1G is back down to 9 bowl teams.

Iowa took a big step on its quest to win the B1G West. The Hawkeyes beat Minnesota and now only have to beat Nebraska to advance to the B1G West title game. If they lose, it will likely be Purdue in the championship vs. either Michigan or Ohio State.

B1G/CFP bowl projections following Week 12

Fiesta Bowl (Playoff semifinal): Ohio State vs. TCU

Peach Bowl (Playoff semifinal): Georgia vs. USC

Rose Bowl: Michigan vs. Oregon

Citrus Bowl: Penn State vs. Alabama

Reliaquest Bowl: Iowa vs. Ole Miss

Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Illinois vs. NC State

Pinstripe Bowl: Minnesota vs. Duke

Guaranteed Rate Bowl: Wisconsin vs Kansas

Quick Lane Bowl: Maryland vs. Eastern Michigan