We have a clear No. 2 in the B1G, ladies and gentlemen.

Ohio State has been No. 1 for some time, but Penn State and Michigan had not been able to prove themselves until noon on Saturday. The Nittany Lions looked good in spurts, but it was Michigan that came away with the 24-point win and a rejuvenated self image.

Illinois made the second biggest statement of the day. The Fighting Illini defended home turf and their newly acquired top 25 ranking. The latter is here to stay, as is the team’s potential to play in a major bowl. The Illini are the 3rd B1G team to officially punch their ticket to bowl season with a 6th win, joining Michigan and Ohio State.

Purdue is right there too. Ultimately, a Nov. 12 matchup will determine who gets the Citrus Bowl nod between the 2 B1G West schools — as well as a potential spot in the B1G Championship Game.

Maryland and Minnesota are both easily going to reach 6 wins, becoming teams Nos. 6 and 7 from the B1G to earn a spot. Michigan State seems on pace to finish 5-7, but due to a contract the squad could still crack a bowl with a losing record. Iowa is in the same boat despite also being projected to finish 5-7.

Sports Betting in Big Ten Country

There is big news coming to the upcoming 2022-23 Big Ten football season (and NFL season). Ohio online sports betting and Maryland sports betting are on the way.

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Ultimately, only 1 B1G program will reach the College Football Playoff, and Ohio State will be the favorite until further notice. It will likely all come down to The Game in the regular season finale vs. Michigan.

The B1G postseason slate looks similar to last season. The conference will add the Duke’s Mayo Bowl to its lineup instead of the Las Vegas Bowl. Those bowls rotate between the SEC and B1G on a year-to-year basis, meaning a B1G coach will have the chance to earn the coveted mayo bath this postseason.

B1G bowl projections following Week 7

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

Rose Bowl: Michigan vs. UCLA

Cotton Bowl: Penn State vs. Cincinnati

Citrus Bowl: Illinois vs. Kentucky

Music City Bowl: Maryland vs. LSU

Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Minnesota vs. Florida State

Guaranteed Rate Bowl: Michigan State vs Kansas

Quick Lane Bowl: Iowa vs. Kent State