Big Ten bowl projections following Week 13: Indiana wins despite loss to Ohio State
Indiana won on Saturday even though Indiana lost on Saturday.
The Hoosiers, now 10-1 on the season following a 38-15 loss to Ohio State, seem to be in great shape to claim a spot in the College Football Playoff with a win over Purdue next week. However, the Hoosiers’ odds of hosting a Playoff game seem grim.
Of course, Indiana is still happy thanks to a truly wild Week 13 that saw the following lose: Alabama, Ole Miss, Colorado, BYU, Texas A&M. You could make the argument that a 10-2 SEC team deserves a spot over 11-1 Indiana with no elite wins, but there’s no argument for a 9-3 SEC team over 11-1 Indiana.
Penn State will make the Playoff with a win over Maryland on Saturday. Ohio State and Oregon are now in regardless, though the Buckeyes can give up their spot in the Big Ten Championship if they fall to Michigan.
Week 14 is going to be very, very interesting. There are 4 teams in play for the Big 12 championship, and Boise State is playing so well they could snag that final first-round bye – especially if Arizona State or Iowa State end up winning the Big 12.
Michigan, USC and Nebraska all clinched a bowl berth on Saturday, but Nebraska is the headline among that group. The Huskers have not been bowling since 2016, so this is a pretty big moment for Matt Rhule and Co. Baby steps, Huskers.
Now, there are just 2 teams still fighting for 6 wins: Wisconsin and Michigan State. The Badgers fell to Nebraska in a game that I said last week may decide which team cracks 6 wins this season. They’ll need to beat Minnesota to clinch eligibility. Michigan State, on the other hand, faces Rutgers in East Lansing.
Until next week, college football.
College Football Playoff
Sugar Bowl: Oregon vs. 8/9 winner
Rose Bowl: Georgia vs. 7/10 winner
Peach Bowl: Miami vs. 6/11 winner
Fiesta Bowl: Boise State vs. 5/12 winner
First Round
From Columbus, Ohio: No. 5 Ohio State vs. No. 12 Arizona State
From South Bend, Indiana: No. 6 Notre Dame vs. No. 11 SMU
From Happy Vally, Pennsylvania: No. 7 Penn State vs. No. 10 Indiana
From Knoxville, Tennessee: No. 8 Tennessee vs. No. 9 Texas
The Rest
Citrus Bowl: Illinois vs. Texas A&M
Mayo Bowl: Minnesota vs. Clemson
ReliaQuest Bowl: Iowa vs. Alabama
Music City Bowl: Michigan vs. Mizzou
Independence Bowl: Washington vs. Navy
Pinstripe Bowl: Nebraska vs. Pitt
Rate Bowl: Rutgers vs. TCU
Los Angeles Bowl: USC vs. UNLV
Detroit Bowl: Michigan State vs. Eastern Michigan