Two weeks into the Big Ten schedule, there are still eight teams in contention for the Big Ten title. Here's a breakdown of who's actually in contention, who's on the bubble and who's just pretending.
Contending:
Iowa
Iowa's defense has only allowed 51 points this season, and the offense has an even passing attack. Having ranked teams Ohio State, Michigan State, and Wisconsin at home will aid the Hawkeyes' title chances.
Michigan State
MSU's 6-0 start including two victories against ranked opponents in the past two weeks has them atop the Big Ten Standings. Their remaining schedule favors them as the only Top 25 team they will face is Iowa.
Ohio State
A team that is more concentrated on getting to the National Championship than simply winning the Big Ten, the Buckeyes need to focus on road games at Iowa and Wisconsin to stay No. 1.
On the Bubble:
Michigan
If Denard Robinson stays healthy, the Wolverines can contend. But their 34-17 loss at home to Michigan State doesn't bode well. Games versus Wisconsin and at Ohio State also stand in their way.
Wisconsin
The Badgers have yet to put together four full quarters of football against an opponent other than Austin Peay this season. Should Wisconsin contend, they will especially need to play all four quarters at home against Ohio State and on the road against Iowa. A game in Ann Arbor also looms at the end of the year.
Pretending:
Illinois
The Illini hung tough at Ohio State, but still have to play at Michigan State. A lack of star power will keep Illinois from contending.
Northwestern
Their great start against non-BCS opponents was overshadowed by the 20-17 loss at home to Purdue. However, the Wildcats can play spoiler to both Iowa and Michigan State at home.
Purdue
While still undefeated in the Big Ten, the Boilermakers have only scored two more points than their opponents all season. The Boilermakers play games at Ohio State and Michigan State, which should prove too much for any chance at the title.
Games to Watch For:
A majority of the big games left on the schedule will be happening at Kinnick Stadium, as Iowa hosts Wisconsin on Oct. 23rd, Michigan State on Oct. 30th and Ohio State on Nov. 20th. The following games could have big implications in the Big Ten title race:
Ohio State @ Wisconsin
Oct. 16—If Wisconsin wants to keep its Big Ten title hopes alive, this game is a must-win. Ohio State is the favorite to capture yet another Big Ten title, and they will look to prove it with a big win on the road at Camp Randall Stadium.
Wisconsin @ Iowa
Oct. 23—The annual battle for the Heartland Trophy may soon be on its way out thanks to the new Big Ten division alignments, but for the year it still has large ramifications. This game will be a stepping stone to a possible Big Ten title for the team that comes away with the victory.
Michigan State @ Iowa
Oct. 30—The Spartans have been the surprise of the Big Ten this season. With the Spartans not having to play Ohio State, Iowa is the most likely opponent to upset the Spartans on their way to a potential conference title.
Ohio State @ Iowa
Nov. 20—This game is sure to be an instant classic, just as the game between these two teams in Columbus last season was. In last year's meeting, Ohio State clinched the Big Ten title when they defeated the Hawkeyes in overtime at the Horseshoe. In this game in Iowa City, a chance at the Big Ten title will surely be on the line once again.
Wisconsin @ Michigan
Nov. 20—Going into the Big House in Ann Arbor is always a tough proposition. In this late season game the Badgers will need to knock off the Wolverines at home if they are still in a position to capture the Big Ten title. Same goes for the Wolverines, who have experienced some turbulence in conference play after a fast start.
Michigan @ Ohio State
Nov. 27—Should Ohio State still be undefeated, Michigan would love ending Ohio State's Big Ten and National Title hopes in their annual rivalry game. Ohio State has won this game each of the past six years, Michigan may have title hopes of their own.
