We’re headed into the last week of the regular season, and there are a surprising number of teams still in contention for a division title. It’s a little more crystal clear in the East where Ohio State has already clinched at least a tie for the East, with the winner of the Buckeyes and Wolverines headed to Indy, but boy are things complicated in the West division.
Wisconsin can take care of all the flow charts and if/then statements by simply winning Saturday. But if the Badgers happen to lose at Minnesota (not anywhere out of the question), then things get very hairy to see who makes the trip to central Indiana to play for all the conference marbles.
We thought we’d sort things out for you and provide the clinching scenario for every Big Ten team that still has a shot at a division title — and in most cases — a trip to the Big Ten Championship game on the line.
Get some aspirin, a calculator, and a protractor, and let’s get after it.
FIRST … The East Division
Ohio State Buckeyes (8-0 conference record)
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) celebrates his touchdown catch with Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Thayer Munford (75) against Purdue Boilermakers during the 2nd quarter of their NCAA game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on November 13, 2021. Credit: USA TODAY Sports
East Division clinching scenario
Already clinched a share of the East Division title. OSU can win it outright with a win over the Wolverines on Saturday.
East Division representative if …
Ohio State beats Michigan. A win by the Wolverines would give them the head-to-head tiebreaker and send the maize and blue to Indy for the first time ever.
Michigan Wolverines (7-1 conference record)
Michigan Wolverines defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97), linebacker Josh Ross (12), and defensive tackle Christopher Hinton (15)…
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