There's Still Hope For the BIG-10 In The CFP
The Wisconsin Badgers suffered a very bad loss at the Hands of the Illinois Fighting Illini this past Saturday in Champaign, However despite this bad loss the BIG-10's chances at the College Football Playoffs are still very good.
But if you want Iowa or Michigan, tough luck because they're out of it. But if you want Ohio State, Penn State, Minnesota or Wisconsin, You're in luck. Now how is Wisconsin still in it, I'll get to that. But the BIG-10 could see some representation in the College Football Playoff for 2019.
Here are some of the scenarios that could come to pass.
Ohio State-Wisconsin..
Yes some of magic went away after Illinois upset Wisconsin last Saturday and Wisconsin paid for it dearly by Dropping to No.13 in the new AP top-25 Poll. For Ohio State it's plain and simple, just win out and hope for the best. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has a new team and a new Buckeye Football program that can get the job done. Justin Fields has dominated for most of the season and with the support of J.K. Dobbins Ohio State could be the team in the BIG-10.
Keep in mind Wisconsin is coming to town angry as can be after getting embarrassed on the road. This is Wisconsin's 2nd straight road game, and yes Ohio State's defense is going to have to deal with Jonathan Taylor who's one of the best running backs in the BIG-10.
So could we be looking at a possible showdown, we could, however the magic was lost after the Illinois game.
Penn State is still alive and well..
Penn State may only have a 19.5% chance of getting into the College Football Playoff, but they are the same boat as Ohio State, win out. Mark the Date November 23rd because that's when we could have a showdown at the Shoe between Ohio State and Penn State.
Penn State head coach James Franklin has told his players not to worry about the College Football Playoff just yet. However you can't ignore the scenarios in State College PA at the moment.
The none conference schedule for Penn State might help make their case for the CFP. Yes they beat Idaho {3-5} they beat Buffalo {3-4} but they have a 17-10 victory over a very respectable Pitt Panthers team at 5-2.
Penn State is still alive and well, but they have Minnesota and Ohio State on their schedule and it will be very interesting to see what happens in Happy Valley.
Ohio State could face Minnesota in the BIG-10 Championship Game..
That possibility is correct, the Minnesota Golden Gophers are 7-0 in the 2019 BIG-10 Regular Season. The Gophers still have Wisconsin and Penn State on their schedule. Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck has said I could see this team playing for the BIG-10 Championship because we have a lot of momentum at the moment and I have a excellent Football team.
When Fleck said he had a team this season he wasn't kidding. QB Tanner Morgan has passed for 1,623 yards an has 16 touchdowns to go with it. Rodney Smith is one of the best RB's in the game, he has 786 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns to show for it. Morgan's favorite target this season has been Rashod Bateman, he has 605 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns on this season.
Yes I will say this again, this is possibility, Minnesota has to win out and hope Wisconsin loses at least two more games, and yes that does include the Ohio State Game. Keep in mind that Wisconsin and Minnesota faceoff in the final game of the season and the BIG-10 West might be on the line so anything can happen, and it usually does.
Here's who each team has left to face..
No.3 Ohio State..
Wisconsin.
Maryland.
Rutgers.
Penn State.
Michigan.
No.6 Penn State..
Minnesota.
Indiana.
Ohio State.
Rutgers.
No.13 Wisconsin..
Ohio State.
Iowa.
Nebraska.
Purdue.
Minnesota.
No.17 Minnesota..
Maryland.
Penn State.
Iowa.
Northwestern.
Wisconsin.
We still have a long way to go, however the BIG-10 season is shaping up to be a good one all the way top the end.
BOTTOM LINE..
