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Around the Big Ten, Week 11: Ohio State rolls, Wisconsin clinches the West

Northwestern will not be in the Big Ten Championship Game.

NCAA Football: Michigan State at Ohio State Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

After a crazy Week 10, the Big Ten settled back to its usual hierarchy in Week 11.

No. 5 Wisconsin 38, Iowa 14

You have to give some credit to Wisconsin. They just keep winning games. Wisconsin clinched the West Division a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game with a clinical home win over Iowa. The Hawkeyes proved they were no easy out last week, but Wisconsin bullied them around and put up 38 points despite two interceptions from Alex Hornibrook. Wisconsin will face Michigan at home next week, the toughest game on its schedule thus far on paper. If the Badgers can win its next two games and win the Big Ten, a Playoff spot may be on the table after Georgia and Notre Dame’s catastrophic road losses this week.

No. 8 Ohio State 48, No. 22 Michigan State 3

Georgia and Notre Dame’s agony could also be a boon to Ohio State, which is still on the outside looking in with two losses. We shall see what happens in the rankings, but with Georgia, Notre Dame, and Washington now in trouble, Ohio State at least has some hope of making it with two losses, although not much. The Buckeyes certainly didn’t hurt their résumé against Michigan State. The Spartans were completely obliterated and stood no chance in this one. Ohio State looked back to normal, but it might not be enough at this rate.

No. 19 Michigan 35, Maryland 10

A 21-point second quarter granted Michigan plenty of breathing room in College Park. Maryland was down 14-0 and committed two grievous special teams errors. Michigan managed to block a punt despite rushing just two players, and just like that it was 28-0 at halftime. Maryland actually significantly out-gained Michigan in the second half, but the game was already over. It’s going to be interesting how the Big Ten does bowl selection this year, as Michigan, Michigan State, and Northwestern all have similar records. Northwestern can’t go back to the Pinstripe Bowl, but the decision between the Holiday, Music City, and Outback Bowls will be fairly difficult.

No. 13 Penn State 35, Rutgers 6

I’m just here to point out Saquon Barkley only had 35 yards of rushing against Rutgers. Good job Rutgers!

Indiana 24, Illinois 14

The Hoosiers finally got their first Big Ten win of the season. Illinois is probably going to finish the season 2-10. Move along. Although Indiana just won, it’s definitely fair to argue that the Hoosiers’ fanbase is still unhappier than Illinois’ fanbase. Indiana still needs two wins to become bowl eligible, and they should honestly have another conference win at this point. Illinois has no expectations. Their season doesn’t exist.

Minnesota 54, Nebraska 21

Say goodbye to Mike Riley...