Ohio State, Northwestern Become Big Ten Championship Game Frontrunners As Conference’s Two Remaining Unbeaten Teams

By Colin Hass-Hill on November 21, 2020 at 7:24 pm
Big Ten championship
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Ohio State vs. Northwestern?

In a few weeks, those two Big Ten teams could meet at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for the second time in three years. The Buckeyes beat Indiana, 42-35, and Northwestern pulled off a 17-7 upset victory versus Wisconsin, leaving them as the only two remaining unbeaten teams in the conference.

Both Ohio State and Northwestern control their own destiny – on the field, at least. The Buckeyes wouldn't be eligible for the Big Ten title game if two of their last three games get canceled, and nor would the Wildcats if they somehow saw all three of their final games canceled. But provided they play and win each of their remaining three games, they'll meet with the Big Ten championship on the line.

The last – and only – time that previously happened, Dwayne Haskins put on a show and the Buckeyes pulled off a 45-24 win in 2018 to claim their second conference title in a row. This year, they're aiming for their fourth straight rings.

To get to this point where it maintains sole possession of first place in the East Division, Ohio State topped Nebraska, Penn State, Rutgers and, most recently, Indiana. Matchups with Illinois (road), Michigan State (road) and Michigan (home) remain, but Ryan Day's team is expected to be multi-touchdown favorites in all of them.

Northwestern, a team that few people picked to get out of the West Division, has a 5-0 record with wins against Maryland, Iowa, Nebraska, Purdue and Wisconsin. Road tilts with Michigan State and Minnesota and a season-ending home matchup with Illinois round out the slate.

If they each avoid multiple cancellations and win out, they'll see each other in Indianapolis.

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