Around the Big Ten: Week 9
As Week 9 of the 2021 college football season approaches, the race towards the College Football Playoff is beginning to heat up. The Big Ten has more teams than any other conference with a legitimate shot at reaching the playoff, as No. 5 Ohio State, No. 6 Michigan, No. 8 Michigan State and No. 9 Iowa are all in the mix heading into Week 9.
No. 20 Penn State recently fell out of the playoff conversation following an upset loss to Illinois at home last Saturday. So, without further ado, here is a breakdown of each of these teams and a look at where they are heading into Week 9.
No. 5 Ohio State – Week 9 matchup: vs No. 20 Penn State
It is no surprise that Ohio State currently has the highest ranking in the Big Ten, but the Buckeyes are beatable, as Oregon upset them back in Week 2.
They have a tough stretch ahead, beginning with No. 20 Penn State, who is expecting to have quarterback Sean Clifford at 100% for this game.
However, the Buckeyes are on a roll, and should be a strong favorite to win the rest of their games in the regular season.
No. 6 Michigan – Week 9 matchup: @ No. 8 Michigan State
In a battle of two undefeated teams in the Big Ten East, the winner of this contest is likely a win over Ohio State away from representing the Big Ten East in Indianapolis.
Michigan has been trying to overcome Ohio State in the Big Ten East for years now, and beating one of its biggest rivals in Michigan State is the first step in doing just that.
No. 8 Michigan State – Week 9 matchup: vs No. 6 Michigan
It’s no secret the past few seasons have been rough for the Spartans.
Now, though, they are enjoying their best season since 2015, the year they won the Big Ten Championship and reached the College Football Playoff.
Just like Ohio State and Michigan, Michigan State has a plethora of strong teams ahead and will need to knock off both Michigan and Ohio State to reach the Big Ten Championship Game.
No. 9 Iowa – Week 9 matchup: @ Wisconsin
Meanwhile, in the Big Ten West, Iowa has a much easier path to the Big Ten Championship than the teams previously mentioned.
After a road matchup against an up-and-down Badgers team, this weekend, the Hawkeyes travel to Northwestern, host Minnesota and Illinois and then conclude their regular season at Nebraska.
They currently control their own destiny to the Big Ten Championship Game and, potentially, the College Football Playoff.
Other teams with much to play for
No. 20 Penn State
The Nittany Lions are far from out of it in the Big Ten East, but they would need to win at Ohio State and at Maryland, and then defeat Michigan and Rutgers at home, before concluding their season at Michigan State.
In addition to winning out, Penn State needs a lot of help from other teams in order to reach the Big Ten Championship Game for the first time since 2016.
Another trip to a New Year’s Six Bowl would be a far more realistic goal for this group at this particular point in the season.
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Purdue
Each of these teams are currently on the outside looking in, but they are all right behind Iowa in the Big Ten West.
Purdue already has a win over Iowa and Wisconsin will host them this Saturday. Minnesota will visit Iowa on Nov. 13.
If Wisconsin defeats Iowa this weekend, things will suddenly get much more interesting in the Big Ten West.
It is certainly worth mentioning that one of these teams could get lucky enough to play in the Rose Bowl, should they overcome the Big Ten East champion in the Big Ten Championship Game.
There is still over one month to go before the Big Ten Championship Game, but exciting contests taking place this weekend like Penn State/Ohio State and Michigan/Michigan State which gives fans a lot to be excited about because the Big Ten as a whole is enjoying its best season in years.
Christian Smith is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email cfs5591@psu.edu.
