BOWL PICTURE
With one week left in the regular season and the Big Ten Championship Game a week later, the conference's bowl picture is coming into focus. Here is a projection:
Nebraska (8-3, 6-1 Big Ten)
Remaining games: 11 a.m. Friday at Iowa (Ch. 5); projected Big Ten title game vs. Wisconsin, Dec. 1
Projection: Rose Bowl vs. Stanford, Jan. 1, Pasadena, Calif.
Comment: Huskers should dispose of Iowa; Wisconsin will be much tougher.
Michigan (8-3, 6-1)
Remaining game: 11 a.m. Saturday at Ohio State (Ch. 5)
Projection: Capital One Bowl vs. Georgia, Jan. 1, Orlando
Comment: Wolverines still have a very outside chance at a BCS bowl.
Wisconsin (7-4, 4-3)
Remaining games: 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Penn State (Ch. 5); Big Ten title game, Dec. 1.
Projection: Outback Bowl vs. Texas A&M, Jan. 1, Tampa, Fla.
Comment: Beat Nebraska, and it's roses again.
Northwestern (8-3, 4-3)
Remaining game: 11 a.m. Saturday vs. Illinois (BTN)
Projection: Gator Bowl vs. Mississippi State, Jan. 1, Jacksonville, Fla.
Comment: Wildcats likely sealed trip to Gator by beating MSU.
Michigan State (5-6, 2-5)
Remaining game: 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Gophers (BTN)
Projection: Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl vs. Texas Tech, Dec. 29, Tempe, Ariz.
Comment: Lose to Gophers, and Sparty's staying home.
Gophers (6-5, 2-5)
Remaining games: 2:30 p.m. Saturday vs. Michigan State (BTN)
Projection: Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas vs. Iowa State, Dec. 28, Houston
Comment: Beat Michigan State, and it's back to Tempe. Lose, and it's likely Houston. But remember this: Buffalo Wild Wings is a Minnesota-based company, and the Gophers are a Minnesota-based football team. Just sayin'.
Purdue (5-6, 2-5)
Remaining game: 11 a.m. Saturday vs. Indiana (BTN)
Projection: Heart of Dallas Bowl vs. Big 12 opponent or replacement, Jan. 1
Comment: Three wins in row for Boilers?
Note: The Big Ten is projected to be unable to fill its spot in the Little Caesars Bowl (Dec. 26 in Detroit).
RANDY JOHNSON