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