BOWL PICTURE
With two weeks left in the regular season, the Big Ten bowl picture is starting to come into focus. A look at how it might shake out:
Nebraska (8-2, 5-1 Big Ten)
Remaining games: vs. Gophers, at Iowa, projected Big Ten title game vs. Wisconsin
Projection: Rose, Jan. 1, Pasadena, Calif.
Comment: The Huskers own the tiebreaker over Michigan and have a favorable schedule to advance to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship Game.
Michigan (7-3, 5-1)
Remaining games: vs. Iowa, at Ohio State
Projection: Capital One, Jan. 1, Orlando, Fla.
Comment: The Wolverines' route to the division title is difficult, especially with the trip to archrival Ohio State waiting.
Wisconsin (7-3, 4-2)
Remaining games: vs. Ohio State, at Penn State, Big Ten title game.
Projection: Outback, Jan. 1, Tampa, Fla.
Comment: Tall order for Bucky in next two weeks.
Northwestern (7-3, 3-3)
Remaining games: at Michigan State, vs. Illinois
Projection: Gator, Jan. 1, Jacksonville, Fla.
Comment: Victory at MSU would help.
Michigan State (5-5, 2-4)
Remaining games: vs. Northwestern, at Gophers
Projection: Buffalo Wild Wings, Dec. 29, Tempe, Ariz.
Comment: Spartans should become eligible.
Gophers (6-4, 2-4)
Remaining games: at Nebraska, vs. Michigan State
Projection: Meineke Car Care of Houston, Dec. 28
Comment: Two big-name Big Ten teams are ineligible, helping the Gophers avoid the dreaded trip to Detroit.
Still alive, but unlikely
Purdue (4-6; at Illinois, vs. Indiana); Indiana (4-6; at Penn State, at Purdue); Iowa (4-6; at Michigan, vs. Nebraska)
Note: This projection has the Big Ten being unable to fill either the Heart of Dallas Bowl (Jan. 1) or the Little Caesars Bowl (Dec. 26 in Detroit).
RANDY JOHNSON