Indiana Rolls Past USC as Upated Big Ten Power Rankings Shift After Ohio State Ends Losing Streak
Indiana takes control
If Indiana wins its remaining games against Washington and Purdue, it will reach the Big Ten championship game for a second consecutive season. The Hoosiers and UCLA are described as the frontrunners for a place in the title game.
Wisconsin falls from contention
Wisconsin lost to Maryland, giving the Badgers their third conference loss and removing them from the Big Ten title-game race. The article says the team had been relevant in the conference this season for the first time since Luke Fickell took over. Fickell can still have his best season at Wisconsin, but the team will not make the conference championship game, according to the report.
Ohio State still needs help
Ohio State’s win over Northwestern ended its two-game skid and kept a path to the Big Ten championship game open. The Buckeyes also eliminated another team with two conference losses from contention, but still need other results to go their way.
Ohio State last won the Big Ten in 2020, during a season the article describes as shortened by COVID. The Buckeyes lost last year’s championship game to Indiana, 13-10, and remain outside the CFP picture’s secure territory.
Key points
- Ohio State beat Northwestern to end a two-game losing streak and preserve its Big Ten title hopes.
- Indiana’s win over USC ended the Trojans’ CFP chances and strengthened the Hoosiers’ title-game position.
- Indiana has Washington and Purdue left; winning out would secure a second straight championship-game appearance.
- Wisconsin’s loss to Maryland was its third conference defeat, ending its title-game hopes.