from big ten blog.
What are the odds of UM and OSU making the playoff if they both are 11-0 going into the Game?
Brian Bennett: We've talked about this possibility before, but now there's a complicating factor: Louisville and Clemson.
Some pundits have already put forth scenarios where both ACC Atlantic teams could make the playoff after their epic confrontation last Saturday night. Would the ACC or the Big Ten have a better shot at getting two teams from the same division in the field of four?
It likely would come down to schedules. Louisville's early win over Florida State doesn't look as strong in the wake of the Seminoles' struggles, and the Cardinals' only other chance for an impressive win is a November game at Houston. Michigan's victory over Colorado has gained in stature, but the Wolverines might not have many other opportunities for Top 25 wins outside of the Buffaloes and Wisconsin if Michigan State and Iowa don't right their ships. It might actually be better for the Big Ten's chances if Michigan beat Ohio State, since the Buckeyes would have the road win over Oklahoma and, presumably in your scenario, wins over Top 15 teams Wisconsin and Nebraska. But then they'd also have a home loss right at the end of the season.
It also depends on what's happening elsewhere in the country. This would make for some excellent debates down the stretch.
What are the odds of UM and OSU making the playoff if they both are 11-0 going into the Game?
Brian Bennett: We've talked about this possibility before, but now there's a complicating factor: Louisville and Clemson.
Some pundits have already put forth scenarios where both ACC Atlantic teams could make the playoff after their epic confrontation last Saturday night. Would the ACC or the Big Ten have a better shot at getting two teams from the same division in the field of four?
It likely would come down to schedules. Louisville's early win over Florida State doesn't look as strong in the wake of the Seminoles' struggles, and the Cardinals' only other chance for an impressive win is a November game at Houston. Michigan's victory over Colorado has gained in stature, but the Wolverines might not have many other opportunities for Top 25 wins outside of the Buffaloes and Wisconsin if Michigan State and Iowa don't right their ships. It might actually be better for the Big Ten's chances if Michigan beat Ohio State, since the Buckeyes would have the road win over Oklahoma and, presumably in your scenario, wins over Top 15 teams Wisconsin and Nebraska. But then they'd also have a home loss right at the end of the season.
It also depends on what's happening elsewhere in the country. This would make for some excellent debates down the stretch.
