With only three weeks of regular-season games left in the Big Ten's season, the landscape is becoming clear.10 of the conference's 16 teams are bowl-eligible, and three teams -- Ohio State, Indiana, and Oregon -- are currently slated to make a trip to the College Football Playoff according to the latest rankings.
However, with devastating third losses for both Washington and Iowa in Week 11, only USC and Michigan are left as dark horse teams with a chance to compete for the conference title or fourth CFP bid. With more big games coming this weekend, here's a look at where things stand today.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes (9-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 1
Last week's game: W, 34-10 vs Purdue
Ohio State continues its trend of scoring at least 30 points while holding the opponent to below 20, however, the Buckeyes did get out to a bit of a slow start against Big 10 bottom-dweller Purdue. Still, the Buckeyes' pure consistency is enough to maintain their top-dog status in college football, especially after Indiana's narrow victory. Quarterback Julian Sayin is getting better and better every week as Ohio State continues to lay the foundation for a dynasty.
2. Indiana Hoosiers (10-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 2
Last week's game: W, 27-24 vs Penn State
Indiana becomes the first team to hit the 10-win mark, but it didn't come easy -- requiring a last-minute touchdown to beat a struggling Penn State team. However, barely winning against a three-win team shouldn't drastically affect Indiana's perception as a national championship contender. Penn State still has a talented roster, and it's never easy betting them on the road. Fernando Mendoza didn't look great, but he came up clutch in the end, which speaks volumes.
3. Oregon Ducks (8-1)
Last week's ranking: No. 3
Last week's game: W, 18-16 vs No. 20 Iowa
After an ugly game between ranked programs, Oregon emerged victorious on the road against Iowa in the end following a last-second field goal. The conditions of the game weren't great for passing, as Dante Moore struggled, but the Ducks' defense and run game stepped up to pull out a win as everything looked to be going against them. The Ducks are back at home this Friday to take on a competent Minnesota squad.
4. USC Trojans (7-2)
Last week's ranking: No. 4
Last week's game: W, 38-17 vs Northwestern
The Trojans played under Friday night lights and once again put together a tremendous offensive showing in their victory over Northwestern. Quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for nearly 300 yards, wide receiver Makai Lemon hauled in 11 passes for 161 yards, and running back King Miller went for over 100 yards rushing. If they can take down Iowa this weekend, the Trojans are a sneaky team to watch make a playoff push heading into a Week 13 matchup at Oregon.
5. Michigan Wolverines (7-2)
Last week's ranking: No. 5
Last week's game: BYE
The Wolverines were able to relax on a bye week as they prepare to go on the road to take on Northwestern. At No. 18 in the CFP rankings, it seems like it will all come down to Michigan's final game of the season against Ohio State for a chance to sneak into the postseason bracket. That won't be an easy game, but at least it's at home -- having the chance to be the first and perhaps only team to defeat the Buckeyes is an opportunity you know the Wolverines love to embrace.
6. Illinois Fighting Illini (6-3)
Last week's ranking: No. 8 (+2)
Last week's game: BYE
Illinois takes advantage of Iowa and Washington losses to move up two sports during a bye, but it's a ranking that it will still need to prove it deserves. A favorable schedule should allow the Illini to finish the season 9-3 pretty easily, but with their recent loss to Washington, any slip up will cause them to drop on the ladder dramatically.