There wasn't really any upsets in week 12, but it wasn't without excitement. Michigan overcame 5 turnovers and multiple missed field goals to beat Northwestern at the buzzer in Wrigley. They keep alive playoff hopes. Iowa jumped out early against USC, only to go scoreless in the 2nd half as the Trojans help them off to keep their playoff chances alive.
Locks for playoffs and Indy could be fun: Ohio State, Indiana
Should be good but last two games aren't easy: Oregon
Already lost twice and still plays Oregon this week: USC
Beat them four in a row, why not a 5th? Michigan
Three playoff spots are still looking good for the B1G. Can USC beat Oregon this week? Win and they should be in. Can Oregon survive a loss? That may be the bigger discussion as they won't really have any good wins.
Now for the power rankings:
1. Ohio State (10-0) - The result of the game vs UCLA doesn't really matter. The only thing that matters for the Buckeyes at this point is the injury report. Carnell Tate was out again and Jeremiah Smith hobbled off the field in the 2nd quarter. The health of the dynamic wide receiver duo is really the only thing that's important at this point. They should both be able to sit this week as the Buckeyes host Rutgers.
2. Indiana (11-0) - The Hoosiers were in a fight at the half against Wisconsin before pulling away for a 24-point win. The Hoosiers are off this week with a rivalry matchup against Purdue being the only thing between them and a B1G Championship birth in Indy.
3. Oregon (9-1) - The Ducks routed Minnesota to set-up a PAC matchup against USC this weekend. College Gameday is coming to Eugene for the 2nd time this season. A win and the Ducks pretty much clinch a playoff spot. A loss and they'll need a win against Washington and maybe a little help.
4. USC (8-2) - The Trojans came back to beat Iowa 26-21 and head to Eugene to battle Oregon this week. They should be inside the playoff with a win.
5. Michigan (8-2) - The Wolverines overcame a horrible game to beat Northwestern at Wrigley Field. They had two interceptions, three fumbles, two missed field goals, and were 0/1 on 4th down, but still were able to come away with a field goal at the buzzer to keep the playoff hopes alive. They'll travel to Maryland this week.
6. Iowa (6-4) - The Hawkeyes lost another close game as they jumped out to a 21-10 halftime lead before going scoreless in the 2nd half and falling to USC. They host Michigan State this week.
7. Illinois (7-3) - The Illini beat Maryland and travel to Wisconsin this week.
8. Nebraska (7-3) - The Huskers were off travel to Penn State this week.
9. Washington (7-3) - The Huskies throttled Purdue and travel to UCLA this week. Is it a job interview for Jedd Fisch?
10. Northwestern (5-5) - The Wildcats somehow lost to Michigan at Wrigley Field and host Minnesota this week at the friendly confines.
11. Minnesota (6-4) - The Gophers lost big at Oregon and travel to Chicago to face Northwestern this week.
12. Rutgers (5-5) - The Scarlet Knights were off and head to Columbus this weekend looking for bowl eligibility. They'll likely still be looking next week against Penn State.
13. Penn State (4-6) - The Lions won a game to climb out of the cellar, as they beat B1G winless Michigan State. They host Nebraska this week as favorites, as 6-6 is in reach.
14. Maryland (4-6) - The Terps lost at Illinois and host Michigan this week.
15. UCLA (3-7) - The Bruins were dominated in Columbus and host Washington this week.
16. Wisconsin (3-7) - The Badgers kept it close for a while before being blown out in the 2nd half at Indiana. They host Illinois this week.
17. Michigan State (3-7) - The Spartans are really bad and this may be it for Jonathan Smith in East Lansing as 0-9 in conference play is a real possibility. They travel to Iowa this week.
18. Purdue (2-9) - The Boilermakers are really really bad as they were blown out at Washington. They have the week off before hosting Indiana looking to play spoiler.
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