The Oregon Ducks have solidified their status as the nation’s No. 1 team and clinched a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game, leaving fans to watch this weekend’s games stress-free. Yet, the rest of the conference is far from settled, with pivotal matchups set to determine who will face the Ducks. Here’s a breakdown of the three key contenders:
Ohio State’s Path: The Rematch Awaits
The Buckeyes (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten) remain in control of their destiny. After their lone loss to Oregon earlier this season at Autzen Stadium, Ohio State needs to win its final two games against undefeated Indiana and bitter rival Michigan to secure a championship rematch with the Ducks. If they succeed, it would set the stage for a highly anticipated sequel to one of the season’s best games.
Indiana’s Cinderella Story
The Hoosiers, the surprise team of the year, also control their fate. Wins over Ohio State and Purdue would punch their ticket to the title game. However, Indiana could still sneak in with a loss to Ohio State if the Buckeyes falter against Michigan in the final week. Indiana’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable, but the road ahead is daunting.
Penn State’s Slim Yet Possible Chance
The Nittany Lions (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten) face a more complex path. They’ll need a combination of Indiana losses and Ohio State stumbles to claim the second championship slot. Alternatively, Penn State could rely on the tiebreaker for cumulative conference opponent winning percentage, which currently favors them. It’s an unlikely scenario, but in college football, surprises are always possible.
What This Means for Oregon
For the Ducks, rooting for Ohio State might be the best-case scenario. A championship rematch against the Buckeyes would allow Oregon to settle the score definitively before potentially meeting again in the College Football Playoffs. This possibility could ignite a fierce new rivalry, with both teams on a collision course for repeated high-stakes battles.
The stakes are high, and this weekend’s results could reshape the Big Ten’s championship narrative. Stay tuned as Oregon awaits its next challenge in what’s shaping up to be a historic season.
