Updated Big Ten Championship game scenarios: Road to title after Michigan tops Ohio State

On By Littum

One of the biggest upsets of the 2024 season came in one of the biggest games. Michigan stunned Ohio State with a field goal in the final seconds, dashing the Buckeyes’ Big Ten Championship hopes — and the scenarios have been updated.

Penn State and Indiana is still in contention for a trip to Indianapolis. Both teams needed Ohio State to lose, and it happened as Michigan put the finishing touches on a 13-10 victory in Columbus. Now two teams will work to punch their ticket to Lucas Oil Stadium to take on the match Oregon.

Ohio State had just one loss in Week 14, falling only to Oregon at Autzen Stadium earlier this year. That meant a win would set up a much-anticipated rematch. However, the loss knocked the Buckeyes out of the race for the Big Ten title again.

Rivalry Week is off to an exciting start, and it’s sure to heat up even more. Here are the updated Big Ten Championship scenarios for Penn State and Indiana.

Penn State

Loss: vs. Ohio State, 20-13
Week 14 games: vs. Maryland

Along with needing to hold serve and beat Maryland on Senior Day in Happy Valley, Penn State needed an assist from the Wolverines. They came through, and if the Nittany Lions win against Maryland, Penn State will be back in the Big Ten Championship for the first time since 2016.

And no matter what happens with the Big Ten title race, a win over the Terps will likely seal a College Football Playoff berth for the Nittany Lions.

Indiana

Loss: at Ohio State, 38-15
Week 14 games: vs. Purdue

The Hoosiers’ perfect season ended in Columbus, but the title hopes are still alive. But Indiana needs help.

To leapfrog the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions, Indiana needed both to lose. And it can’t be one or the other, as Ohio State has the head-to-head win and one-loss Penn State comes in over one-loss Indiana via tiebreakers, despite not playing each other.

And the Hoosiers, like the Buckeyes, Nittany Lions and spot-already clinched Ducks, would surely love not only a shot at the league crown, but the virtual guarantee of an automatic bid to the CFP.