Could this week determine the Big Ten champ?

The rest of this week could determine the Big Ten champion. Seriously. Take a look at the standings as of this morning:


Now think about this. Ohio State plays both Purdue (at home tonight) and Michigan State (on the road on Sunday). Purdue, in addition to playing the Buckeyes, also gets Illinois at home on Saturday.

If Ohio State sweeps this week, then they will be all alone in first place in the Big Ten, having swept Purdue and owning a win in their only game against Michigan State, with just three games left on the schedule - at Penn State, at home for Michigan, and at home for Illinois, a team they just beat by 19 on the road.

What if Purdue sweeps this week, and Ohio State beats Michigan State? Then the Boilermakers will be all alone in first place in the Big Ten with four games left with their only tests being a road game against Minnesota and a home date with Michigan State.

The only team you don't see mentioned up there is Wisconsin.

But they have their own big news this week as they finally get Jon Leuer back from his broken wrist at Minnesota tomorrow night. How good will he be? Is he going to be in shape for the stretch run? With the way that Nankivil is playing, how much time will Bo Ryan give Leuer?

As you can see, there is a lot to pay attention too this week in the Big Ten.