The Big Ten Championship Game has been a marquee event since its inception, but the 2013 version took on a lot more meaning the second Auburn stunned Alabama with a 109-yard touchdown return off a missed Crimson Tide field goal.
All that stands in Ohio State’s way of a BCS Championship Game now is Michigan State and its nasty defense.
Let’s dig into a few key storylines for the title clash between the Buckeyes and Spartans.
BCS Championship Game Implications
Forget the fact that in the history of the BCS, a one-loss team from a power conference has never finished ahead of an undefeated team from a power conference in the final poll. Team SEC needs its birthright spot in the title game.
Or, at least, that’s what Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs told Dan Wolken and USA Today after the Tigers’ incredible win over Alabama.
“An SEC team can’t get left out of the (championship game) with one loss,” he said.
It may be a new reality down south, though, if Urban Meyer and Co. take care of business against the Spartans.
Since Auburn and Missouri will likely be breathing down the Buckeyes’ neck, style points may even be a factor. Although beating a Top 15 team on a neutral field should speak for itself regardless of the final margin, Ohio State has certainly been unfairly punished before for not beating teams by enough points.
Ohio State’s Offense Versus Michigan State’s Defense
Something will have to give in…
Continue Reading: Big Ten Championship 2013: Breaking Down Key Storylines in Title Clash
