Two old-school programs will break ground Saturday, participating in college football’s first quarterfinal playoff game. It will be called the Big Ten championship game, and the winner heads directly to the College Football Playoff without passing go. The loser might fall all the way to Fiesta or Peach Bowl, depending on its postgame ranking. Ohio State looks like a good bet for the Rose Bowl. The Buckeyes “eye-tested” their way into last year’s playoff and looked dominant Saturday at Michigan, but a flimsy resume means they probably need Florida to upset Alabama in the SEC title game to get a chance to defend their crown. There’s a better chance of Nick Saban leaving Alabama to take the Rutgers job. The Gators, you see, scored two points Saturday night against Florida State. The teams that will duel in Indianapolis for the Big Ten crown rank third and fourth in the conference in scoring. They’re also neck and neck in points allowed, ranking fifth and sixth. They both huddle between plays and have been known to employ a fullback. That’s no coincidence. …
Continue Reading: Michigan State, Iowa not flashy but worthy of Big Ten title game
