Illinois can still win the Big Ten West

It’s pretty simple at this point.

Illinois needs to win out

The Illini need to beat Iowa on the road next week and finish the regular season on a six-game winning streak with a win over Northwestern at home.

Illinois will finish 8-4 (6-3).

Wisconsin needs to lose to Purdue at home, beat Minnesota on the road

Wisconsin will finish 9-3 (6-3).

Minnesota needs to lose out

The Golden Gophers need to lose to Northwestern on the road and then Wisconsin (already established).

Wisconsin will finish 9-3 (6-3).

THREE-WAY TIE

1. Illinois 8-4 (6-3)
2. Wisconsin 9-3 (6-3)
3. Minnesota 9-3 (6-3)

Three-way ties work first with division record. Illinois finishes 4-2 against the Big Ten West (losses to Nebraska, Minnesota). Wisconsin finishes 4-2 against the Big Ten West (losses to Illinois, Purdue). Minnesota finishes 3-3 against the Big Ten West (losses to Iowa, Northwestern, Wisconsin).

Now it’s down to two.

1. Illinois 8-4 (6-3)
2. Wisconsin 9-3 (6-3)

Head-to-head record. Illinois won.

1. Illinois 8-4 (6-3)

Illinois will play Ohio State (probably) in Indianapolis. Loser goes to the Rose Bowl.