After another week, the Big Ten title picture is as muddy as it ever was.
The game with the most importance in the title picture this week is Northwestern traveling to Ohio Stadium to face Ohio State.
Both teams could still win a share of the Big Ten title, but will need help from MSU to do so.
If the Spartans defeat Penn State on Nov. 19 and the Wildcats win out, Northwestern will share the title with the Nittany Lions.
Ohio State can take the crown outright by winning out and having MSU beat Penn State.
Michigan is in the same boat as Northwestern, needing to win out and have MSU beat Penn State.
"Our league's depth is tremendous and it's only going to get harder," Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel said.
Northwestern, though, has the displeasure of running into the Buckeyes on Senior Day, where a tough group of seniors will be even more fired up than usual.
"I'm sure there's a bounce, but I'm sure there's a little queasiness that they can't believe," Tressel said. "We have a special group."
Great honor
MSU junior quarterback Drew Stanton was named a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, which goes to the College Player of the Year.
"He's a tremendous leader," MSU head coach John L. Smith said. "If you were out there in a foxhole, he's the guy you want with you because you know he'll be fighting all the way."
Stanton has completed 184-of-273 passes for 2,532 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. He ranks 12th in the NCAA in total offense.
Wisconsin running back Brian Calhoun was also named a semifinalist for the award. He has rushed for 1,256 yards and 20 touchdowns this season.
"Brian has brought so much to our offense, given us so much versatility," Wisconsin head coach Barry Alvarez said. "He's the most complete back we've had since I got here."
Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney is also on the list.
Bowl update
Northwestern and Minnesota became bowl eligible with wins on Saturday.
They join Penn State, Wisconsin, Ohio State and U-M as Big Ten teams that will play in a bowl.
MSU and Iowa need one win in their last two games to clinch a bowl, while Indiana must win each of its last two.
The Big Ten has seven bowl tie-ins, but several conferences are not expected to fill their tie-ins, leaving several at-large spots open.
