Big Ten Bowl Watch: Breaking down the Leaders Division

Urban Meyer is trying to lead the Buckeyes to their 11th undefeated regular season in the program's history. (US Presswire)

1. Ohio State (10-0, 6-0): Urban Meyer said that he hadn't discussed the possibility of going undefeated with his team at the beginning of the year. But with two huge games left, against Ohio State's two biggest rivals, there's a real chance it could happen. Due to their sanctions, the best the Buckeyes can do is win the Leaders Division and a win Saturday over Wisconsin would give them the outright title. Without a bowl ban, might the Buckeyes be missing out on a date with the Irish in the Rose Bowl?

2. Wisconsin (7-3, 4-2): The Badgers have already punched their ticket to Indianapolis, but they still have a chance to win the Leaders Division and legitimize their slot in the conference championship game. Many people complained that Wisconsin benefitted from a weak division, but a win Saturday over the undefeated Buckeyes would show that Wisconsin shouldn't be perceived as the default option (even though it was).

3. Penn State (6-4, 4-2): Gone were the hopes of an outright division championship when the Nittany Lions blew a 14-point halftime lead last weekend to Nebraska. Penn State can still end the season on a high note with two games left at Beaver Stadium -- this weekend vs. Indiana, and next weekend vs. Wisconsin. Bill O'Brien said he was pleased that the schedule worked out the way it did and that although he wouldn't beg fans to come out for the final two games, the fact that his players stayed loyal to Penn State should compel fans to be there on Senior Day.

4. Indiana (4-6, 2-4): The Hoosiers' bowl eligibility is on life support after getting blown out last weekend to Wisconsin. They need wins in their final two games -- against Penn State and Purdue. The Hoosiers haven't beaten Penn State in 15 previous meetings, including seven losses in Beaver Stadium.

5. Purdue (4-6, 1-5): The Boilermakers actually have a decent chance of becoming bowl eligible as their final two games are at Illinois and at home vs. Indiana. Should they reach six wins, that would mean Purdue would carry a three-game winning streak into the bowl season, and the question would become is that enough to save coach Danny Hope's job? After losing five in a row, turning the season around would be pretty remarkable. The Boilermakers are currently projected to play in the Heart of Dallas Bowl on Jan. 1 against Baylor.

6. Illinois (2-8, 0-6): The Fighting Illini's final home game is on Saturday against Purdue. Coach Tim Beckman has two conference games left (Purdue, at Northwestern) to end a 12-game Big Ten losing streak.

For more Big Ten coverage, follow Mike Singer and Dave Carey @CBSSportsBigTen.