Now that the Big Ten has expanded to an 18 game schedule, each team will play two opponents only one time (down from four opponents). For the Hoosiers, Michigan and Purdue only show up on the schedule once this season. Who you don't play can make as big of impact on the conference champion as who you do play.
Coach Sampson would disagree with me, but let's assume, like most people are, that the Big Ten is a three-team race between Michigan State, IU and Wisconsin. Here is the breakdown of games the top three do not have to play.
MSU (2-1 Conference): @Michigan, Wisconsin IU (3-0): Michigan, @Purdue Wisconsin (3-0): @MSU, Ohio State
Does this make any difference? How important is the schedule in determining a conference champion (not just who you play, but when and on what days)?
