That could leave the title game's loser, Penn State and Iowa to take up spots in the Citrus Bowl, Outback Bowl and Holiday Bowl.

While bowl-game officials can take many factors into account, selections often don't stray too far from taking the team with the best overall record. Next up after the aforementioned teams could be a decision between the Badgers and Michigan State, which both ended the regular season at 7-5.

The Music City and Gator bowls share a deal where one gets a Big Ten team and the other an ACC team each year. UW or Michigan State could end up in one of those two games, with the other dropping to the Pinstripe Bowl against an ACC team.

There's also a chance, however, that the Big Ten could place three teams in the New Year's Six bowls, rather than two. A Northwestern upset of Ohio State on Saturday would likely lead to the Wildcats, Buckeyes and Wolverines earning spots in one of those games. Even if Ohio State wins, Penn State could squeak in if Oklahoma and Clemson both win their respective conference title games.