Big Ten lays out first-class tickets to football title game for Oregon, IU, Michigan, OSU

Week 14 in college football can't come fast enough, at least when it comes to the Big Ten title race.

A chaotic Week 13 slate saw the USC Trojans eliminate themselves from conference title contention in Eugene. Therefore, two spots are on the line for four teams, barring the outcomes in the regular season's final week next Friday and Saturday.

The four teams involved are the Ohio State Buckeyes (defending national champs), Indiana Hoosiers (eying back-to-back College Football Playoff berths), Oregon Ducks (defending Big Ten champs) and Michigan Wolverines (2023-24 national champions).

Exactly seven scenarios exist for what the title game could bring. Some are more straightforward than others, but without further ado, they are below:

Big Ten title games explained

The game is set for Saturday, Dec. 6, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

Scenario No. 1: Ohio State beats Michigan while Indiana beats Purdue

Of all the scenarios, this one is most likely the easiest and arguably the least drama-filled. If these outcomes were to happen, it would mean the Buckeyes and Hoosiers would finish the year unbeaten without having played each other in the regular season.

Therefore, the matchup would likely feature the No. 1 vs. No. 2 team in the nation, with a College Football Playoff first-round bye likely awaiting the winner.

With this one out of the way, let's move to the good stuff: i.e., the Hoosiers somehow missing the title game or a rematch of "The Game."

Scenario No. 2: Indiana beats Purdue alongside a win for Michigan over Ohio State, and Oregon handling Washington

This second pairing is where things get really weird. The Hoosiers defeating the Purdue Boilermakers seems like a forgone conclusion, though it gets crazier as the scenarios unfold. Should all three outcomes occur, it would be a rematch between the Hoosiers and Ducks. Indiana took care of business the first time around, but perhaps a red-hot Oregon team down the stretch looks reinvigorated? We shall find out.

Scenario No. 3: Indiana draws the Michigan Wolverines

For this game to happen, three scenarios must play out exactly. It would include the Wolverines taking down Ohio State for the fifth-straight year, the Hoosiers beating Purdue and the Ducks suffering their second loss at the Washington Huskies' expense.

Look out, Ohio State.

Scenario No. 4: The backdoor way Ohio State plays Indiana

Although extremely unlikely, the Buckeyes-Hoosiers matchup could still happen even if Purdue were to pull off the improbable. A win for the Boilermakers doesn't fully eliminate the Hoosiers as long as the Ducks can beat the Huskies and Ohio State wins "The Game." Because the Hoosiers won the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Ducks earlier in the season, the Ducks can't clinch.

But there are other ways they can. More on that below.

Scenario No. 5: A fresh matchup – Oregon vs. Michigan

Chaos galore. Week 14 could become an all-timer in the Big Ten, reaching the fifth of seven scenarios. This would see a stunner as the Ducks would attempt to defend their title against Bryce Underwood's Wolverines.

This matchup would come to fruition if:

• Purdue beats Indiana
• Michigan beats Ohio State
• Oregon beats Washington

Wow, that's likely not a bingo card pick.

Scenario No. 6: "The Game" Act II, anyone?

Can't get enough of "The Game" where a sequel might be in luck? Thanks to scenario No. 6, it's possible. In a semi-reverse of the fifth scenario, the Huskies potentially upsetting the Ducks is all it takes to make it a reality. 

Sorry, Indiana.

Scenario No. 7: The other way Buckeyes-Hoosiers becomes official

Yes, the last scenario that clinches berths for Indiana and Ohio State would require an Oregon loss to the Huskies while the Buckeyes take care of business and Purdue throws a temporary wrench in the plans.

Nonetheless, though, a champion will be crowned. It's just a matter of who and how the matchup comes to fruition.

We will find out next weekend.