Week 10 Big Ten power rankings: Does USC have a clear path to the playoffs?

With Saturday's road win over Nebraska, USC improved to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in the Big Ten. The win did not only give the Trojans bowl eligibility, but it firmly placed them on the playoff bubble with a legitimate and clear path to the 12-team playoff bracket.

The news gets better for USC as the Trojans will be favored in three of their final four games, have another shot at an eye-catching win to shake up the system, and they don't have the leave the Pacific time zone for the rest of the season.

Are the Trojans a top-five team in the Big Ten?

1. Ohio State 8-0 (5-0)
2. Indana 9-0 (6-0)
3. Oregon 7-1 (4-1)
4. USC 6-2 (4-1)
5. Michigan 7-2 (5-1)

The top two are pretty obvious and there's a possibility that Indiana gets the nod at No. 1 when the College Football Playoff rankings come out. Oregon, USC and Michigan all have the luxury of a clear path to the playoffs. If the Ducks, Trojans or Wolverines win out, they will be in the playoffs. 

However, each team has a potential road block. Oregon has Iowa and Washington on the road. USC has Oregon on the road and Michigan has to beat Ohio State for the fifth straight season. Could the Big Ten get four teams in? If USC knocks off Oregon and both teams finish 10-2, it seems likely. If Michigan wins out, the Wolverines are likely in. It feels like at least three of the five teams above will be in the playoffs. 

The Next Five

6. Iowa 6-2 (4-1)
7. Washington 6-2 (4-2)
8. Minnesota 6-2 (4-2)
9. Nebraska 6-3 (3-3)
10. Illinois 6-3 (3-3)

Washington has the most-friendly schedule leading into the season-ending showdown with Oregon. It would be a shock if the Huskies weren't 9-2 going into Thanksgiving weekend. If Iowa can beat Oregon this Saturday at home, it would cause a little chaos and change the balance of power in the top half of the conference.

The Bottom Eight

11. Northwestern 5-3 (3-2)
12. UCLA 3-5 (3-2)
13. Maryland 4-4 (1-4)
14. Rutgers 4-4 (1-4)
15. Penn State 3-5 (0-5)
16. Michigan State 3-6 (0-6)
17. Purdue 2-7 (0-6)
18. Wisconsin 2-6 (0-5)