What is the Big Ten Championship Game?
The Big Ten Championship Game is the annual college football championship game played by the winners of the Big Ten Conference’s East and West divisions. The game determines the conference champion and sends the winner to one of the four New Year’s Six bowls. In this article, we will explore the history, format, and significance of the Big Ten Championship Game.
History of the Big Ten Championship Game
The Big Ten Championship Game was established in 2011 as part of a television contract with the Big Ten Network. The first game was played on December 3, 2011, between Wisconsin and Michigan State, with Wisconsin emerging as the winner. The game has been played annually since then, with the exception of the 2020 season, which was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Format of the Big Ten Championship Game
The Big Ten Championship Game is played on the last Saturday of December. The game features the winners of the East and West divisions, with the division winners earning automatic berths to the game. The teams are seeded 1-2 based on their division finish, with the top-seeded team hosting the game.
Game Rules and Scoring
The Big Ten Championship Game follows standard college football rules, with the following exceptions:
- Overtime: If the score is tied at the end of four quarters, the game goes into overtime. Each team has a chance to possess the ball in overtime, with the team scoring the most points winning the game.
- Instant Replay: The game uses instant replay to review certain plays, including scoring plays, turnovers, and fouls.
- Penalties: Penalties are enforced as normal, with the exception of personal fouls, which are reviewed by the officiating crew.
Significance of the Big Ten Championship Game
The Big Ten Championship Game is significant for several reasons:
- Conference Champion: The winner of the game is crowned the Big Ten Conference champion.
- New Year’s Six Bowl: The winner of the game earns a spot in one of the four New Year’s Six bowls, which includes the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals, the Rose Bowl, the Sugar Bowl, and the Orange Bowl.
- CFP Rankings: The game can impact the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings, with the winner potentially moving up in the standings and the loser potentially dropping out of the top four.
Past Big Ten Championship Game Winners
Here is a list of past Big Ten Championship Game winners:
| Year | East Winner | West Winner | Game Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Wisconsin | Michigan State | Wisconsin 42-39 |
| 2012 | Nebraska | Wisconsin | Wisconsin 70-31 |
| 2013 | Ohio State | Michigan State | Ohio State 34-24 |
| 2014 | East champions not determined | Ohio State 59-0 | |
| 2015 | Penn State | Iowa | Penn State 24-16 |
| 2016 | Penn State | Wisconsin | Penn State 38-31 |
| 2017 | Ohio State | Wisconsin | Ohio State 27-24 |
| 2018 | Northwestern | Ohio State | Ohio State 45-24 |
| 2019 | Penn State | Wisconsin | Ohio State 34-21 |
| 2020 | Not played due to COVID-19 pandemic |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What teams play in the Big Ten Championship Game? The winners of the East and West divisions.
- Where is the Big Ten Championship Game played? The game is played at the home stadium of the top-seeded team.
- How many teams make the Big Ten Championship Game? Two teams.
- What is the prize for winning the Big Ten Championship Game? The winner becomes the Big Ten Conference champion and earns a spot in one of the four New Year’s Six bowls.
Conclusion
The Big Ten Championship Game is a culmination of the Big Ten Conference’s regular season, featuring the winners of the East and West divisions. The game has a significant impact on the conference’s championship and its representation in the New Year’s Six bowls. With its rich history and significance, the Big Ten Championship Game is an exciting event that college football fans look forward to every year.