Michigan’s trip to the national championship game was further validation of the Big Ten’s greatness this season. But, without this journey to the summit of college basketball, I don’t think that would have been true.

When it comes to motivation, few push buttons better than Barry Alvarez. Heading into the Rose Bowl vs. Stanford, Alvarez had bracelets made for players that read “I’m In” and “I’m On.” But the players had to earn the rubber jewelry through their position coach.

COLUMBUS — The crowd poured onto the field. No one was going to stop the Scarlet and Gray throng from celebrating this Ohio State win over Michigan.

It wasn’t easy—nothing in life that is good ever is–but Ohio State’s march to perfection continues. And the Buckeyes have their defense to thank.

That “pop” you just heard was Indiana’s Rose Bowl dreams. Oh, it was a LONG shot. We all knew it. But it was fun while it lasted, as the Hoosiers came into today controlling their own destiny in a Leaders Division title chase that would land them in the Big Ten title game with a chance to advance to Pasadena. That caused America—or at least the Midwest—to rub its eyes in disbelief.

It’s official: This looks like it will be Nebraska’s year. This wild and crazy finish in a 28-24 win at Michigan State is just the latest example in what has been an incredible and impressive three-game stretch for the Cornhuskers.

LINCOLN, Neb. — This is what Bo Pelini had been waiting for: A big win. And that’s exactly what Saturday night’s 23-9 victory over Michigan was. Oh, Pelini has won some important games since taking over as Nebraska coach in 2008. One of my favorites was at the 2009 victory in the rain at Missouri.

It’s an overstatement to say this was the most important game of the Bo Pelini era. But it certainly was the biggest of this season.

Wisconsin sent a loud message today. Did you hear it? Surely you did. I know it resonated with me.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Today was all about Denard Robinson. That was good for Michigan. And that was bad for Purdue. You see, Robinson had something to prove on this day. The last time we saw the senior, he was throwing four interceptions and losing a fumble in an ugly 13-6 loss at Notre Dame that—truthfully—Michigan should have won.

We interrupt your week filled with Big Ten bashing to tell you that Ohio State is good. It’s very good, in fact. Probably the best team in the Big Ten and reason to emote some conference pride.

Another big game, another loss by the Big Ten. And so it has gone the first four weeks of what has been a black-and-blue season for the Big Ten.

Before the day started, we all said that Michigan State was carrying the Big Ten’s tattered banner. The Spartans appeared to be the best team in the Big Ten and they also appeared to be the league’s best hope to be a national title contender.

A.J. McCarron passes two yards to Michael Williams for a touchdown. A.J. McCarron passes 51 yards to DeAndrew White for a touchdown. Eddie Lacy rushes nine yards for a touchdown. And just like that, Alabama was ahead, 21-0, over Michigan. And there still were two minutes left … in the first quarter.