Arizona loss impacts Iowa in Big Ten race

Let's say for a moment that Iowa beats Michigan State this week and wins the rest of its games (including Ohio State). Likewise, let's say Wisconsin and Michigan State win their remaining games, too.

That scenario puts all three teams at 7-1 in the Big Ten and earns them all a wonderful Big Ten championship trophy. But who goes to the Rose Bowl? It's Michigan State.

According to the Big Ten tiebreaker -- 5c, to be exact -- if three teams are tied, "the representative shall be determined on a percentage basis of all games played." That would drop a 10-2 Iowa behind Michigan State (11-1) and Wisconsin (11-1). Michigan State then eliminates Wisconsin from the Rose Bowl because it won the head-to-head match-up.

After that scenario, it's up to the bowls themselves to choose. A 10-2 Iowa falls behind an 11-1 Wisconsin every time.

It seems Iowa's 34-27 loss at Arizona keeps the Hawkeyes out of the Rose Bowl. Otherwise, the tiebreaker would go to highest-ranked team in the BCS standings.

But, if Iowa beats Michigan State and both schools win out and Wisconsin loses a game, Iowa would earn the Rose Bowl berth. Of course, Iowa has to beat Michigan State and Ohio State to make that happen.

The other potential three-way scenario would have Michigan State, Wisconsin and Ohio State tying for the league title at 7-1, provided Iowa beats Michigan State. The tiebreaker then sends the highest-ranked team in the BCS standings to Pasadena because Ohio State and Michigan State do not play this year.

Of course all of this is irrelevant next year with the inaugural Big Ten championship game.