Can Indiana football make the Big Ten championship if it loses to Ohio State?

We’re not saying Indiana football is going to lose at Ohio State.

But just in case something inexplicable happens, we’re here to ask the question:

Can IU make the Big Ten football championship game if it loses to Ohio State?

More: How IU reached the unexpected must-watch showdown of season vs Ohio State

The answer is yes, the Hoosiers can make the Big Ten football title game even if they lose at Ohio State. Here’s how it can happen.

Ohio State and Penn State have two losses

This is the obvious — and unlikely — way. Ohio State beats Indiana then loses to Michigan. Penn State splits with Minnesota and Maryland. And IU beats Purdue. Then Oregon has zero or one loss, Indiana has one loss, Ohio State and Penn State have two.

This unlikely but, yes, I’m saying there’s a chance.

Oregon is 9-0, Ohio State loses to Michigan, IU and Penn State are 8-1

This comes down to conference opponents’ conference record. Right now, Penn State holds a significant edge, 27-38 vs. 23-42.

But IU can win this tiebreaker if the following 12 outcomes happen:

>> Oregon beats Washington

>> Ohio State loses to Michigan

>> Penn State beats Minnesota and Maryland

>> IU beats Purdue

>> UCLA defeats USC

>> Illinois loses to Rutgers and Northwestern

>> Nebraska beats Wisconsin and Iowa

>>Michigan State beats Purdue and Rutgers

With these 12 outcomes, IU has a conference opponents’ conference record of 32-49 and Penn State 31-50, giving the Hoosiers the second Big Ten championship berth.

If Michigan State loses to Rutgers, Nebraska loses to Iowa or Illinois beats Rutgers, IU and Penn State tie this tiebreaker. It goes to the SportSource Analytics ranking, which is not publicly available. If they’re still tied after that, then it’s random draw.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana football: Can IU make Big Ten title if it loses vs Ohio State?