What is on the doorstep? Top 8? Last time each school was that close with 3 or fewer games left? I'd say Minnesota qualifies. Teams in bold actually finished the regular season top 4, and either made the CFP, or would have had it existed
Ohio State - December 9, 2019
Wisconsin - December 1, 2019
Penn State - November 17, 2019
Minnesota - November 10, 2019
Michigan - December 2, 2018
Iowa & Michigan State - December 6, 2015
Rutgers - November 12, 2006
Illinois, Maryland & Nebraska - December 2, 2001
Northwestern - December 3, 1995
Purdue - November 3, 1968
Indiana - November 26, 1967
Which also raises the question, and not getting into selection procedures. What years would the teams had made the playoffs, going back to the first AP Poll in 1936
Ohio State (24) - 2019, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2002, 1998, 1996, 1995, 1979, 1975, 1974, 1973, 1972, 1970, 1969, 1968, 1961, 1957, 1954, 1944, 1942
Michigan (15) - 2006, 2003, 1997, 1991, 1989, 1986, 1977, 1976, 1974, 1971, 1964, 1948, 1947, 1943, 1940
Nebraska (13) - 2001, 1999, 1997, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1971, 1970, 1965
Michigan State (9) - 2015, 2013, 1966, 1965, 1957, 1955, 1953, 1952, 1951
Penn State (8) - 2005, 1994, 1986, 1985, 1982, 1978, 1969, 1968
Iowa (5) - 2002, 1985, 1960, 1958, 1956
Wisconsin (4) - 2010, 1999, 1962, 1942
Maryland (4) - 1976, 1955, 1953, 1951
Minnesota (4) - 1960, 1941, 1940, 1936
Illinois (3) - 1983, 1963, 1951
Indiana (2) - 1967, 1945
Northwestern (1) - 1995
Purdue (1) - 1943
Rutgers (0)
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