Big Ten Football Standings: Penn State In Control Of Leaders Division

The Penn State Nittany Lions didn't have a game this Saturday, but they didn't need it to keep distance from the teams chasing them in the Big Ten's Leaders Division. They sit at 8-1 overall with a 5-0 record in Conference and have the inside track to the Leaders Division crown and a spot in the new Big Ten Championship game.

Their next three games will be a pretty serious test however, as they are charged with facing Nebraska, Ohio State and Wisconsin to close out the season. If they are going to make it to the Championship game, it will have to come against some pretty stiff competition.

Ohio State is in second place in the Division, but they are two games back of the Nittany Lions with a 3-2 record in Conference. They are also tied with Wisconsin who had those two heart-breaking defeats. Losses against these teams towards the end of the season could open up the door for one of them to move past Penn State.

The Legends Division is a lot murkier. The Michigan State Spartans lead the Division with a 4-1 Conference record, but there are three teams - Michigan, Nebraska and Iowa who are just one game behind at 3-2. Lots of turmoil still to be had on that side of things.

For more on the Nittany Lions, check out Black Shoe Diaries.