Editor’s note: Big 10 of the Big Ten is a collection of tidbits from around the conference. This weekly feature provides a recap from the previous slate of games and also serves as a preview to the upcoming football weekend.

Finish line

The Leaders Division race could be settled this weekend in Bloomington, Ind. The Hoosiers control their own destiny as they take on Wisconsin. A Badgers’ win would clinch the division title while an Indiana win would keep the Hoosiers in the mix for at least another week. Purdue and Illinois have both played themselves out of contention with zero Big Ten victories, and the top two teams, Ohio State and Penn State, are ineligible for postseason play.

Ways to go 

While the two-team Leaders Division battle may come to a close this weekend, the Legends Division race is far from over. All six teams are still within reach of the division with three weeks remaining. Nebraska and Michigan have the lead at 4-1 while Northwestern trails by one game, Iowa by two, Michigan State by two and a half and Minnesota by three.

Still rolling 

With a 52-22 victory over Illinois, Ohio State became the first team in the NCAA to reach double-digit victories. The undefeated, 10-win Buckeyes are rolling this season under new head coach Urban Meyer and are the highest-ranked Big Ten team in the AP polls.

Sportsmanlike conduct 

Two Big Ten players, Rex Burkhead of Nebraska and Adam Replogle of Indiana, were named among the 10 finalists for the Awards and Recognition Association Sportsmanship Award. The award is given to the player “who best personifies the spirit of sportsmanship,” and will be announced later this year.

Game to watch 

Northwestern at Michigan — The Wildcats are fighting to keep pace in the Legends Division and the Wolverines are in their way. With a win in Ann Arbor, Northwestern would bring itself to a tie with the Michigan and depending on the outcome of Nebraska’s game against Penn State, could share a piece of first place.

Game to keep an eye on 

Penn State at Nebraska — The Leaders Division match up in Bloomington, Ind., is worth a watch but Coach of the Year candidate Bill O’Brien and his Nittany Lions have surprised the nation to the tune of a 6-3 record and are heading into a real test in Nebraska where the Cornhuskers are hoping to keep a lead in a heated Legends Division race.

Top offensive performance 

Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez rushed for 205 yards and passed for 160 yards and two scores, including the game-winning touchdown. Martinez shares Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors with Indiana’s Cody Latimer, who caught seven passes for 113 yards and three touchdowns.

Top defensive performance 

Ohio State’s Ryan Shazier recorded 14 tackles and a pass breakup against Illinois last weekend. The Buckeyes dominated a struggling Illini offense, holding them to just 170 yards of offense.

Where they rank 

Nebraska and Northwestern represent the Big Ten in the BCS standings at No. 16 and No. 24, respectively. Ohio State leads the pack in the AP top 25 at fifth overall, while Nebraska is No. 18 and Northwestern is left out of those rankings.

Going bowling 

By reaching six victories last weekend, Michigan joins Wisconsin, Northwestern and Nebraska as the bowl-eligible teams in the Big Ten. Ohio State and Penn State would also be eligible any other season, and Minnesota can become the fifth team this weekend with a win over Illinois. Michigan State also has five victories, but is on a bye this week. Only Illinois is mathematically ineligible from reaching a bowl game.

Chad can be reached at [email protected] and @cthornburg10.