Indianapolis, Indiana is where No. 1 Oregon (12-0, 9-0 Big Ten) can officially etch its name into the Big Ten history books.
But the championship game the Ducks prepare to play in has its own storied history.
The first Big Ten Championship game was held in 2011. There were only 11 members of the Big Ten prior to that season, compared to the overwhelming 18 universities that fill the conference today.
Wisconsin won the inaugural game against Michigan State 42-39. The future Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson threw three touchdown passes to win the first Big Ten Championship MVP award. A quarterback has won the award in seven of the 13 games, but it’s been a non-quarterback who’s won the last four times.
Before 2011, the conference champion was determined by who had the best regular season record. The Badgers also won the first-ever regular season title all the way back in 1896.
Michigan and Ohio State have historically dominated the conference in football. The two own the most regular season titles by far since the conference formed with 45 and 39 respectively. The Ohio State Buckeyes have the most Big Ten Championship game wins overall with five while the Michigan Wolverines have won the last three.
For the first time since 2017, it won’t be Ohio State or Michigan winning the conference title. Typically, the winner of the Ohio State versus Michigan rivalry clash goes on to the title game. With the Wolverines having a less successful season than usual but still upsetting the Buckeyes 13-10 last weekend, neither will make the trip to Indiana.
No. 3 Penn State (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten) will instead be the Ducks’ opponent. The Nittany Lions have won the conference championship in their only other appearance in the title game. That was back in 2016 when they defeated Wisconsin 38-31.
The Pac-12, just like the Big Ten, started its championship game in 2011. From 2011 to 2023, Oregon had the most appearances — six, which is the same as the Buckeyes and the Badgers – who are tied for the most in the Big Ten Championship. The Ducks also had the most Pac-12 Championship wins in that time frame with four overall.
Oregon ruled the Pac-12, but now has the opportunity to start a legacy in a new conference on Saturday.
In recent history, the winner of the Big Ten Championship has gone on to have success in the College Football Playoffs. The Wolverines are the most recent example, winning the National Championship last season. The Buckeyes also won both the conference title and national title in 2014 when it beat Oregon in the National Championship.
From 2019 to 2022, the winner of the game either lost in a CFP semifinal or final.
The Big Ten Championship seems to be a good omen for the CFP. The Ducks accomplished their first perfect regular season since 2010 — but the real work is just getting started.
A win on Saturday would put Oregon in the CFP quarterfinals and check the next box on its way to a desired National Championship victory.
