When the team ain't Wisconsin ... it appears like programs like Iowa and Northwestern have had a little help in the past when they've won the division. Namely, their conference schedules were on the "lighter" side. This was true for Iowa in '15 and '21 and was definitely true for Northwestern in '18 and '20.
If we look at legit competitors, not named Wisconsin, for the '22 season ... it strikes me that Purdue might have the "clearest path." Purdue gets Penn State at home ... and then their other cross-overs are away at Maryland and IU. Those away games aren't really a gauntlet.
Minnesota's path is MAYBE on the easier side too ... however, their cross-overs are at PSU and at MSU ... so there's that. However, on the other hand ... they get BOTH Iowa and Purdue at Minneapolis.
Iowa, as is well documented on this site, may have the toughest slate ... because we have to face BOTH Ohio State and Michigan ... AND the games against Purdue and Minnesota are BOTH away games.
Northwestern appears as though they might be a little better than I expected ... but my guess is still that they're more apt to play spoiler than be true threat for the division.
If we look at legit competitors, not named Wisconsin, for the '22 season ... it strikes me that Purdue might have the "clearest path." Purdue gets Penn State at home ... and then their other cross-overs are away at Maryland and IU. Those away games aren't really a gauntlet.
Minnesota's path is MAYBE on the easier side too ... however, their cross-overs are at PSU and at MSU ... so there's that. However, on the other hand ... they get BOTH Iowa and Purdue at Minneapolis.
Iowa, as is well documented on this site, may have the toughest slate ... because we have to face BOTH Ohio State and Michigan ... AND the games against Purdue and Minnesota are BOTH away games.
Northwestern appears as though they might be a little better than I expected ... but my guess is still that they're more apt to play spoiler than be true threat for the division.