Is this a must win for the B1G considering:
This is the biggest non-conf game for the B1G and no others come close (sorry games against ND haven't been eye catching since 1995). IMO, the B1G needs more of these big non-conf games. Winning over MAC teams and ND doesn't help.
Barring a Mich win vs Bama and undefeated season, no B1G team is expected to be in the NCG race.
No big non-conference wins for the B1G in the last 7-8 years. Maybe OSU over Oregon is Rose and OSU over Arkansas (vacated).
With OSU & PSU out of the bowl picture the B1G bowl match ups will be terrible and record will reflect that.
A win will help offset the negative publicity with PSU & OSU.
It's an uphill battle with Ala being ranked #1/2 and Mich around #10 (some saying that is too high) but a win would certainly help with the the B1G's poor reputation.