Big Ten: Lions, Buckeyes can win division, trophy

Posted September 05, 2012 3:48 pm

Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Even though Penn State and Ohio State are banned from playing in the Big Ten title game or a bowl as part of NCAA sanctions, both are still eligible to win the conference’s Leaders Division and receive a trophy this season.

The Big Ten office confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday that the Nittany Lions (0-1) and 14th-ranked Buckeyes (1-0) could still be officially recognized as division champs. Neither can play in the Big Ten title game, however.

The NCAA declared Penn State ineligible to play in bowls for the next four seasons due to the Jerry Sandusky child-abuse scandal that rocked the program and sport. Ohio State is banned from a bowl this year because of NCAA sanctions for players trading memorabilia for cash and tattoos.

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