If Northwestern loses to Ohio State it's probably Citrus or Outback vs Auburn or Missouri. Maybe Florida if Florida falls out of the NY6 due to their shoe throwing loss.
Iowa does have a path for passing Northwestern. They could beat Wisconsin on Saturday and then beat Indiana or Ohio State the following Saturday, and then if Northwestern loses in the championship game, Iowa might end up with the higher ranking. It's possible bowls will choose by ranking...
I never said Northwestern was behind Minnesota. I just pointed out that lots of programs have won some division titles. Northwestern will have to win several to stand out. Look at Missouri for instance. They’ve won 5 and they aren’t thought of as a power. But if Northwestern keeps winning...