West title in reach, Northwestern tops Big Ten surprises

FILE - In this Sept. 15, 2018, file photo, Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald leads his his team onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Akron in Evanston, Ill. Northwestern can clinch the Big Ten West championship and its first appearance in the conference title game by winning two of its final three games. (AP Photo/Matt Marton, File

FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, file photo, Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald talks with his players during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Notre Dame in Evanston, Ill. Northwestern can clinch the Big Ten West championship and its first appearance in the conference title game by winning two of its final three games. (AP Photo/Jim Young)