Throughout the season, we tracked data points. Now it’s pretty clear where Rutgers is heading into its final game of the regular season.

Why is this important? It’s all about perception, rankings and data when bowling committees go through their selection process.

Rutgers (6-5, 3-5 in Big Ten play) could have moved up the Big Ten bowl game standings — and clinched one of its best playoff spots — with a win over No. 24 in Illinois on Saturday. With victory within reach, the Scarlet Knights failed in the final momentsallowing the Illini to fly a 38-31 victory in a miraculous way.

We broke down the bowl scenarios, listened to the experts and now here’s another look at where Rutgers stands nationally and against the teams fighting for playoff bragging rights.

As we do every week, we’ll start with Rutgers’ rankings in six national polls. This week, we’ll also include a look at where other Big Ten teams stand in these same polls. For what? Again, perception matters.

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What to know

Based solely on its average position in six major polls, Rutgers would be seventh in the order of selection — and he could be eighth if Indiana doesn’t make the College Football Playoff. While the rankings are just one of several data points bowl committees will use, they make it seem like Rutgers is likely headed to a game on Dec. 26 — either the Rate Bowl in Phoenix or the GameAbove Sports Bowl in Detroit. Additionally, Rutgers has the weakest schedule among the teams it competes against.