Big Ten Ideas

For years now there has been talk about the Big Ten Conference wanting to add a twelfth team. The problem is no one wants to step up to the challenge. Notre Dame would be the logical choice because they are in Big Ten country and they are one of the few Independent teams with some credibility. Not only would I want ND to join to make the conference an even 12 teams but also implement a championship game as well. If not ND there are other possible teams such as WVU, Rutgers, Syracuse, or even Nebraska. As a long time Big Ten fan, I am sick of seeing Big Ten teams play these weak teams late in the season. It does nothing to help them in the rankings.

By adding another team you can even out the schedule and have the Big Ten Championship game everyone wants to see. It hurts them by not having one since they finish their regular schedule 2 weeks before any other conference. This is only good for them if some of the stars are a little banged up and need time to rest before a bowl game. On the other hand, this hurts by allowing the players to become rusty. The Big Ten has been getting their asses handed to them in recent years once they play in the BCS games. This would also eliminate any confusion of who is the outright title holder instead of co-champs like in some recent years. I know and respect the tradition of the Big Ten Conference but it's time to step back and look at the big picture. They are losing highly rated recruits to top competitors because of these problems. The days of going to highly regarded educational schools are over. These kids want to win championships. Big Ten needs to make some changes.

When was the last time they won "the big game"...