Maybe the two highest profile athletic directors in the Big Ten are starting to give us some insight into what the Big Ten Divisions are going to look like in 2011. Last week Michigan's AD (former Domino's CEO) David Brandon mentioned on the radio that he would prefer Michigan and OSU to be in different divisions with the potential move of "The Game" from the last schedule spot in the year. Update: OSU President Gordon Gee supports Michigan and OSU in separate divisions. This is happening.
Now Barry Alvarez AD from Wisconsin said that Iowa and Wisconsin will be in separate divisions and that the Big Ten Conference will move to a 9 game schedule in 2015.
Here is my take: It's impossible to make everyone happy in this division, it's not possible. The thing I am concerned about is level of competition in the divisions. Michigan can not be expected to play high profile games like Penn State, Nebraska, OSU and Michigan State every year. Throw in ND and then this gets ridiculous.
Level of competition in and outside of the divisions have to be the number 1 priority in my mind. Yes, you have to keep the rivalries but Michigan can't be expected to play all the best teams or even most of the best teams every year.
I guess we will see how this one shakes out.
- Michigan 2011 prospect Chris Bryant seems to have a good head on his shoulders:
Definitely academics -- that's one thing that stands out," replied Bryant when asked to describe his decision criteria. "My father always preached to me that you cannot play football forever, you need something to fall back on, so academics are going to stand real strong for me. Just kind of a powerhouse football, place known for football, a great college atmosphere for football, just very supportive and a good football team, great coaches. I want to go to a place that is known for football and academics at the same time."
Chris is planning to wait until signing day to make his decision known. If he wants to be Blue he might want to make an earlier deicision with less then 20 spots available this year.
2 comments:
You know the truth is, that the other AD's and most others who are making decisions about Michigan and Ohio State is not really interested in Michigan and OSU doing well within the conference. Michigan IS the competition. If they can place their competition within a bind then they will.
It is Michigan and OSU that has the emotional attachment about "The Game" but that is not so for the other schools. If there is extra money to be made but having the game played twice within the year then they'll do it, but they don't have the same vested interested as Michigan and OSU does.
Agreed, I know this is not a popular take but if Michigan and OSU are in differnt divisons, I think a case can be made that they shouldn't play every year. (unless they met in the Championship game). Having that tie in to OSU in the other division will give Michigan one of the toughest schedules in the country every year. Which maybe a good thing or a bad thing, but if the goal is national championships every year that is a tough road.
I would rather see OSU and Michigan in the same division and play the game in late November/early December. Then move the PSU or Neb. game on and off the schedule every few years.
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