BleedGopher
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per Matt:
Especially with the growing angst in the SEC.
It’s a new day in the Big Ten. New commissioner, new multi-billion dollar media rights deal, new hope with USC and UCLA arriving in 2024.
The conference will be featured on 3 television networks beginning this fall (Fox, CBS, NBC), and has 3 legitimate Playoff teams (Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State).
The horizon never looked so within reach, never felt so real and attainable.
Don’t blow it now.
Don’t stumble, like the SEC, over a new scheduling format for 2024 when USC and UCLA arrive. Do what the SEC couldn’t do: pass the 9-game schedule with the exact format that led to so much strife in the SEC, the conference that always — yes, ALWAYS — votes and smiles together but couldn’t get on the same page to save face.
Even the media rights funny money mess new commissioner Tony Petitti inherited can’t overshadow this move. This is the Big Ten vs. the SEC — and who can move forward united in the age of the super conference and expanded Playoff.
For the love of all things Legends and Leaders, don’t try to pass something called the “Flex” schedule plan, a mishmash of teams having 1, 2 or 3 permanent opponents — depending on how it will help the league reach competitive balance and ease of travel for teams to and from the West Coast.
Take a wild stab in the dark who decides “competitive balance” and how the schedule fits on an annual basis. That’s right, the league office.
Nothing is more dangerous to conference moral than the idea that some programs are more important than others in the minds of those making the schedules. And nothing is more demoralizing to your fans.
It’s unfair to put that kind of focus on those making the schedules in the Big Ten, when a simple 3-6 model will take away that responsibility from conference officials. There are 3 permanent opponents, and the remaining 12 schools rotate 6 at a time over 4 years.
Period. No questions, no controversy.
saturdaytradition.com
Go Gophers!!
1. The B1G Story
The Big Ten can’t fumble now, can’t stumble with so much good going for it.Especially with the growing angst in the SEC.
It’s a new day in the Big Ten. New commissioner, new multi-billion dollar media rights deal, new hope with USC and UCLA arriving in 2024.
The conference will be featured on 3 television networks beginning this fall (Fox, CBS, NBC), and has 3 legitimate Playoff teams (Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State).
The horizon never looked so within reach, never felt so real and attainable.
Don’t blow it now.
Don’t stumble, like the SEC, over a new scheduling format for 2024 when USC and UCLA arrive. Do what the SEC couldn’t do: pass the 9-game schedule with the exact format that led to so much strife in the SEC, the conference that always — yes, ALWAYS — votes and smiles together but couldn’t get on the same page to save face.
Even the media rights funny money mess new commissioner Tony Petitti inherited can’t overshadow this move. This is the Big Ten vs. the SEC — and who can move forward united in the age of the super conference and expanded Playoff.
For the love of all things Legends and Leaders, don’t try to pass something called the “Flex” schedule plan, a mishmash of teams having 1, 2 or 3 permanent opponents — depending on how it will help the league reach competitive balance and ease of travel for teams to and from the West Coast.
Take a wild stab in the dark who decides “competitive balance” and how the schedule fits on an annual basis. That’s right, the league office.
Nothing is more dangerous to conference moral than the idea that some programs are more important than others in the minds of those making the schedules. And nothing is more demoralizing to your fans.
It’s unfair to put that kind of focus on those making the schedules in the Big Ten, when a simple 3-6 model will take away that responsibility from conference officials. There are 3 permanent opponents, and the remaining 12 schools rotate 6 at a time over 4 years.
Period. No questions, no controversy.

The B1G 10: As SEC bickers, it's time for Big Ten to pounce on golden opportunity to rule college football
The B1G can reach new heights if it just doesn't trip over itself out of its soon-to-be expanded gate. Insider Matt Hayes also offers up his weekly rankings, notes and quotes.

Go Gophers!!