Some more Big news…

If we thought the Big East’s name was erroneous, let’s talk about the Big Ten.  Try the Big Eleven.  There are Eleven teams.  Confused?  I know.  Nutso.  Most people blame Penn State (last to join in 1990), but I blame the fact that no one would accept “Big Eleven” as a conference name.  I guess it is two syllables too many.  Look closely at the Big Ten conference logo – there is a nice little white eleven disguised among the lettering.

I would go ahead and qualify the Big Ten conference as one of the more controversial conferences.  Not controversial in the sense that there are problem players, scandals, or anything that may compromise integrity..  but more in the sense that they’re regarded as a top conference that simply hasn’t performed up to its own high standards, particularly during bowl season.  Case in point: during the 2008-2009 bowl series, the Big Ten posted just one win (Iowa) out of seven teams appearing in bowls.

DISCLAIMER #11: Please don’t hate me for saying anything negative about the Big Ten.  Most of my close friends attended or are affiliated with Big Ten schools! (Great – now I sound like a homophobe swearing I have gay friends… but seriously. I love my Big Ten alumni pals! I’ve even been known to attend a Minnesota alumni function from time to time… Don’t ask.)  The history and prestige within the conference is undeniable and there is always the opportunity for a major resurgence.

Here are the eleven schools of the Big Ten:

Illinois

Iowa

Michigan

Michigan State

Minnesota

Northwestern

Ohio State

Penn State

Purdue

Wisconsin

To avoid further negativity, I’ll focus on the accomplishments of this century-old conference.  Since 1901, the Big 10 has 28 national championships.  Michigan and Ohio State have combined for 16 of them.  Michigan’s most recent championship came in 1997 – just one year before the BCS system was implemented. Ohio State owns the sole Championship in the BCS era, which came in 2002.

The most well-known rivalry in the Big Ten (and, let’s be honest, NCAA Football) is the Michigan-Ohio State annual smack down.  Those two teams really hate each other.  I distinctly remember in 2006 watching the #1 and #2 Ohio State and Michigan face off in Columbus – what a ridiculous game!  Ohio State pulled out the W (42-39!) to become the outright Big Ten champions.  OSU has won the last five matchups – this year’s will take place November 21^st.

BROWNIE POINT #4: I do NOT recommend approaching fans of either of these teams on this particular day.  More often than not, they’re going to mean business.  Sole caveat: if you graduated from one of these schools and want to approach a fellow alumni.  Even in this situation, however, you need to be VERY aware of nonverbal cues.  Do not overstay your chatty welcome.

Penn State is a fantastic example of obsessive dedication.  To quote a dear friend of mine,

“Remember when PSU was 5-7 & 5-6 in ‘00 & ‘01 & then 3-9 & 4-7 in ‘03 & ‘04.. & all of Nittany Lion nation wanted Paterno’s head? Now they’re winning & no one can get off their knees.”

This quote is actually taken out of context (my friend was referring to the discontent swirling about aged FSU coach Bobby Bowden and the fact that he should have a chance to right his ship), but it’s entirely true and a good intro to the Penn State mentality.  Paterno has been part of the PSU program for half of a century.  Yes.  CENTURY.  Dude is ancient and has even had to work his magic from the coach’s box at times due to age/injury/illness.  He’s the heart and soul of Penn State football and has made excellent choices in his supporting staff.  Penn State has had some fantastic seasons and we can anticipate consistently solid performances even after Paterno dies in the box or on the field (cause Lord knows he’s not leaving Happy Valley until the Heavens issue his one-way ticket up north).

Before signing off, let’s take a moment to shout out to Iowa!  The Hawkeyes are undefeated at this point in the season – between this and their bowl win last year, it’s looking more and more like their win over PSU last season was not a fluke.  Could Iowa be representing the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl this year?  I’d take that.