Expanding the Big Ten Conference: Alignment, Scheduling, and

[SpartanBlood]

Now posted for your review and comment

http://spartannation.com/?p=13169

[SpartanBrother]

I like the idea of waiting for the likely Full 16 before subdividing the conference, and then having four 4-team divisions. That provides good scheduling options.

But I must also comment on mention of "the original “Ten.” That would include University of Chicago, not MSU.

[spartakles78]

until they vote to change the NCAA rules which is a minimum 9 month process, you can't host a conference championship game unless you have divisions.

[Grizzle$Whizzle]

Great 4 game playoff idea. My mind cringes at the thought of the basketball scenarios though. How are the 4 "other" games picked from year to year? Out of a hat? All I can vision is two away games toward the end of the year - Wisconsin and OSU with an early and mid season matchup against Nebraska and Rutgers
I honestly will not be disappointed and hope we stay at 12

[SpartanBlood]

until they vote to change the NCAA rules which is a minimum 9 month process, you can't host a conference championship game unless you have divisions.

Sounds like innovation is more than possible then. Good point.

[SpartanBlood]

Great 4 game playoff idea. My mind cringes at the thought of the basketball scenarios though. How are the 4 "other" games picked from year to year? Out of a hat? All I can vision is two away games toward the end of the year - Wisconsin and OSU with an early and mid season matchup against Nebraska and Rutgers
I honestly will not be disappointed and hope we stay at 12

I would think they could be selected and rotated pretty much like they are now. I would hope that MSU's rivalry with Wisconsin, which is the top basketball rivalry in the Big Ten over the last 10-15 years now, would be protected so they play twice each year.

Wisconsin is the clear cut top rival for MSU, as MSU is the clear cut top rival for Wisconsin in basketball. No doubt.

[79Spartan]

Nicely thought out article, Jonathan. It still leaves room for more discussion as well... I like that!

I am not so sure that the B10-12 will be at 16 teams soon. I think ND will be the cornerstone for getting there and I cant see that happening. One network will get shut out of college FB and ante up for them with each contract expiration. Plus they'll keep a patsy schedule which should mean good bowl games.

I like the football idea - that can work, IMO. 4 Divisions is a thought out of the box and a good one to discuss. Perhaps 20 teams? Thats a further out thought, but might happen one day. You can work on a schedule for that!!!!

Basketball, though - I would rather see 20-22 games with more home and homes. Tiebreakers can really make a difference there when you dont have to play the strong teams on their court. Also hurts in NCAA seedings. I dont think you can eliminate it completely, but more home and aways can reduce that factor.

Thanks

[Griff]

Divisions in football are so you can have the conference championship game. No such requirement exists for basketball. So you don't need to follow the same divisions (meaning don't need them at all) in basketball just because you have them in football.