Posted on Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 3:30 p.m.
Big Ten will split Michigan-Ohio State, but they'll still play in regular-season finale
By Pete Bigelow
PARK RIDGE, Ill. — Two people familiar with the Big Ten's decision say the league has decided to put Ohio State and Michigan into separate divisions starting next season.
One person also says Michigan and Ohio State will continue to play each other each year in the regular-season finale, as they have since 1943.
According to the two people, one six-team division will include Michigan, Nebraska, Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota and Northwestern, while the other will have Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Illinois, Purdue and Indiana.
They spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the Big Ten had not announced its decision.
Comments
jameslucas
Thu, Sep 2, 2010 : 12:46 a.m.
Dwayne, the fact is every game is not equally important, never has been, never will be, I give the Ohio State game as a past example. So dont just repeat platitudes, or make comments out of some twisted need for familiarity.
David Frye
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 9:20 p.m.
The Big Ten: Now so big, it's Twelve. The Big Ten: Wanna supersize that? The Big Ten: Now the Two Moderately Large Sixes
Lemansblue
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 8:09 p.m.
I am not a fan of splitting the Big Ten up...but I think they got it right they way they did it. A new coach next year and we will be ready to compete.
jameslucas
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 7:03 p.m.
I think Michigan, Nebraska, Iowa, Michigan State, Northwestern, and Minnesota is by far the better division if you enjoy traveling to away games.
azwolverine
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 6:35 p.m.
yes, Yes, YES!!! If they were going to split the teams into two divisions, this is the ONLY way to do it! Good job fans! Way to let the conference know how we felt about the GREATEST rivalry in all of sport. This is the best news I've heard in regards to Michigan football in the past two seasons. Thank you David Brandon, this was absolutely the right decision. Go Blue!!!
x219
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 6:11 p.m.
The importance of this game was the defacto championship status it had for many years. Regardless, things evolve and complaining will not bring it back. The mid season game provides a really exciting opportunity for fans of both schools. The ADs at Mich and OSU should model the UF UGa format (the largest cocktail party of the year). Decide on a neutral site to host it every year and make it a mini mid season bowl game.
Lokalisierung
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 5:56 p.m.
"It would have only happened 4 times in the past 20+ years" Good research! Was wondering how often it actually would happen
3 And Out
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 5:18 p.m.
This is awesome and the way it should and needs to be. Someone said this "reduces the game to a meaningless exhibition"...well I could not disagree more with that. First of all, the chances of Michigan and tUOS playing back to back games is not very likely....It would have only happened 4 times in the past 20+ years...... secondly, can you imagine if one team is poised to win their division and the other team comes in and plays "spoiler" not only winning the game but being able to play the villain and knock the other out of a potential championship? very cool stuff and adds another dimension to The Game. The Game should be played under cold grey November sky...it is how it is. Nice job Big Ten!
Carpenter Ant
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 5:10 p.m.
"This exuberates the meaning of pinhead." That is the best line of writing I've read in a long time. I'm going to try hard to remember it so I can use it myself whenever appropriate.
Lokalisierung
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 5:06 p.m.
"what are you guys going to do when Michigan is successful this year?" Find Doc Brown and the Delorean and get back to the future.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 4:53 p.m.
RonAnnArbor, your on the money.
Dwayne
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 4:19 p.m.
MichBoy40, agree 100 percent and I think AnnArbor Ron may have part of the answer. I also think that there are a lot of people that can't see the forest for the trees sometimes. Quick comment for Jameslucas...enough already. The division thing is and has been going to happen for along time. I don't quite understand the constant listing of the 'importance' of games, like one is less significant than the other. If a team begins the season as a National Championship contender and they lose to UConn or Notre Dame or Oregon or Toledo, the National Championship bid is over, so I don't get what you are saying there. Oh and BTW, there will come a time next fall or the one after and someone will say, "What are you doing this weekend?". I'll say, "I'm watching The Game" and they'll know exactly what I'm talking about. The tradition is going no where. The schedule doesn't make The Game, whether there are one or two divisions doesn't make The Game, the rivalry between two exceptional and historic programs is what makes The Game. As long as they continue to play, it will be The Game and I don't care whether it's September or November, noon or 7pm, doesn't matter. And finally, NoBowl and Bornin...what are you guys going to do when Michigan is successful this year? You'll probably just go away. I can't wait.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 4 p.m.
Now Mich. gets 2 chances at knocking off ohio state should they both be at the top of their division and with the brutality of that game I'm sure the winner will be limping in pain into whatever bowl they qualify for. I would guess this was a maneuver to appease some idiots. This exuberates the meaning of pinhead. I have talked to former Mich. players and 1 ohio state player and that game was described to me as unbelievable hard brutal hitting, good luck in the bowl game Chester. (Chester was a character on Gunsmoke)
Lorain Steelmen
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 3:11 p.m.
I like the divisions from UM's perspective. Having the divisional games each year with MSU, Nebraska, Iowa, Nwestern, and even the Jug Game with Minnesota is SO cool! Throw in the OSU game as a 'protected crossover', gives UM six awesome games each year. Adding the Irish as an OOC game nearly every year, and UM has the toughest schedule in college football. Hopefully the league will move the osu game into October, so the weather is better, than the saturday after Thanksgiving. Personally, that game will be big, no matter when it is played. osu gets what it wanted, which is being in the creampuff division. Their only real competition, will be the Badgers, especially when JoePA retires. Throw in their OOC games with YSU, or Oberlin, and they'll have a shot at a top ten finish every year.
michboy40
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 3 p.m.
I thinks this is stupid. If OSU and Michigan have great teams they will find their way to the Champ game, which is the NEW last game of the year. No need to see them two weeks in a row...I would rather see them play in the middle or start of the conference schedule. "The Game" when both teams are good, will mean nothing since it will NOT be a divisional game, and they will play again the very next week for all the marbles! Why can't the AD's see that expansion has changed us forever and that's the way it is, instead of trying to bow to the blue hairs and create a stupid situation.
BornInA2
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 2:56 p.m.
Yahoo. I can hardly wait for next season when we can listen to RR drone on about his young team, simplifying the offense, and this new divisional setup. NOT.
NoBowl4Blue
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 2:54 p.m.
I guess the assumption based on recent history is that OSU and Michigan will not meet in championship as all I heard was they wanted to avoid back to back games.
Macabre Sunset
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 2:52 p.m.
Glad they came to their senses.
jameslucas
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 2:51 p.m.
THE GAME had a hell of a run, now when Michigan and Ohio State play in the future we can talk about tradition. Maybe start a trophy, maybe talk about how it is the sixth most important game of the year for Ohio State and michigan? Importance of football games when Big Ten is split into divisions: The Five Division Games The Non Division Conference Games The Non-Conference Game