[Bumped, because he got so much right - Bama Hawkeye]

Recently, Barry Alvarez caused a stir by suggesting the Big Ten was seriously exploring expansion to add a 12th team, thus allowing the Big Ten to split into divisions and play a Championship.  See the story here.

TRE is your one stop shop for all things Big Ten Expansion related...

Graham discusses pros and cons of adding a 12th team...and who it might be.

Lake Erie M argues for mega-expansion and a 14 team league

BHGP lists the 4 most important issues surrounding expansion.

Personally, as a fan, I love this idea.  But two problems tend to pop up with this:

1. Who is your 12th team? Potentially realistic suggestions include Rutgers or Syracuse (to bring in the NYC market), Pitt, Cincinnati, That School From South Bend, and Mizzou.  Less realistic suggestions (for academic, geographic, or athletic reasons) include West Virginia, Kentucky, Louisville, Nebraska, or Texas (seriously? Texas? Really?)
2. How do you divide the league into divisions without creating a serious "historical competitive imbalance" by placing too many of the big powers (OSU-Michigan-Penn State) in one division, and/or preserve traditional rivalries that teams and fans love?

So, to answer these questions, allow me to present the Chadnudj Plan for Big Ten Expansion -- in which the Big Ten adds Missouri, and divides into North-South divisions, while preserving ALL current protected Big Ten rivalries except one (and that one is Purdue-Northwestern, if you're curious and don't want to read further because this is the only rivalry you care about....what, no takers?)

Don't forget to go back and submit your Bowl Prediction sheet for another chance to win a prize. For winning the regular season OPC, Seattle Hawkeye won...a hat. You may win...something cooler. Hardest bowls to pick so far are Stanford-Oklahoma and PSU-LSU.

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Recently, Barry Alvarez caused a stir by suggesting the Big Ten was seriously exploring expansion to add a 12th team, thus allowing the Big Ten to split into divisions and play a Championship.  See the story here.

Personally, as a fan, I love this idea.  But two problems tend to pop up with this:

1. Who is your 12th team? Potentially realistic suggestions include Rutgers or Syracuse (to bring in the NYC market), Pitt, Cincinnati, That School From South Bend, and Mizzou.  Less realistic suggestions (for academic, geographic, or athletic reasons) include West Virginia, Kentucky, Louisville, Nebraska, or Texas (seriously? Texas? Really?)
2. How do you divide the league into divisions without creating a serious "historical competitive imbalance" by placing too many of the big powers (OSU-Michigan-Penn State) in one division, and/or preserve traditional rivalries that teams and fans love?

So, to answer these questions, allow me to present the Chadnudj Plan for Big Ten Expansion -- in which the Big Ten adds Missouri, and divides into North-South divisions, while preserving ALL current protected Big Ten rivalries except one (and that one is Purdue-Northwestern, if you're curious and don't want to read further because this is the only rivalry you care about....what, no takers?)

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I'm very proud of our team for being in contention for its second straight NCAA National Championship in football. 

What, you don't believe me? Well....

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That's right, on December 2, 1974, our fearless and feared (by his opponents, particularly Iowa) leader Pat Fitzgerald was born, and immediately screamed until his face was purple....his favorite color.

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If this is the place to join for conference solidarity, we might as well discuss the games here....

As of now:

• Penn State beat UVA last night
• Northwestern is up 10 on NC State
• Purdue is down 2 right before the half against Wake
• Maryland is up 2 early against Indiana

Tonight, we have MSU-UNC, and VaTech-Iowa on tap....

As for me, I'm an NU fan....so naturally, I'm impressed we're playing well, on the road, without Kevin Coble....

Damn you, Colorado.

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Are the Cats and Corey WOOT!ton going to Disney World?

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Every year, thousands of Northwestern students skip class in the spring or fall, and head down to Wrigley to root on the Cubs.  It's practically a right of passage.

Well, Northwestern needs Cubs fans' help.

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Yeah, that's right, I just renamed this fan-post in punny honor of #99 himself, the man who almost single-handedly ruined Iowa's season -- Mr. Corey Wootton. Sue me.

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Hey Iowa, do you like apples?

via 1.bp.blogspot.com

Well Northwestern just ended your undefeated season, potentially cost you a Big Ten title, and has now beaten you 3 straight in Kinnick and 4 out of 5 overall -- how do you like them apples?

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