As the Big Ten tries to figure out how the divisions are going to be set, it is time for give to give my two cents.

The only logical way to divide the conference is to use Lake Michigan as the dividing line and go East-West.  Why?  Rivalries is the first reason . Minnesota-Iowa, Minnesota-Wisconsin, Iowa-Wisconsin, and with Nebraska coming into the conference, the rivalry between Minnesota and Nebraska (they have met 51 times) and Iowa and Nebraska (41 times) will be renewed. Let's not forget the rivalry between the states of Illinois and Wisconsin (Bears-Packers, Cubs-Brewers).

The second reason is the fans of the northernmost team (Minnesota) and the westernmost team (Nebraska) should be able to easily travel to at least in-division road games.  The longest in-division trip for Gopher fans would be 422 to Champaign, easily traveled in 8 hours. For Nebraska, it is Evanston at 529 miles, or about a 10 hour drive.

So, for the sake of rivalries and fan friendliness, make it East-West for the Big Ten.