No, we're not talking about expanding the conference, only expanding the conference schedule. At the Big Ten Media Day, Delany discussed the idea of expanding to a nine-game conference slate. "I would describe them as alive, but I cannot report that there is a clear majority [in favor]. But there is a clear majority that has been willing to discuss it," Delany said.

The pros, of course, include a tougher overall schedule, as teams would be unable to schedule weaker non-conference opponents like Delaware State and Wofford.

However, the Chicago Tribune points out the cons: "A loss of revenue that would result from playing only six home games; one Big Ten team still would play eight conference games because of the math involved; and a tougher schedule would make it harder for teams to reach six wins and qualify for a bowl game."

Delany said he understands the cons, "[b]ut I'm starting to think that while 6-6 and going to a bowl is good, in other cases it's really not a welcome development at all because when a school has a great season, [its fans] might be bowl-fatigued."