Three Changes That Will Make the Big Ten Dominant Again

The Big Ten has a glorious tradition, but its national image has been tarnished in the past few years.  I believe that with a few changes, the Big Ten could turn things around.

Some of the changes are straightforward, while others would take radical moves by university presidents and athletic directors.  However, I believe all of them would help return the Big Ten to national prominence in three to seven years.

By the way, by national prominence I mean having two to three teams per year with legitimate national title aspirations, winning more than 50 percent of the conference's bowl games (including BCS), and winning a national title every three to five years.

1. Scheduling

Playing tougher schedules would improve bowl game performance, increase national exposure for the conference (good for recruiting), and help legitimize the conference relative to the others early in the season (good for the BCS).  With tougher schedules, fewer teams would get bowl bids, but the teams that go would be legit.

Part of the reason Big Ten teams have done poorly in bowl games is that they haven’t had much experience playing strong teams that they aren’t familiar with.  Don’t get me wrong: League games are tough, but after playing the same team for 70 to 80 years, you know their style.

It’s tougher to play a talented team that you’re unfamiliar with.  This would be healthy for both players and coaches.  The league needs more games like Illinois vs. Missouri and Ohio State vs. USC. 

2. Coaching

In college football, it’s all about coaching.  Thankfully, many of the coaches in the Big Ten are good or on the rise.  Michigan recently upgraded, and this will ultimately be good for the conference.

The biggest, most glaring problem here is Penn State.  We all love Joe Pa, but let’s face it: PSU is a sleeping giant.  With all of the high school talent in Pennsylvania, they should be competing for a national title every two to four years.

If PSU can upgrade, the Big Ten would have three established national powers (Ohio State, Michigan, and PSU).  Add Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan State (all programs on the rise), and the top of the Big Ten would be very formidable.

3. Passing

The Big Ten should start throwing more.  Perhaps you’re thinking to yourself, "What does he mean?  The Big Ten throws!"  Well, yes and no.

Did you know Troy Smith was the first Big Ten QB to win the Heisman?  (Les Horvath in 1944 doesn’t count—he attempted 32 passes all year.)  What does that say about the league?

Quick, name three starting Big Ten QBs.  Thought so.  I bet you know five Big 12 QBs.

Obviously, Big Ten teams need strong running games to weather the elements in November, but they also need to pass more so that they can attract elite quarterback recruits.  Elite quarterbacks attract elite receivers and linemen, and so on and so on.  Throwing more will raise the quality of recruiting at skill positions.

Don’t believe me?  Look at Ohio State’s recruiting since Troy Smith won the Heisman.  I guarantee Jim Tressel popped in a Troy Smith highlight video when he recruited Terrelle Pryor (from PSU’s backyard).