Settling the Big 12 Vs. Big Ten BCS Debate

With the immeasurable debate on whether Texas Tech deserves to have jumped to No. 2 over Penn State in the BCS, it is important to consider a few things.

First, if they lose—and my Longhorn Bias wants this to start happening this Saturday—it won't matter.  As an aside, Tech fans should revel in a magnificent performance last week.  I thought we might steal it, but Tech made one more play, and Texas did not.

Second, if Tech wins out, it won't matter, as Tech would have jumped Penn State anyway based on their schedule strength.

Lastly, it brings up a similar debate, most often weighed between the SEC and Big 12.  Let's try it with the Big 12 vs. the Big Ten.

For argument's sake, I will remove a middle of the road Big 12 team (say Kansas) to equate with the Big Ten's 11 teams (that is SO unstable, it pains me to even write).  I will use the current standings for both conferences.

No. 3 Penn State at No. 2 Texas Tech
No. 12 Ohio State at No. 5 Texas
No. 18 Michigan State at No. 6 Oklahoma
Northwestern at No. 8 Oklahoma State
No. 14 Missouri at Minnesota
Nebraska at Illinois
Iowa at Texas A&M
Colorado at Purdue
Kansas State at Indiana
Michigan at Baylor
Iowa State at Wisconsin

I tried to give home field an equal shake but afforded the higher-ranked team the benefit in most cases. If both teams play their best, Tech wins by 10-plus.  Ohio State and Sparty lose badly.  Northwestern might be the mercy kill special.

The Big Ten may catch wins with Wisconsin and Purdue, but it would be a stretch to see any more than three total THIS YEAR.  Let's agree to be fair and trade on the merits of current performance...not on history or brand.

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