Big Ten Goofiness: Legends, Leaders and Logos

Possible Alignment After having added the Nebraska Cornhuskers, some of us were wondering how the conference (presently known as the Big 10) would align its new divisions. This should have been a no-brainer. Seriously.

Western Division Northwestern University, University of Illinois, University of Iowa, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska, University of Wisconsin

Eastern Division Indiana University, Michigan State University, Ohio State University, Penn State University, Purdue University, University of Michigan

Case closed (Example: kudos to the PAC 10/12 who got it as close as possible to being geographically correct under their new alliances.)

Actual Alignment The “Big Ten” disregarded reasonable geographic boundaries and labels. If you thought the ACC had bungled things with the arbitrary "Coastal" and "Atlantic" designations and groupings, wait until you get a load of the split:

Legends Division University of Iowa, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska, Northwestern University

Leaders Division University of Illinois, Indiana University, Ohio State University, Penn State University, Purdue University, University of Wisconsin

I'm all for pushing the envelope, but this is a head-scratcher. Not only does it screw up the geographic integrity of the league, the designations are just, well, Junior High. Seriously, Legends and Leaders? Does that mean that one school cannot be considered both?

Other Leagues I guess we can all hope for similar craziness in other leagues. How about this for the SEC?

Winners Division Louisiana State University, University of Alabama, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Tennessee

Fighters Division Auburn University, Mississippi State University, University of Arkansas, University of Mississippi, University of South Carolina, Vanderbilt University

This arrangement would help those like Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt, the original “winner and fighter.”

The Name The Big 10 is also keeping its name. More silliness! It has gone from 10 to 11 and now to 12 teams but has maintained the "10" designation. Of course it can't use the "Big 12" because the conference of 10 has the rights to that. What will they do if they add more institutions? A Big 10 with sixteen teams perhaps? What does "Big" mean in this context? Would not "Bigger 10" be more appropriate?

The Logo Lastly, it looks as if the conference has hired a grade school-based graphics company to design its new logo. Astonishing. Most any of us could do better with a copy of MS Paint. It shows very little imagination, is not accurate and has minimal esthetic appeal. What were they thinking?

Disclaimer I have the utmost respect for the schools of the Big 10. They have soundly beaten my Razorbacks in 3 bowl games over the past 10-12 years (Gophers, Wolverines and Badgers). We will play the Buckeyes in the 2011 Sugar Bowl. While I am hoping for a win, I know our task is formidable.