The Big 10 is in Danger of Becoming Irrelevant

It may not be fair and it may not be right, but the Big 10 conference is in a dangerous position.

Thanks to the two performances in the BCS title game by Ohio State, the whole conference's image has suffered.

Now, both Ohio State and Penn State, the two "elite" teams in the Big 10 have chances to save face.

They both have chances to make major statements about against two programs—USC and Texas—that could possibly erase that bad taste the rest of country—outside of Columbus, OH and State College, PA—have in their mouth about Big 10 football.

Forget the other bowl game matchups against SEC foes. These two games hold all the marbles.

Win and respect will be restored. Split the games and some respect will be restored.

Lose both closely, and most folks will yawn as it was expected.

But—and this is a big but—if they get blown out in both games, then most will look at the Big 10 the way they have looked at the Big East in the BCS era.

Yeah, your conference champ will get the automatic bid, but good luck being considered for the BCS title game.

I'm an SEC fan and an Alabama alum, and even I don't think it's fair. You have to give respect to Ohio State for winning a national title and playing at such a high level for this entire decade. It is also great to see Penn State back in the national picture.

It will be interesting to see how both OSU and PSU compete in these two games. Will they rise to the challenge and quiet the naysayers, or will they falter like so many people are predicting.

The Big 10's reputation may be in the balance.