In June I ran a prediction of the possible Big 10 divisions if Nebraska were to join the conference, which did happen. Turns out I was off a little bit. I had Michigan and Michigan St in the same division but with Ohio St and Penn St rather than with Iowa and Nebraska, which they are. I really don't like how Michigan and Ohio St were separated but will still get to play each other to end the regular season. I don't think Michigan will be a sure-thing to enter the conference championship out of the "west" division (Iowa and Nebraska will prove to be good competition) but I also don't see why they should potentially play Ohio St in back-to-back games. To me the final game should be against a division rival (such as Iowa and Nebraska will be). I also am not too happy that Wisconsin and Iowa won't be playing every year. I'm not a Wisconsin fan at all but the game is always competitive and is usually a fun time. The "west" division should have included Wisconsin rather than Michigan or Michigan St. I'm also not too thrilled about the new "rivalry game" with Purdue. Seriously? They're not even close to being a rival of Iowa. Too bad that Nebraska got Penn St because PSU is the closest thing to a rival Iowa has from the other division. Maybe the Big 10 powers don't want Iowa to ruin another great PSU season.
Ok, I'm done with my "I don't like" rants. On to the stuff I'm looking forward to. Iowa won't play Illinois for a few more years. Will Ron Zook be coaching the next time we play? I doubt it. I'm also very thrilled that Iowa will close the season against Nebraska in 2011 and 2012. I'm bummed that we have to go to Lincoln in 2011 but that only means a possible road trip for me. I do like the conference championship game that will be in place. No more 2002 scenarios (I'm still convinced that Iowa would have beat Ohio St that year). The championship game adds a little more drama to the season. Last year's final week didn't mean much as far as the conference championship race since it was decided after Ohio St squeaked past Iowa the week before.
Of course the one thing I'm looking forward to more than anything else is THIS SATURDAY! College football finally returns to Iowa City! Looking ahead to 2011 is fun but we still have to get through 2010 first. I'm looking forward to the 2+ hour drive to Iowa City early Saturday morning. I'm ready to break out the tail gaiting supplies and have a good time before heading to Kinnick and watching some football. Hopefully this year's opener won't be as nerve racking as last year's. I don't want to see the starters after halftime (if you know what I mean).
Maybe the teams in the "east" division, other than Purdue, are thankful they won't be playing Iowa every year....
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