Mark it down - OSU and Michigan in the same divisions and THE GAME will be the last regular season game of the year.

Mark it down - OSU and Michigan in the same divisions and THE GAME will be the last regular season game of the year.


Why does it seem like everyone thinks it's foregone conclusion that THE GAME is going to move?

Unless I've missed a few press releases all we have are non committal responses by Jim Tressel and RichRod.  Jim Delaney has only said essentially that some things are going to change but that tradition is important.  The AD's from both schools have said essentially the same thing.  I've seen many posts by people worried that no one cares about tradition and that THE GAME is going to move to October.  I seriously doubt it happens and here's why. (after the break).



1) Tradition - The Big Ten is full of tradition.  There is no tradition greater of all of football than the Ohio State - Michigan game.  People are reading too much into Delany's statement of some traditions may change.  Tradition at Northwestern and Indiana isn't the same as tradition at Ohio State or Michigan.

2) National Perception - There are only a few teams in the Big Ten that will draw sizable numbers and have national interest.  The Ohio State - Michigan game is at the head of the list.  Why move it as the marquee game at the end of November as you will diminish the brand?  ((To those that say the championship game has already done that I disagree. While playing THE GAME and beating Michigan is a treat by itself it is much more delicious to take something away from them be it a Big Ten Title or the chance to goto a bowl game.  With a division setup it will be more likely THE GAME will be played for something more than just bragging rights.))

3) Boosters - All schools have an inner core of fans that donate ridiculous amounts of money to be an "insider".  These fans tend to be older, conservative and outspoken.  I'm sure they've already made it very clear they want at little change to the game as possible.  No school can afford to offend these and I'm sure the president, AD, and coaches of both schools know the furor that would happen if the game is moved (meaning pocketbooks might not be as open).

4) Job Security - Fans have long memories and the presidents/ADs don't want to considered to have done something the fans don't want.  If this decision goes the wrong way and they aren't on record as fighting it to the end it will follow them for the rest of their career at the respective universities and hasten their exit.  The fact that most parties have been silent means there is no reason for them to protect themselves and is actually a good sign.

5) Big Ten Equality - While it is true there is equality in the Big Ten historically that is only because Ohio State and Michigan have choose to let it happen.  The other schools  don't want to wake a sleeping giant as Ohio State and Michigan have always been "more equal" than the rest.


The bottom line is:
 - When the Big Ten decided to expand they choose Nebraska because it was the obvious choice.

 - When the Big Ten decided to add a championship game they choose to do it in Lucas Oil Stadium because it was the obvious choice.

 - When the Big Ten splits up the divisions Ohio State and Michigan will end up in the same division because it is the obvious choice.

 - When the Big Ten makes the 2011 schedule Michigan will be our last game because it is the obvious choice.

I don't know why people can't see this.  MARK IT DOWN! :)