(07-22-2019 07:49 PM)Nerdlinger Wrote:  Since there's all this talk of divisionless conferences now, I thought I'd bump this thread. I've revamped the Big Ten setup in the OP, and also revised the 4th and 5th protected opponents for the ACC there.

Quote:PENN STATE Ohio State Michigan State Maryland | Rutgers | Iowa

Penn State's top three would be (in order) Ohio State then either Maryland or Rutgers. Ohio State is the only school they've played annually without a break since joining the Big Ten. Maryland and Rutgers were allegedly added specifically to satisfy Penn State so it would be pretty unusual to not play both annually, not to mention the history between the schools prior to Penn State's arrival in the Big Ten. New Jersey and Maryland are important recruiting areas for athletes and students for Penn State and obviously where a ton of alumni reside.

Michigan State may be a "rivalry" in name only but isn't that important to PSU. They didn't play each other annually in the Leaders/Legends years because it just wasn't necessary. Penn State cares more about Michigan as they see them as equals as top brands.

I don't see Penn State fighting to save a rivalry from the western division. Nebraska was supposed to be that but the Big Ten didn't let that flourish and redistributed the divisions quickly with the latest additions. Penn State has some bad blood with Iowa but nothing that needs played annually. Penn State has a trophy game with Minnesota but they aren't a priority either.

The divisions as currently constructed basically fit Penn State's interests best. Penn State is a northeastern/east coast school, not as much a Midwest or Great Lakes school. If I had to pick five schools in order, I'd go with these:

Ohio State, Maryland, Rutgers, Michigan, Michigan State

I know that's not realistic based on the needs of the rest of the conference so subbing out Michigan or Michigan State for Nebraska works best.

As for the rest of the conference, I think the western four (Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota) should be a "pod" that all play each other, the Illinois/Indiana four should mostly be a "pod", then the remaining 6 should mostly be a "pod". Ohio State - Illinois is a big deal to those schools, as Michigan State - Indiana may be as well.