When Nebraska left the Big 12 for the Big 10, it effectively ended one of the greatest rivalries in the history of college football.

I must respectfully disagree. The expansion of the Big 8 to the Big 12 effectively ended one of the greatest rivalries in the history of college football. Great rivalry games don't occur two times every four years.

If the rivalry wasn't worth saving then, perhaps it isn't worth saving now.

Still, it is sad to know that we won't be seeing the Sooners in Lincoln any time soon.

PROPOSED DIVISIONS

(Division names can be decided later. For now, I'll use the many spellings of the commissioner's last name)

Delany Division

Penn State
Nebraska
Iowa
Northwestern
Indiana
Purdue

Delaney Division

Ohio State
Michigan State
Michigan
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Illinois

PROTECTED CROSSOVERS

Like the SEC, the new Big Ten will have one protected crossover for each team ...

Penn State-Ohio State
Nebraska-Michigan
Iowa-Minnesota
Northwestern-Wisconsin
Indiana-Illinois
Purdue-Michigan State

They're special, Jim, so be kind. In fact, a red carpet of some kind wouldn't be considered over the top.

They are the Big Red. The only Big Red that matters. Nebraska. A program that forged its reputation playing walk-ons from the state's cornfields. It was recruiting New Jersey before Rutgers had a clue. At one time, its coaches used to know California better than The Governator.

 

It is a national program with incredibly deep local roots so be gentle, Jim, because Nebraska football isn't a "brand" or "inventory" as you like to call the games you sell to networks. Nebraska football isn't just something to fill air time on the Big Ten Network. It is a culture. It is brawn. It is Outlands, Heismans.