'The Game' as regular-season finale is no sure thing
There's been plenty of talk, as the Big Ten prepares for divisional alignment, about maintaining the annual Michigan-Ohio State rivalry.
While everybody involved seems confident that 'The Game' will continue each year, the Columbus Dispatch writes today that it being the last game of the regular season -- as it has since 1935 -- is much less certain.
"I know one thing for sure -- that we're going to play (Michigan) every year," Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith told the newspaper. "We may end up playing the last game of the year, or not. I just don't know that yet."
The theory is if Michigan and Ohio State end up in the same division, their football game would remain the last one of the regular season because there would be no chance of a rematch in the Big Ten title game. But if they are in different divisions, the game might be moved back to avoid the possibility of back-to-back matchups.
Comments
garrisondyer
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 11:12 a.m.
What's the problem with back-to-back matchups?
Blue in the 614
Thu, Aug 19, 2010 : 7:13 p.m.
I would hate to see The Game moved to a different week. I live in the heart of Suckeye land. There's just something special about wearing my maize and blue and flying the UM flag with pride that week. It is the climax of the entire season for both teams and a must win. It just wouldn't have the same feel if it were moved.
3 And Out
Thu, Aug 19, 2010 : 4:35 p.m.
moving the game would be a disaster for the Big Ten....you dont mess with traditions like that
jameslucas
Thu, Aug 19, 2010 : 3:13 p.m.
Its the rivalries that are important. The rivalries must remain in the same division if the rivalries are to remain meaningful. Can you imagine playing a rivalry game where the outcome has no impact on divisional standings? Or a Michigan /Ohio State in the middle of the season? I would like to see locked in division rival games, to end the regular season every year, spread out over three days of the four day thanksgiving weekend, so all the games would be televised, without any game competing against any other games broadcast time slot. A lot of fans have a long thanksgiving weekend; this would allow fans to watch every game live on television. Scheduling the games this way would also allow you to travel to as many as three of the six games. It would do what no other conference can, put together six sold out games in the same week. I think this would create a buzz that can help with bowl invitations to the ten teams that can not play in the Big Ten Championship game. Thanksgiving Weekend Rivalries Eastern Time Zone Division Games 3rd Day The Game Michigan Ohio State 2nd Day The Land Grant Game Pen State Michigan State 1st Day The Old Oaken Bucket Game Purdue Indiana Central Time Zone Division Games 3rd Day The Polka Game Nebraska Iowa 2nd Day The Slab of Bacon Game Minnesota Wisconsin 1st Day The Land of Lincoln Game Northwestern Illinois
Kubrick66
Thu, Aug 19, 2010 : 2:16 p.m.
I'm all for change.