The news of USC and UCLA leaving the PAC 12 for the Big Ten rocked the college football community and has completely changed the layout of the five major conferences. The PAC 12 looks to be collapsing and the BIG 10 will have its hands full with scheduling. This is surely not the last major conference realignment we will see, but what does the addition of USC and UCLA mean for the Big Ten and Michigan.
Michigan won its first Big Ten Championship under Harbaugh last season. They are looking to maintain that momentum into this season, and hopefully the next few. It will not be an easy task as Ohio State is already looking to get revenge, and schools like Penn State, Iowa, and Michigan State are never guaranteed wins. Now two more potential contenders have entered the conference starting in 2024. It will only get harder for Michigan to hoist to Big Ten Trophy once again, but it may not be all bad.
The Pros of Adding USC and UCLA
It is as simple as this: To be the best, you have to beat the best. In no way is USC or UCLA the best in the country, but the Big Ten has struggled in the playoffs. Year after year with the exception of Ohio State, Big Ten teams have had trouble competing with the powerhouses down south in the Playoffs. As we saw last season, Michigan was the most dominate and physical Big Ten team and deserved to their spot in the CFP. However, they were manhandled by Georgia. Seeing Michigan get overpowered in every aspect of that game left many questioning the strength of the Big Ten. By adding UCLA and especially USC, the Big Ten and Michigan has greatly increased their strength of schedule. Yes, it will be harder to win, but the winner should be more equipped and experienced to take on the SEC.
USC and UCLA are also bringing in a huge market that will only better the Big Ten. Southern California has lots of money that will find its way into other Big Ten schools’ pockets. With money comes more recruits and more NIL deals. Believe it or not, recruiting should increase for Michigan as more perennial teams join. Kids want to play where the attention is. These are all very positive for the Wolverines and should get them excited for this merger.
The Cons of the Addition of USC and UCLA
However, for every positive comes a negative. With the increase in competition, Michigan’s odds are far less to win conference titles year after year. The more teams you have, especially well funded and well coached teams, the lower chance you have to win your conference. For those who are just worried about conference banners, this is a bad thing. At the current situation, Michigan has a very low chance of winning a national title anytime soon. Yes, without USC and UCLA, Michigan may win more conference championships, but at the end of the day, winning a National Championship should be every team’s priority. The addition of USC and UCLA should and will help Big Ten teams get ready for the competition of the SEC.
Another con is the increase in travel and changing of time zones for coaches and players. Travel is always hard to prepare for, but now having to travel an extra thousand miles, and 4 different time zones will be difficult to become accustomed to. Also with the distance, comes the trouble of tv time. Michigan normally plays numerous noon games. Noon E.T. games are impossible now if you’re playing a West Coast team. It will just be a learning curve. Great teams will be accustomed fast, others will not.
What is the Consensus?
It depends on who you ask. Are people content with a winning a conference championship and get rolled in the playoffs each year, or are they open for the challenge of a harder schedule that prepares them better for a title run. It is a simple answer. Michigan should embrace and accept the challenge. It gives them more national spotlight, more experience, more competition. It is an overall great move for the Big Ten and is extra motivation to work harder and play better. If Michigan wants to return to their days of Winning National Championships, then this is the way. It’s been 25 years since Michigan’s last national title. Something needs to change.
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