3 college football that would benefit most from eliminating divisions

By Dante Pryor | Jun 19, 2022

Nov 13, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Erick All (83) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Michigan defeated Penn State 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

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April 2, 2022; in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Corum (2) rushes at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Michigan Wolverines/Penn State Nittany Lions

Perhaps there are no two teams that will benefit more from both divisionless football and an expanded playoff than Michigan and Penn State. 2012 is one example of a season where both teams could have played for the conference championship but did not.

The Wolverines finished second to Nebraska in the former Legends division. Penn State and Ohio State were ineligible due to NCAA sanctions, leaving a 4-4 Wisconsin team to play Nebraska for the conference crown.

2016 saw Penn State play Wisconsin instead of Ohio State twice. Wisconsin finished 7-2 while Ohio State finished 8-1. Michigan and Northwestern finished 8-1 in 2018, with the Wolverines having the better overall record.

The more significant issue in the Big Ten is how often the championship game is not competitive. Even if the score is close to the spread, the game is hardly in doubt. The East has dominated the Big Ten since they moved to divisions in 2011, with Wisconsin as the only Big Ten East team to win the conference in 2012.

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