Big Ten football seems to be on the cusp of a revolution. They seem ready to break through and propose a new idea to commissioner Kevin Warren. Ohio State has rounded up Nebraska, Iowa, and Penn State and proposing a new plan for college football this fall. If they get six teams, the teams will play home-and-homes for a 10-game schedule with no Big Ten Championship. Right now, they only have four teams, and per a report from Jeff Snook and Sir Yacht, they need two more teams to get on board with their plan. Wisconsin and Michigan are the teams they would like to add. From the leaders of this, adding those two powers would seal the deal for the rest of the Big Ten. But there are problems here that exist.

For starters, Michigan and Wisconsin’s presidents are both staunch against the idea of the Big Ten playing. Rebecca Blank spoke to reporters the day after and said that they didn’t have a ‘choice.’ Alvarez is apparently on board, but he has been rank and file with Blank. If that changes in the coming days, maybe he can convince Blank to change her tune. After all, Wisconsin is playing high school football this year and the Packers are playing. Maybe that’s what gets it done, but I’m skeptical that Wisconsin will join the party.

To me, it is much more likely that Michigan turns the tide. They have more boosters, more money, and more care about football than Wisconsin. But unlike Wisconsin, they’re not playing high school football. That gives Michigan’s president more of a case for not playing football. Jim Harbaugh and the athletic director will likely try to push in the other way. Michigan’s president is also from the medical profession which makes the climb even harder. Stil if boosters stop supporting Michigan and cut off funding, Michigan might change their tune.

If the Big Ten revolution cannot get Michigan and Wisconsin, Purdue, Indiana, or Minnesota might be a worthwhile option to consider. Indiana has been relatively calm when it comes to COVID-19. And they’re far ahead in the high school football game that games are happening this Friday in that state. While Indiana and Purdue are not the revenue-drivers like Wisconsin and Michigan, they might be easier options. I have to assume they’re the backup plan.

Charlie.