Indiana to the West over Purdue?

[AreWeThereYet]

Right now Indiana would be a better choice for the Big Ten West than Purdue. Indiana would be a little more competitive in the West than they are in the East. I realize that Purdue wanted to go to the west, to have a fighting chance at rebuilding their program. Purdue football program has fallen so far they aren't competitive anywhere.

The problem is Purdue's traditional rivals are mostly in the East; Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State. The top teams in the west are a little easier to play but I think Purdue cuts themselves off from opponent fan travel and recruiting opportunities. If Purdue is going to struggle anyway, they might as well get TV exposure for the school out east.

In the east, Purdue would maintain a crossover with Indiana and see a schedule weighted toward games with Northwestern and Illinois.

 

[Hawk90]

How would Indiana be more competitive in the West than the East? 2014 it was 7-7 East vs West. 2015 it was 7-7 East vs West. Granted, the East has won both Championships, but it is perception, not reality that the East is the stronger division. Do you work for ESPN?

 

[thawks1]

Perception that the Elite teams reside in the East- OSU, UM, PSu and of late MSU.

 

[AreWeThereYet]

I'll stick with my contention that the matchups in the west would be slightly more favorable. Their is some reality to the perception that the top of the East is stronger. The disparity isn't as exaggerated as some in the national press would have us believe, but it's there.

 

[PCHawk]

Perception that the Elite teams reside in the East- OSU, UM, PSu and of late MSU.

PSU?

 

[thawks1]

PSU is still considered Elite by many- they are just getting a full roster back. The so called experts look long term not 3-5 years. That is why MSU needs to continue to win 10 or more games a year for a few more years then they will be considered an Elite team by most experts.

 

[ArvadaHawk]

I'll stick with my contention that the matchups in the west would be slightly more favorable. Their is some reality to the perception that the top of the East is stronger. The disparity isn't as exaggerated as some in the national press would have us believe, but it's there.

I agree with you. IU playing Illanoy, Goophy and even jNW each season is better than RU and MD. They would have more opportunity for winnable games each season. Even Iowa, WUs and kNU would be winnable more frequently, to IU, because they would play every season and not just on a rotating basis. PU can just take the 40 mil and continue to be bad.

 

[ArvadaHawk]

PSU?

I think we have to agree that PSU , at some point, will be high level again, if not elite. PSU's down turn has been off the field and not on the field..

 

[thawks1]

When a team moves from east to west division 5 road games year 1 and 4 year 2 in the conference. Lots more travel and less chance for families to see games live. It can and does effect recruiting. How much I am not sure.

 

[thetrza]

If true then we will all have to reconsider our B1G West Champion picks and standings for this fall.

 

[guffus]

a better choice to move west would be MSU

 

[AreWeThereYet]

a better choice to move west would be MSU

If balance between East and West were the primary priority, I might agree. There are other factors.

I am sure Michigan State would rather maintain its association with Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State. Michigan State is also looking east for recruits more so than west. The TV people also want Michigan State matchups with eastern teams.

I still think Purdue breaking its old rivalries with Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State was a mistake. Purdue is first and foremost a high end engineering school that draws students from a wide area. They should have stuck with the higher population demographic of the Eastern division for exposure if nothing else. Indiana is more of a Midwestern school.

 

[PCHawk]

I think we have to agree that PSU , at some point, will be high level again, if not elite. PSU's down turn has been off the field and not on the field..

PSU was elite because of a coach they don't have anymore. I'm not saying they won't get it back, but there's no guarantee.

 

[trj]

PSU is still considered Elite by many- they are just getting a full roster back. The so called experts look long term not 3-5 years. That is why MSU needs to continue to win 10 or more games a year for a few more years then they will be considered an Elite team by most experts.

I think OSU will be elite as long as Urban is there we will see with Harbaugh and Michigan. Imo, both guys will not be there in 5-7 years. Given the circumstances BOB did an amazing job with PSU, the transition to James Franklin hasn't gone smooth, he is already on the hot seat. I am not sure where the standard is with PSU football right now. 8 wins a year good enough? 10? I don't know. I am with you with MSU they have to keep doing it.

 

[koralakers]

How would Indiana be more competitive in the West than the East? 2014 it was 7-7 East vs West. 2015 it was 7-7 East vs West. Granted, the East has won both Championships, but it is perception, not reality that the East is the stronger division. Do you work for ESPN?

exactly!!

 

[FCAS]

I think we have to agree that PSU , at some point, will be high level again, if not elite.

That sounds vaguely familiar. I seem to recall another school's fan base that's been saying that for some time now.... if I could only remember..

 

[PCHawk]

That sounds vaguely familiar. I seem to recall another school's fan base that's been saying that for some time now.... if I could only remember..

Saying it since the 90s perhaps?