Do you think, if the Big Ten goes to 9 games,

[rdschoulte]

Wisconsin will be a protected rival?

 

[hwkwyld]

Yes, if there is a 9-game schedule, Iowa/Wisconsin will be played annually. Especially with JD's comments about how IA/Wiscy dominated the division alignment meetings

 

[edr247]

Yes. It would appear that part of the reason we had 2 protected rivalries after PSU joined was to get Iowa-Wisconsin back every year (we rotated out the last time the conference expanded).

And if Delany is to be believed, the Iowa-Wisconsin rivalry being dropped dominated the most recent expansion/division talks.

If we go to 9 games, we will be granted a Wisconsin-Iowa rivalry game. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised that if we stick with 8 games, the Big Ten might consider adding a second protected rivalry and rotating out non-division games faster or something.

You really can't drop such a competitive, geographic rivalry.

 

[beaverdaleguy]

You do know that another "cross rivalry" would make it 9 games, not "sticking with 8 games"....yes? Besides, the mid teams (NW, Indiana, Purdue, Ill) won't want another "protected rivalry" if it means giving up a cupcake. That is their only chance to make it to 6-6 and try for a toilet bowl invite.

 

[Schneid]

The Big Ten's reasons for expanding to 9 games is so that every team is guaranteed to play each other 2 out of every 4 years. So I actually highly doubt that the rivalry would be protected but there would Never be a 4 year break like the 8 game schedule would eventually give teams.

 

[eyekwah]

No, the coaches are not for 9 games.