College sports update

A lot of developments have taken place this past week in College sports. Here are explanations and reactions to recent news involving Big Ten expansion and USC's scandal.

Big Ten accepts Nebraska

The Big Ten and the University of Nebraska confirmed on Friday that Nebraska would be joining the Big Ten, the start of Big Ten expansion that has been talked about for years. The Cornhuskers will begin playing in the Big Ten, or what ever it will be called, in 2011.

Illinois athletic staff is already reacting, and all reactions are welcoming. "“Nebraska has a great football tradition as well as a high level of success in many other sports," Illini football coach Ron Zook said. Basketball coach Bruce Weber added, "Nebraska is a great addition to our league as another strong state school with a passionate following like so many in our conference."

But the Illini aren't the only ones reacting quickly. Wisconsin football coach Brett Bielema talked about playing the Huskers and Notre Dame (foreshadow?) way before talks between the conference and Nebraska started, and he is very excited. Bielema has already asked the Big Ten if they can be paired with Nebraska as their end of the year rivalry game.

What does this mean?

For the Big Ten, it means a conference championship. Nebraska brings the Big Ten's total to twelve, which allows the Big Ten to play for a championship. This means that the Big Ten will split into two divsions, most likely down the eastern border of the states of Illinois and Wisconsin. The western division would be Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, Northwestern, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The eastern half would be Indiana, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, and Penn State.

For the rest of college football, this is one more giant step towards the end of the Big 12. The Big 12 has already experienced the loss of Colorado to the Pac-10, and many other Big 12 schools are talking of leaving for the Pac-10, Conference USA, or the Mountain West. Nebraska to the Big Ten is another big loss for the Big 12, and they are likely to not exist in 2011.

I like Nebraska in the Big Ten. They have a huge following, great football tradition, and are culturally very similar to Big Ten schools. I am excited to see the excitement that they will bring to midwestern football. Now all we need is some Irish influence in the Big Ten.

NCAA brings down the hammer on USC

USC has been undergoing a sacndal involving football star Reggie Bush and basketball sensation OJ Mayo recently, as it has been discovered that they were recieving "gifts" to play for the Trojans. The NCAA has finally taken action, however, and what action it is.

The NCAA announced that Southern Cal is not eligible for any Bowl Games or the NCAA Tournament for the next two years, and that they must forfeit a number of victories, one of them the "Bush Push" game against Notre Dame in 05. This doesn't mean that the Irish get a win added to their record, however, just the USC gets one taken away.

Bush is also going to be forced to give up his Heisman Trophy, which saddends me because he was a great running back.

Overall, it is said to see such a dynastic program have to do this, yet it brings me some inner joy as a Notre Dame fan. I have always hated the Trojans and I am happy to say that the Irish upset the #1 team in the nation that Saturday evening in South Bend. GO IRISH!