It's Official: Big Ten Divisional Alignment

Your divisions were as stated previously:

• Michigan, Nebraska, Iowa, Michigan State, Northwestern and Minnesota.

• Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Purdue, Indiana and Illinois.

Ugh.  I don't like it, but Ohio State vs. Michigan will remain at the end of the season.  Small win. 

Michigan is in a much tougher division, at least at first glance.  Thoughts are welcome below. Sorry for the brevity - more in depth analysis over the next 48 hours, and updates throughout the evening.

UPDATE:

Schedules are announced for 2011 and 2012:

2011:

• 10/1 – Minnesota
  
• 10/8 – @ Northwestern
  
• 10/15 – @ Michigan State
  
• 10/22 – BYE
  
• 10/29 – Purdue
  
• 11/5 – @ Iowa
  
• 11/12 – @ Illinois
  
• 11/19 – Nebraska
• 11/26 - Ohio State

2012:

• 9/29 – BYE
  
• 10/6 – @ Purdue
  
• 10/13 – Illinois
  
• 10/20 – Michigan State
  
• 10/27 – @ Nebraska
  
• 11/3 – @ Minnesota
  
• 11/10 – Northwestern
  
• 11/17 – Iowa
  
• 11/24 – @ Ohio State

UPDATE II

Athletic Directors interviewed:

David Brandon:

On his reaction to the schedule and divisions:  Brandon said that he was very happy, and credits a lot of advice and feedback from a lot of people

On separating divisions from Ohio State:  Brandon is happy with decision to spearate divisions.  It was "exceedingly important" to be able to play Ohio State in the Championship Game.  "We don't mind playing Ohio State twice in a year."

On reaction from fans to potential of moving THE GAME:  Brandon got lots of opinions on lots of decisions.  Most common response was "keep it as the last game."  There were "very few people who didn't feel strongly on that principle."  All of the AD's came together to come up with what you see now.

On the rivalry, and whether the expanded schedule would impact OOC schedules in the future:  Brandon does not anticipate there being a change in the way OOC games are scheduled.  Notre Dame will remain.

FWIW: Gene Smith, Ohio State AD, agreed on nearly all thoughts put forth by David, stating that there was a lot of fan feedback, and that the new schedules/expansion will NOT affect OOC scheduling going forward.