The Big Ten is about to undergo some massive changes when the conference expands to 16 members with the additions of USC and UCLA in 2024. With the expansion comes a new model to crown a national championship that, in all likelihood, does away with a traditional division format. And according to ESPN analyst Greg McElroy, Penn State may be the team that benefits the most from the remodeled Big Ten’s structure.
“Now we’ve talked about this for a while, Penn State is probably gonna be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the new look Big Ten,” McElroy said in a recent episode of Always College Football. “And Penn State, when they get rid of the divisions, their schedule’s immediately going to get more manageable, immediately.”
The idea that Penn State stands to benefit by no longer being in a division format that lumps them in the same division as Ohio State and Michigan is not a unique one, of course. And, in theory, not having to be blocked in the standings by both Ohio State and Michigan just to play in the Big Ten championship game as a division leader does seem to be an easier path to a Big Ten title shot. Of course, the Big Ten still has to confirm what the new model for the conference will be moving forward, and hopefully those details are incoming sooner rather than later.
“And take it one step further, one thing that has been in Penn State’s way in route to a national championship birth or a Big Ten Championship is Ohio State,” McElroy explained. “And Penn State’s program as of right this moment is not where Ohio State’s program is, doesn’t mean they can’t get there, doesn’t mean they won’t ultimately get there, but they’re not in the same spot right now.”
Penn State has beaten Ohio State just once under head coach [autotag]James Franklin[/autotag], a record the head coach of the Nittany Lions no doubt doesn’t need to be reminded of. And Michigan, with back-to-back Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff appearances, has held the upper hand on the Nittany Lions each of the past two seasons.
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