Bret Bielema might be brilliant.
That’s how you start off a column right there. It’s either, “I must keep reading because this is destined to be the most idiotic thing I’ve ever read” or “okay, go on …”
Bielema rolled out his latest version of “saying things people might be thinking, but knowing enough that are thinking it will speak up in support” with his idea of a football Big Ten-SEC challenge.
It’s pie in the sky stuff for we college football fans, because nothing is as eternally divisive in the sport as arguments which cannot be proven beyond a hint of a doubt yet are resurrected annually as the hottest talking points going.
It’s also a fool’s paradise, since it has zero chance of happening. The saddest part about that is that it would be amazing for college football, a sport ravaged annually by the lack of big ticket out of conference games to grip the viewer to the seats.
It would be a total vagary for the powers that be to have a shift in that thinking versus the increasingly popular thought of, “it’s football, so people will watch anyway no matter what we give them.” It’s truth, albeit a sad one.
Still, why not project into the crystal ball at what the best matchups would be with a blurb as to why, and give ole Bielema a pat on the back for being insane enough to propose something so fun. When you’re young, you’re stupid enough to think you can change the world. When you’re old, you’re smart enough to realize you can’t. Still, it’s fun to be old and look back at what would happen if, by chance, you were young enough and still could.
Ohio State vs. Alabama
It might become a consistent thing until Nick Saban and Urban Meyer step down, but in the mean time, let’s just lock it in. There’s no harm in two of the most boisterous and divisive fan bases in college football going at it.
Michigan vs. LSU
Call it the Michigan Man Bowl for the time being. A faction of influential Michigan people really are anti-Les Miles. There’d be a lot of interesting back stories and comments from two of the most colorful coaches in college football.
Wisconsin vs. Arkansas
Oh, admit it, Bret, you just want the opportunity to paddle Wisconsin and say mean things about them. The problem is, sometimes, you don’t win.
Texas A&M vs. Nebraska
Old Big 8 foes have the chance to hack at one another again. It is ironic that Nebraska, who fared better in the Big 12 than TAMU, has fallen on harder times moving to the Big Ten than TAMU moving onto the SEC after their own version of throwing the Big 12’s clothing out a second-story window.
Northwestern vs. Vanderbilt
The “See You in the Board Room in a Few Years” Bowl.
Indiana vs. Kentucky
These two used to play with some degree of regularity. Winning team gets to host the IU-Kentucky basketball game that no longer happens but should. Hell, you might get FANS out there making tackles if that’s on the line.
Michigan State vs. Florida
This one is a little dicey because it depends on that SEC East and who decides to be good during a given year. Last year, this is Georgia. This year, it’s Florida. MSU is sort of locked in as a power for the time being.
Minnesota vs. Missouri
Let’s be honest … Missouri is the only SEC team that’d be okay with playing in the kind of weather Minnesota offers. “Yo, newbie, you get the short straw.”
Penn State vs. Ole Miss
Both programs are in good places with good, young coaches and deep enough successes in their history to think they’ll completely fall off the map anytime soon.
Rutgers vs. Mississippi State
Not sure there are two more psychologically opposing groups of individuals within each conference that could be found. Time to see how the other side lives.
Iowa vs. Georgia
The “Be careful what you wish for if you fire your current coach because you don’t think he’s doing enough” bowl. Mark Richt should get some feedback from Iowa on how that works out before going to the BOT.
Illinois vs. Auburn
Rich traditions. Lots of navy blue and orange.
Purdue vs. South Carolina
Mostly because we have to find a team for each to play and we’re running out of options.
Maryland vs. Tennessee
Purely thinking of budgets here, but this seems cost-effective from a travel standpoint. It’s a little surprising these teams have only met eight times in college football history.
Have better ideas? Don’t think Bret Bielema is brilliant? Surely you jest. Give us your opinion on Twitter @TheStudentSect.
