While Delany was non-committal I think in the end the conference will logically place the two new members along with Penn State will make a eastern block as Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota are in the west. I also believe that will mean one of three geographically logic teams (Wisconsin, Illinois, and Purdue) will be the preferred ones then to "Western" division. I think the Big Ten's competitive assessment will drive that decision, and as such I pulled Maryland and Rutgers football win-loss record to compare to the rest of the conference.

• Maryland: Wins in 00s = 71, Wins in 90s = 38, Wins in 80s = 63, Overall Wins = 611
• Rutgers: Wins in 00s = 58, Wins in 90s = 37, Wins in 80s = 47, Overall Wins = 607

On average Maryland is most similar to Michigan State or Purdue, while Rutgers is most similar to Northwestern or Illinois. And in looking at average wins for all division members the most competitive balance would favor Illinois moving to the "Western" division. Now that opens up Northwestern and Illinois to partner with Rutgers and Maryland as cross-division rivals. But I think in the name of preserving historical rivalries Illinois and Purdue (Purdue Cannon) will partner up. Leaving Northwestern and Iowa, and maybe Michigan State and Indiana (most tenuous rivalry game) to partner up with our new east coast cousins.