The University of Iowa recently compiled the composite standings for the Big Ten over the past 30 football seasons. They omitted Penn State, as they were not a member for the entire period.
What is most surprising about the list:
1. That only three teams finished over .500.
2. That Michigan State led the league in coaching changes.
3. That Northwestern has upped their winning percentage to almost 30%. When you consider that the longest losing streak in the history of I-A football is during this time period (34 straight), that's quite a feat.
You are who we thought you are. The worst team in the Big Ten.
What's not surprising about the list:
1. That it's still the Big Two and everybody else. Iowa sits in third place, with 21 more wins than 4th Place Michigan State. And yet, for Iowa to pass Ohio State for second place, the Hawkeyes would need to win every conference game over the next five years, while tOSU failed to win one. At that point, Iowa would pass tOSU on the 35 year list. Here's hoping.
2. That magical seasons can happen anywhere - unless you wear a deep shade of red. Then you're destined for failure.
Fail. Again. And Again.
3. Big Ten Titles (including shared): Ohio State + Michigan = 25. The rest of the league = 17 (and adding Penn State only ups the number to 20). In another way, Iowa is third with 5 titles. That's less than half of second place Ohio State's 12. The Big Two may not have been as dominant as it was from 1969-1978, but it is still the two-headed lead dog.
By the way, we're halfway to the start of the season. It's going to be a long summer.