How do you tell the story of the 2010 season?
Do you tell the story of what happened on the field?
Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Ohio State all finished 11-1 (7-1). Unlike the previous three-way ties, the BCS rankings were used to break this log jam. Wisconsin went to the Rose Bowl (and lost to TCU), Ohio State went to the Sugar Bowl (and beat Arkansas), and Michigan State went to the Capital One Bowl (and lost big to Alabama). If you believe your memories, this is the story that you'll turn to.
Did you miss a favorite year? You can revisit the whole countdown here.
Do you tell the story of what's reflected in the record book?
Michigan State and Wisconsin won the conference with 11-1 (7-1) records. Had this been the actual tie at the top, Michigan State would have gone to Pasadena for the first time since the 1987 season. Wisconsin would, undoubtedly, been selected to face Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl. Ohio State finished 0-1, vacating their other 12 games due to their coach intentionally playing ineligible players. Ohio State's streak of Big Ten titles ended at five. It's winning streak versus Michigan ended at six. If you believe the facts, this is the story that you'll turn to.
Regardless of which story you choose to remember, it was the end of an eighteen year era in the Big Ten. The 11 Team Years were officially closed. The next era in Big Ten football starts tomorrow.
Oh, and though they weren't in the conference yet...
...Nebraska (off the field) had a pretty good year, too.
