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MIKE BROWN: Big Ten’s move to scrap football divisions in 2024 a good one

By Mike Brown
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) looks for a receiver against the Georgia Bulldogs during the third quarter of the 2022 Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) looks for a receiver against the Georgia Bulldogs during the third quarter of the 2022 Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. John David Mercer USA TODAY Sports

The Big Ten Conference announced recently that it plans to scrap its two division football format, starting with the 2024 season.

Of course, 2024 will be the first season that new members UCLA and USC join the conference.

Why the Big Ten made a good decision

I like the Big Ten’s decision to dump the two-division format. How many times have we seen teams from the Big Ten East (Legends Division) throttle the champion from the Big Ten West (Leaders Division) in the conference championship game in Indianapolis?

Remember Ohio State’s 59-0 thrashing of Big Ten West champ Wisconsin in 2014, or how about Michigan’s 42-3 romp over Iowa, the west champ, in 2021?

Starting in 2024, the Big Ten divisions go away for good. To that, I say, so long and good riddance.

Now, the top two overall teams, not divisional champs, will play in the Big Ten Championship Game.

I have a strong feeling this will produce a much more entertaining outcome.

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