What the Big Ten Needs to Do to be Recognized as the Best Conference in College Football

As the 2024 college football season kicks off, the debate about which conference reigns supreme continues to heat up. Traditionally, the SEC has held the crown, but there’s growing conversation around the Big Ten and its potential to dethrone the SEC as the best conference in college football. To achieve this recognition, the Big Ten must not only maintain its top-tier teams’ performance but also elevate the conference’s overall competitiveness. Here’s what needs to happen for the Big Ten to claim the title of the best conference in the nation.

1. Avoiding Non-Conference Upsets
One of the primary ways the Big Ten can make a strong case as the top conference is by avoiding upsets in non-conference games. These early-season matchups set the tone for national perception. Historically, the Big Ten has suffered embarrassing losses in these games, which have hurt its reputation. For example, in 2021, Minnesota’s unexpected loss to Bowling Green was a significant setback. This year, the Big Ten needs to secure victories in games where they are favored, like Nebraska against Colorado and Penn State versus West Virginia. Winning these games not only boosts the individual team’s standing but also enhances the conference’s overall image.

2. Competing in Toss-Up Games
In addition to winning games where they are expected to dominate, Big Ten teams must perform well in closely contested non-conference matchups. These “toss-up” games are often the difference between a good season and a great one for the conference as a whole. For instance, if Illinois can avoid a blowout against Kansas, or if Rutgers manages to edge out Virginia Tech, these victories would significantly strengthen the Big Ten’s standing. Moreover, matchups like Michigan State versus Boston College or Maryland against Virginia provide opportunities for the conference to demonstrate its depth and resilience.

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3. Top Teams Advancing in the Playoffs
While the Big Ten has consistently had teams like Ohio State and Michigan in playoff contention, the conference must show it can compete and win against the SEC’s best. This season, the goal should be to get multiple teams into the playoffs and, ideally, the national championship game. If the Big Ten can place two teams in the national championship, as the SEC has done with Georgia and Alabama, it would be a significant step toward being recognized as the premier conference. The potential for matchups like Ohio State versus Oregon or Michigan versus Alabama in the playoffs could be pivotal in shifting the narrative.

4. Sustained Success Over Multiple Seasons
It’s not enough for the Big Ten to have a strong season; the conference needs to show consistency over several years. The SEC has built its reputation on a decade of dominance, punctuated by national championships and sustained success across multiple programs. For the Big Ten, it’s about building on previous successes and avoiding the perception that any victory is a one-off. If teams like Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State can consistently challenge for national titles, while mid-tier teams like Wisconsin and Iowa also improve, the Big Ten will be in a strong position to claim superiority.

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5. Winning the Big Games
Finally, the Big Ten must win the marquee matchups. Whether it’s a playoff game against an SEC powerhouse or a non-conference clash with a top-10 opponent, these are the games that define a conference’s legacy. Last season, Georgia narrowly defeated Ohio State in a thrilling playoff game, but the Buckeyes were on the cusp of victory. This year, the Big Ten needs to close the gap and win these pivotal games to tip the scales in their favor.

For the Big Ten to be recognized as the best conference in college football, it needs to execute across multiple fronts: dominating non-conference play, excelling in playoff scenarios, and maintaining consistency across seasons. While the SEC’s grip on the top spot remains firm, the Big Ten has the talent, depth, and opportunity to challenge that dominance. If the conference can avoid pitfalls, win the games it’s supposed to, and succeed in the most significant matchups, the conversation about the best conference in college football could take on a very different tone by season’s end.