The New Look of the Big Ten

With the additional of a twelfth school in Nebraska, the Big Ten is now forced to divide into two six conference teams, and thus a conference championship game. Recently, the two divisions were announced. The Leaders division consists of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio State, Purdue, Penn State, and Wisconsin. The Legends division consists of Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Iowa. However, what is even more intriguing is the plethora of new award titles for the league:

Annual Awards/Trophies
Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year	Otto Graham, Northwestern Eddie George, Ohio State
Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year	Bronislau "Bronko" Nagurski, Minnesota Charles Woodson, Michigan
Hayes-Schembechler Coach of the Year	Wayne Woodrow "Woody" Hayes, Ohio State Glenn Edward "Bo" Schembechler, Michigan
Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year	Darrell Thompson, Minnesota Antwaan Randle El, Indiana
Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year	Dave Rimington, Nebraska Orlando Pace, Ohio State
Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year	Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith, Michigan State Courtney Brown, Penn State
Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year	Bob Griese, Purdue Drew Brees, Purdue
Ameche-Dayne Running Back of the Year	Alan Ameche, Wisconsin Ron Dayne, Wisconsin
Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year	Jack Tatum, Ohio State Rod Woodson, Purdue
Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year	Dick Butkus, Illinois Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern
Richter-Howard Receiver of the Year	Pat Richter, Wisconsin Desmond Howard, Michigan
Kwalick-Clark Tight End of the Year	Ted Kwalick, Penn State Dallas Clark, Iowa
Bakken-Andersen Kicker of the Year	Jim Bakken, Wisconsin Morten Andersen, Michigan State
Eddleman-Fields Punter of the Year	Thomas Dwight "Dike" Eddleman, Illinois Brandon Fields, Michigan State

Now let's imagine Notre Dame joined the Big Ten in the off-season in lieu of Nebraska. I would keep the divisional breakdowns relatively the same, putting Notre Dame in the Legends division, while swapping out Michigan State for Purdue. That way, the Irish could keep traditional rivals in Michigan and Purdue, have an annual battle of Chicago with Northwestern, perennial strong foe in Iowa, and channel the recruiting pipeline in Minnesota. Not to mention, there would be occasional match-ups with Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, and Michigan State. (I have no interest in Indiana or Illinois).

Furthermore, all the awards would have to be renamed to include all the Notre Dame legends. After all, certainly Notre Dame would have more influence than Nebraska's one inclusion. My best guess at the awards:


Raghib "Rocket" Ishmail Offensive Player of the Year Award

Leon Hart Defensive Player of the Year Award

Knute Rockne Coach of the Year Award
HM: Ara Parseghian, Dan Devine, Lou Holtz, Frank Leahy

George Connor Offensive Lineman of the Year Award
HM: Aaron Taylor, Jeff Faine

Ross Browner Defensive Lineman of the Year Award
HM: Alan Page, Chris Zorich, Bryant Young

Paul "Golden Boy" Hornung Quarterback of the Year Award
HM: Johnny Lujack, Harry Stuhldreher, John Huarte, Joe Theisman, Joe Montana, Terry Hanratty, Tony Rice

George "The Gipper" Gipp Running Back of the Year Award
HM: Jim Crowley, Leon Hart, Johnny Lattner, Elmer Layden, Nick Eddy, Vagas Ferguson, Allan Pinkett

Johnny Lujack Defensive Back of the Year Award
HM: Johnny Lattner

Jim Lynch Linebacker of the Year Award
HM: Nick Buoniconti

Tim Brown Wide Receiver of the Year Award
HM: Raghib Ishmail

Ken MacAfee Tight End of the Year Award
HM: Dave Casper, Mark Bavaro

John Carney Kicker of the Year Award

Hunter Smith Punter of the Year Award


The only award I could not figure out (because there's no way to really look it up) was the Freshman of the Year Award. Not to mention, I am sure there are names that I have forgotten, so feel free to comment below and remind me.


-DH