In several published reports, the new Big Ten will have a two divisional alignment starting in 2011. It looks at this time that the conference will breakdown the following way.
Division One
Michigan State
Nebraska
Iowa
Michigan
Northwestern
Minnesota
Division Two
Ohio State
Penn State
Wisconsin
Purdue
Indiana
Illinois
For Michigan State, the new alignment will keep the Spartans together with instate rival Michigan and have them playing Nebraska each season. However, with each team given a consistent crossover game, who will the Spartans pick to play each season?
Indiana has long been a rival game with the Old Brass Spittoon awarded to the winner. The game goes back to 1950 when the junior and senior classes and the MSU student council presented it to IU. The spittoon is believed to be nearly 190 years old and legend has it that it was around when both schools were founded. The Spartans lead the series 40-12-1.
The Spartans and Penn State have played for the Land-Grant Trophy since the renewal of the series in 1993. This would look like the team the Spartans would have removed from their schedule since the two teams did not play from 1967 to 1992. The Nittany Lions lead the series 12-14-1.
From the looks of things, Michigan State will have Indiana on its schedule in 2011 and beyond. However, until the official announcement is made tonight, Spartan fans and other Big Ten fans will have to wait and see what the future will look like.
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