The Big Ten: BCS Whipping Boy?

Penn State's Rose Bowl Loss Just the Latest in Long Line of Big Hits for Big Ten After seeing Penn State get thoroughly demolished by USC in the Rose Bowl, I thought to myself, "Is USC this good, or is Penn State and the rest of the Big Ten really this bad?"  After all, Ohio State established this trend by getting pulverized in back-to-back BCS Championship games by much more physical SEC squads in Florida and LSU. The Big Ten has been getting bad rap for its performances in the past couple of years, especially on the big stage. Three traditional powerhouse programs and major TV markets will always make the Big Ten relevant in college football, but we're in the dark ages for the conference. The conference hasn't won a Rose Bowl since 2000 and, like many around college football, can't find an answer for USC. A lack of constant, high-caliber opposition during the regular season sets the Big Ten up for failure during bowl season.  The conference has not had a national champion since ... (link)