The Big Ten/ACC Challenge has not exactly been a competitive success, not from the Big Ten’s viewpoint. Since 1999, when the format was developed to create fan-friendly television matchups by highlighting men’s basketball teams from the respective conferences, the ACC has posted a 48-27 record, including an 8-3 mark last season.
Nonetheless, the partnership of these two high-profile leagues has been a financial success, while annually delivering a quality opponent on the schedule. Could this concept now expand to Big Ten football?
Possibly, according to University of Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez. Last week, the Big Ten’s football coaches and ADs got together in Chicago and discussed a variety of hot-button topics, not the least of which was potentially expanding the conference schedule from eight games to nine.