Sorry Commissioner

I don’t know why Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delaney thinks he needs to promote the newest member of the conference—Nebraska—but I guess he does.

Delaney called the Huskers yesterday the “Green Bay Packers of the Big Ten.” If you’re ready to laugh now, go ahead. If you are thinking about throwing stones, please don’t.

I guess Delaney thought the Packer reference was a good comparison. But sorry, Jim, Green Bay is in a class of itself.

If I was Michigan, Ohio State or some other so called Big Ten heavyweight, I would feel offended. Nebraska’s only Big Ten claim to fame is being the conference’s 12th member. No touchdown passes have been thrown, no games won and no titles seized.

Delaney is obviously thrilled that Nebraska joined the conference. But the Huskers can stand on their own feet. They have the tradition (in football), the conference championships and the national titles. The Huskers will do fine in the Big Ten. The operative word is “will.” not have.

As far as being like the Packers, I’m sorry, Jim. Smaller market, only game in town, I get that. But programs are measured in championships and the Huskers haven’t won one lately.

The Big Ten in an Ooops Moment

Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delaney said yesterday that the conference may have to call an audible regarding the name of the two new divisions.

People just don’t like Legends and Leaders. They really don’t like the names. As you know, I was one of those people. Remember my old Coke, new Coke comparison?

Traditionally the Big Ten moves slowly. But you have to give the conference credit for quickly owning up to its blunder.

Why doesn’t the Big Ten run a contest and have the fans vote on the names? Give the gal/guy with the winning names tickets to the Big Ten basketball championships or the new Big Ten title game?

Delaney said that he wants to promote the conference not drive fans away. My idea would promote goodwill and drive fans to the conference.

It will be interesting to see what happens. People are watching and waiting. They are really watching and waiting. Delaney has the outcries to prove it.