Aaron Doster/USA Today Sports, via Reuters
CHICAGO — Survey the schools that make up the modern Big Ten, and you find brand-name universities that actually have the football history to back up their bragging.
Michigan and its N.C.A.A.-leading 953 all-time wins. Nebraska, whose mention evokes memories of Tom Osborne’s bracingly powerful and speedy offenses. Ohio State, which has 37 Big Ten titles. Penn State and its prodigious stream of stirring linebackers. The league is awash in Rose Bowl victories and has amassed 51 national championships.
Yet it is not easy being part of the Big Ten these days, at least when it comes to reaching college football’s most consequential games.