The B1G 10: 2022 is more proof that the Big Ten has to scrap divisions

Matt Hayes tackles the 10 hottest topics in the Big Ten every Tuesday.

The Big Ten West Division is a mess. The conference needs to scrap divisions.

Illinois has 2 conference losses, 1 of them to the worst team in the East Division. Wisconsin, Purdue, Iowa and Minnesota have 3 conference wins, while Nebraska has 4 losses and Northwestern has 1 conference win. Illinois is in a dream season, but last weekend it lost at home to Michigan State. Purdue entered the season with a top-four defense and a star quarterback, and it just lost by 21 points to Iowa. Minnesota has a one-dimensional offense, with struggling QB Tanner Morgan. Paul Chryst, the coach of Wisconsin fired in October, needs to win out and have Illinois lose 2 of the next 3 games.

The Big Ten has two division championships. The division names were chosen by former commissioner Jim Delany. They were called Legends and Leaders. The conference championship takes place on Championship Saturday. It is the only one in the league. BigTen has not won a national championship in more than a decade. Delana wrote a letter to fans about the need to discipline the recruitment process.

The Big Ten is changing its division format and introducing sports betting. The conference will have a championship game between East and West divisions. The West division hasn't won the conference championship since.

The B1G 10: 2022 is more proof that the Big Ten has to scrap divisions. The best-case scenario for the league is that Illinois finishes 9-3 and wins the West. If Illinois loses to Michigan, the best case scenario is for Ohio State and Michigan to play each other in the championship game.

Michigan is the only team that hasn't trailed in the 4th quarter this season. Georgia and Ohio State both trailed late in games. Michigan won 41-17 against Penn State. Maryland came close to Michigan, but couldn't get closer.

The B1G 10: 2022 is more proof that the Big Ten has to scrap divisions. Indiana at Ohio State (-40.5), Purdue (+6. 5), Illinois (+28.25), Nebraska (+ 28.50), Michigan (-1.75), Wisconsin (- 1.0), Iowa (-10.

NFL scout analyzes a draft-eligible Big Ten player this week. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njiba is a top-15 pick. The B1G 10: 2022 is more proof that the Big League has to scrap divisions.

The Big Ten has to scrap divisions. Transfer portal priority in 2023.

The Big Ten added Victor Oluwatimi from Virginia to the list of players to be transferred in 2022.

Tanner McCallister left Oklahoma State and followed new DC Jim Knowles.

The Big Ten 10: 2022 is more proof that the Big League has to scrap divisions. Penn State needs to get stronger and bigger on the defensive line and edge rush.

Bret Bielema has spent 2 years looking for the right fit for his position.

The Big Ten has to scrap divisions. Wisconsin tried to sign a quarterback last year, but Caleb Williams didn't fit.

Maryland needs help on the lines of scrimmage in 2023.

Iowa has had problems at quarterback the past 3 seasons. Kirk Ferentz has won a lot of games around here.

The Big Ten needs to scrap divisions.

The B1G 10: 2022 is more proof that the Big Ten has to scrap divisions. Michigan State has lived off the portal more than any other team in the league.

The Big Ten needs to scrap divisions. Greg Schiano likes his young quarterbacks, but his offensive line needs some help.

Nebraska needs to improve their lines of scrimmage.

Indiana needs help at every position, but specifically in the secondary.

Pat Fitzgerald wants players that fit his program. Northwestern needs speed on both sides of the ball.

The B1G 10: 2022 is proof that the Big Ten has to scrap divisions. Pete Fisher, Detroit, believes in Mel Tucker and that huge contract at Michigan State.

The B1G 10: 2022 is more proof that the Big Ten has to scrap divisions. Pete thinks everyone is waiting for Tucker to fail because he took advantage of a job situation where he had leverage.

Tucker is responsible for the team's performance this season. He could finish with as many as 8 wins and 2 wins over ranked teams. Tucker recruited high school players. He had Michigan State in the Playoff race in 2021 and regressed the following season, but he's not ready to say he wasted money on him.

Charlie Jones caught 83 passes in 9 games in his first season at Purdue. He caught 39 passes at Iowa in 3 seasons. Charlie caught just 39 in Iowa with a bad quarterback and a poor protection. Kirk Ferentz should get a quarterbacks coach. The Big Ten has to scrap divisions.

Ryan Day is not happy with the weather at Northwestern last weekend. The B1G 10: 2022 is more proof that the Big Ten has to scrap divisions.