The decision to do away with divisions also forges a more meritocratic path toward the Big Ten Championship at a time when an imbalance between East and West rendered the league's title game somewhat trivial.

Source: https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/did-big-ten-nail-it-big-wins-potential-pitfalls-in-new-schedule-format

With potential Big Ten Championship Game and College Football Playoff appearances for the Wolverines hanging in the balance, it’s a tough spot for the conference to be in.

Source: https://awfulannouncing.com/college-football/joel-klatt-prematurely-punishing-michigan.html