Conference reputations are built on bowl
records, which explains the Big Ten's perception problems over much of the past
decade.
Starting with the 2000 season, the Big Ten went 24-38 in bowls over a nine-year
period before bouncing back to win four of seven last season.
You would think most of those losses would be against the powerful Southeastern
Conference, right? After all, the conferences always seem to be paired in two
or three bowls every season, and the SEC has all that great speed.
But the Big Ten, believe it or not, has actually held its own. Over the past
six seasons, the Big Ten is 8-7 in bowl games vs. the SEC.
The SEC, however, holds a 14-12 edge if you go back to the 2000 season. Still,
not too bad.
The Big Ten teams that have had the most success in these bowl matchups with
the SEC over the past decade include Michigan (3-1), Iowa (3-1), Minnesota
(2-0) and Penn State (2-1). The Big Ten hasn't done as well against the Pac-10,
losing nine of the past 13 bowl matchups, and the Big 12, losing nine of the
past 14.
This season there are four Big Ten-SEC showdowns, and the Big Ten is favored in
only one: Ohio State over Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 4. The SEC is
favored
