Big Ten discussing potential scheduling changes to fast-forward The Alliance matchups

Now that the days of “Legends and Leaders” divisions are in the past, the Big Ten might be putting divisions to rest entirely. That’s what Iowa’s athletic director told The Athletic, at least.

The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman spoke with Iowa athletic director and former College Football Playoff committee chairman Gary Barta about a potential shakeup. The Big Ten currently plays a nine-game conference schedule with three non-conference games, including three inter-divisional games.

But that might move to eight league games to create another non-conference matchup. That would allow the Big Ten to schedule an extra game with a Pac-12 or ACC opponent as part of The Alliance. As a result, the Big Ten would move away from the “East and West” division setup it currently has in place.

In fact, divisions would go away entirely.

“We’ve had several conversations,” Barta told Dochterman. “One of the things that we’re watching is whether it’s related to The Alliance, which we’re talking through and/or, what gives us the best opportunity to have the most success in the College Football Playoff format?

“We’re wondering if we’re going to know what the format is before we have to make that decision. So, we’re kind of waiting to see where that lands. But we have had active conversations about the schedule beyond 2022.”

The changes wouldn’t occur until 2023, according to Barta. Dochterman also noted the Big Ten’s media rights deal runs through the end of the 2022 season, which is why the divisional system would still be in place through this coming season.

The league office also announced adjustments to its schedule earlier this month, so things are still moving around for the 2022 season.

How The Alliance could impact Big Ten scheduling

There are some marquee matchups that could come with an Alliance-friendly schedule. Dochterman cited Ohio State vs. Clemson and Michigan vs. USC as “high-powered” possibilities, but other fun showdowns could be options, too.

It also comes down to getting more attention on the leagues. With more attention comes a higher profile — and with a higher profile comes a stronger league.

“Anything we do as a conference has to make our conference better, and so that’s the 10,000-foot principle that we’re operating from,” Barta told Dochterman. “So, whatever we do in future scheduling, it has to make us better. What will make the Big Ten Conference even stronger? We’re very strong, but what would make us even stronger?”