Big Ten Blog Unveiled

Welcome to Big Ten Musings, a blog completely dedicated to Big Ten sports along with some Notre Dame happenings from time to time.

I’m Doug Griffiths and I’m part of the MAX 98.3 FM and WKVI 99.3 FM family. I’ve been covering Big Ten sports since the 1980s and been a fan of the conference since I was a little kid, which believe me was a long long time ago!

I was the editor of Purdue’s Gold & Black Illustrated for 20 years (December 1991-July 2011), primarily covering football and men’s basketball.

I was also a contributor to Indiana University’s Inside Indiana, and a regular contributor to the University of Nebraska’s Huskers Illustrated.

Plus, I had stints at IndySpotsLegends.com, covering Notre Dame, Purdue and all things Big Ten.

I’ve been blessed to cover some of the Big Ten’s greatest athletes and teams, not to mention traveled to this planet’s finest sports venues.

Needless to say I’m looking forward to weighing in on some of the happenings around the Big Ten and on Notre Dame.

And in the coming days and weeks, there will be plenty to talk about.

First, I’m going to tackle the embarrassment that happened Saturday following the Michigan State-Michigan game in Michigan Stadium’s tunnel.

Then with the calendar turning to November, the race is heating up to see who will win the Big Ten West and the Big Ten East, and represent each of those divisions in the football championship game in December in Indy.

Illinois is in the driver’s seat to represent the West with Purdue having a shot, but the Boilermakers will have to win Nov. 12 in Champaign which will be a tall order.

It’s Ohio State and Michigan battling it out to represent the East. What else is new, right? The two will collide Nov. 26 in Columbus with not only a ticket to the Big Ten Championship game on the line, but without question college football playoff implications at stake.

In case you’re wondering, the last Big Ten team to win a national championship in football was Ohio State in 2014. Michigan accomplished the feat in 1997. The last time someone from the Big Ten other than Ohio State or Michigan won it all was in 1966 – Michigan State.

Also, believe it or not basketball season is upon us. Most teams have had their “secret scrimmages” and are now embarking on their exhibition games. Within seven to 10 days regular-season games tip. It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year, but it is.

Is Mike Woodson’s IU team the cream of the crop like some believe in the Big Ten or will this season have another surprise like it did last year when Wisconsin won the regular season league title and Iowa won the Big Ten Tournament (that’s still hard to believe, especially for Purdue fans)?

One thing is certain … Big Ten hoops never disappointments (except in the NCAA Tournament … that stings doesn’t it?).

It’s been an excruciating title drought for the conference in men’s basketball. It’s hard to grasp, but Michigan State, led by the Flintstones a.k.a. Matinee Cleaves and Co., was its last champion way back in 2000.

Regarding Notre Dame football, the 5-3 Irish host undefeated Clemson Saturday in South Bend and still have a date with nationally ranked USC in California after games against Navy and Boston College.

Is a 7-5 season a success in Marcus Freeman’s first full season under the Golden Dome?

As you can see, there’s plenty to discuss.

So stay tuned! We’re just getting started.

You can follow me on my personal Twitter page – @DougGriffMAX983 – as well as keep an eye on his posts on Twitter @Maxsports983 and on Facebook (facebook.com/wymrradio) and MAX’s website – MAX983.net.