Done deal. After a lot of speculation and discussion, the Big Ten conference announced it would hold its championship game in Indianapolis through 2015, according to Tom Mulhern of Madison.com. The inaugural game is scheduled for December 3, at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Indianapolis beat other locations for the honor, with Chicago emerging as the main alternative to the indoor home of the Indianapolis Colts. According to Mulhern, Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany made it clear Chicago's Soldier Field didn't stand much of a chance. The Big Ten is nothing if not cautious, and the league appeared set on having the first several installments of the championship game in a controllable environment.
What do you think? Did the B1G make the right call here? Or is Big Ten football meant to be played outside? Fire away in the comments. More links after the jump!
ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg has a few links for us today. First, he has a piece about Russell Wilson's upcoming visit to Madison. Wilson is rumored to be on campus this Tuesday and Wednesday, so if you're in Madison those days try and be super nice to everyone.
Rittenberg also has his Big Ten mailblog posted, with a few answers about how the Badgers will benefit from Ohio State's *ahem* misfortune.
Finally, Rittenberg has an update on football recruiting across the Big Ten.
Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that former Badger and current Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas is one of the NFL's top 50 players.
Finally, men's hockey coach Mike Eaves explains the Big Ten's playoff choice for the blooming Big Ten hockey conference.
Have a great day!