Conference doesn't appear interested in title game

Even if the NCAA changes its rule, the Big Ten holds little interest.
CHICAGO (AP) -- There doesn't appear to be much interest among Big Ten coaches in holding a conference title game -- even if the NCAA changes a rule to allow one.
A proposal submitted by the ACC asks the NCAA to change its rules to allow leagues with 10 or more teams to hold lucrative league title games. Only conferences with 12 or more schools, such the SEC and Big 12, are currently allowed to play title games.
There are currently 11 teams in the Big Ten.
"I don't think that I've heard any discussion that would lead me to believe that if it were possible, we would do it," Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany said Wednesday at the Big Ten kickoff. "While it might clear up some things competitively, it also might undermine some things competitively."
No groundswell
A conference championship game could generate $10 million to $15 million for the Big Ten, but Delany said there isn't a groundswell of support for it among coaches or administrators.
Delany said coaches fear a title game would diminish the importance of season-ending match-ups -- such as the Michigan-Ohio State game -- that have existed for decades in the Big Ten.
"As far as a playoff, I'm not really for it right now," Illinois coach Ron Turner said. "I don't really see a need to have a playoff in the Big Ten."
ACC expansion
The ACC expanded to 11 teams June 30 when Miami and Virginia Tech dropped out of the Big East. A major reason the ACC expanded from nine members to 11 was to be able to hold a revenue-generating football championship game.
The movement in the Big East and ACC led to speculation that the Big Ten would consider adding a 12th member.
Administrators discussed the possibility earlier in the year, but Delany said none felt an urgent need to shake up the Big Ten.
"There's no strong sense of having to add, nor is there any fear of [losing schools]," Delany said. "We're in a very fortunate, healthy situation in light of this change and chaos that occurs in and around us."
No fan of title game
Wisconsin coach Barry Alvarez isn't a fan of the title game.
"As I've visited with some of the other coaches in the leagues who have playoffs, I don't think any of them are very excited about it," he said. "I think it diminishes some of the season and I think it's a letdown for the team that's had a great season, and then puts their season on the line for a playoff game.
"The reason, and the only reason, is for a paycheck."