In light of the Big Ten splitting its football teams into two divisions separating Illinois from in-state rival Northwestern, Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther noted the importance of retaining Northwestern as an annual cross-division game.
"We put on the table that we would take the Northwestern game (as a protected rival)," Guenther said. "The in-state rival even from time that I came to Illinois, that has been a significant game. It was an important factor."
The new divisions announced Wednesday grouped Illinois with Ohio State, Purdue, Indiana, Penn State and Wisconsin, starting with the 2011 season. Every school is promised a game against one team from the other division every year.
Head football coach Ron Zook said he did not lobby for any divisional opponents and doubted he would have had an influence on the decision.
He noted that a nine-game conference schedule, which could begin in 2015, would make the season tougher.
"I think the overall general consensus (among coaches) was we'd all rather play eight conference games," Zook said. "It's another tough opponent."
Overall, he was pleased with the divisional split.
"I think it makes the conference better," he said.
No vitriol, just a rousing, GO TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rose Bowl!