This is a sharp reversal from 2014, when the divisions switched from the much-derided “Legends” and “Leaders” to the current geographical setup. Originally, Michigan and Michigan State were opposite Penn State and Ohio State. Nebraska was paired with the two Michigan schools, Iowa, Northwestern and Minnesota. It worked OK. NU and MSU were well-matched and built something of a tense respect for each other.

Ideally, the Spartans would have stayed in the West while Purdue went to the East. And when realignment is discussed now, that’s usually the switch brought up.

It made more sense in 2014 than it does now. Purdue and Michigan State could easily switch places over the next five seasons. Remember the Bobby Williams and John L. Smith eras in East Lansing? MSU’s place at the top of the Big Ten food chain is more tenuous than Ohio State or Penn State.

Still, MSU has won two Big Ten titles in the last decade and played for another. That’s two more championships than most teams (including Michigan!) and it prompts the question of when, precisely, the West will rise.

Allow NU coach Scott Frost to answer.