I still think that Oregon and Washington are the two best teams I've seen this year. And I've seen everyone.
I'm not sure the majority of the Big 1210 knows what's coming their way. These additions will completely upend the power structure of that conference.
Yes and no. The Big 10 has competition as well. The issue is, IMO, going to be a lot more difficult for the west coast schools to join a mideast conference. Historically all the teams that have previously joined the Big 10 struggled quite a bit. Nebraska still haven't come found themselves for example. But given how PSU's schedule looks next year, it certainly feels like an overall much stronger and competitive league.
I'm soooo excited for the PSU Michigan game this weekend. Will be my first time returning to PSU for a game in 6 years and it's about as big of a game as you can get. The stadium is doing a stripe out (wear blue or white depending on which section you are in). Sadly I'm in a blue section but I just got a new white jersey, oh well, I'm going to wear it anyway. With all the cheating talk for Michigan, I get the feeling a lot of the general college football fan base is going to be rooting for PSU.
PSU still has a very outside path to the playoffs. If PSU beats Michigan and Michigan beats Ohio State, that leaves those three in a 3 way tie for the big 10 East division and the tie breaker would be the overall record of the Big 10 West schools each team faced. Right now, PSU is winning that tie breaker and based on remaining games, are currently still predicted to win that tie breaker. A LOT on the line for PSU to play for this weekend beyond pride/beating michigan/whatever. PSU can still win the Big 10 this year.
Having said all that. I dont expect to win. I see something like a 21-14 loss. Michigan's defense is crazy good and PSUs offense is questionable. Hopefully being home and the way our offense played last week will change that.