Just to be clear, the two primary programs that I mentioned were Michigan and Ohio State. The bowl coalition was established in 1992; the Big Ten and Pac-10 did not join until 1998. The Big Ten and the Pac-10 fought the Bowl Coalition from the very beginning because it interfered with the Rose Bowl, which is my precise point. The Big Ten and Pac-10 were saying exactly the same thing I've been saying: "Our conference champs play for the Rose Bowl. What do we need you for?"
Nothing elitist in that sentiment.
Football is competition. Competition is about being the best. If you don't care who the best is why even keep score.
Look, we had a great time on Saturday running into each other, who cares who won, its so.....burlesque.