They certainly are. Perhaps that is why ever since the "do-over" year you have tended to ignore them. As for the "winningest (sic) program ever," it is not surprising that Michigan has won a lot while playing mostly other "big" 10 weaklings.
That one with little to cheer about has to rely on an anemic "big" 10 schedule and the era of no helmets and therefore no teeth to claim that record is perfectly understandable.
However, when the modern football era (that is after World War II) is considered, Oklahoma (my beloved most favorite team) leads in both victories and winning percentage and is second to Notre Dame in National Titles*:
1. Notre Dame (8) 2. Oklahoma (7) 3. Alabama (6) 4. Miami (5) Southern Cal (5) 6. Minnesota (4) Nebraska (4) Ohio State (4) 9. Florida (3) Texas (3) 10. Six Schools (2)
Finally, when your fading memory again surfaces however briefly, try to remember these four items:
Texas, Florida, LSU, Florida
... and have someone explain to you that these teams have won the last four NCAA national championships.
*Here's a thought: Just as the addition of State Pen Penn State as the 11th "big" 10 team helped to bring at least some respectability to that sisterhood of sissies, perhaps Notre Dame can be persuaded to dishonor its fine football tradition by becoming the "big" 10's 12th team. Perhaps not ... :>)
it is not surprising that Michigan has won a lot while playing mostly other "big" 10 weaklings.
it is not surprising that Michigan has won a lot while playing mostly other "big" 10 weaklings from the SEC (12 wins and 2 losses in the past twenty years).
Fixed.
:-)