Remember when every Big Ten member was from a state that bordered a Great Lake (except Iowa)?
I think for a lot of fans, there is something to be said for "our area vs yours." Fort Wayne vs Indianapolis, Indianapolis vs Cincinnati, East vs West, North vs South, Big Ten vs SEC. What incentive does a fan from Indiana have to root for Oregon (B10) vs Tennessee (SEC)? Will a fan from the Big Ten remain loyal to the Big Ten in rooting for USC over Kentucky? I think when it comes down to it, I'll have a hard time cheering for west coast teams over the bible belt teams. Just one fan's perspective.