2021 was a good year for the Big 10 ratings wise. I've been cheering for Ohio State because I've thought they were the best attraction for the Big 10 and the best chance for the Big 10 to win a national championship and if the Big 10 wins a national championship then the Big 10 will get more attention in the "war" with the SEC. No one believes the Big 10 is on par with the SEC in football, Ohio State was (and probably is still) our best chance against the SEC (and Clemson if they are still a national championship threat on a regular basis). If recruits think Ohio State (or Michigan, Penn State, etc) can compete for national championships with the Alabama's, Georgia's, Florida's, and LSU's, they'll come, Big Ten schools will win more championships, and more TV viewers will watch. If Michigan wins this year's national championship, more power to them. Is Michigan winning this year a good thing? It's great to know that a second team in the Big Ten can win. Ohio State/Michigan is the Iron Bowl of the Big Ten. Ohio State had won the previous eight. Alabama/Auburn was competitive the last few years even though Alabama has won multiple national championships and Auburn hasn't won since Cam Newton was there. Ohio State/Michigan is only going to be more popular if the outcome is in doubt and both schools are regular top ten level teams. If Penn State is able to actually beat the Illinois's of the world, we'll have three games a year that can regularly compete in TV ratings with the best of the SEC and not just have to depend on Ohio State all the time. The SEC doesn't always have to depend on Alabama. Alabama didn't even make the Playoff or even the SEC Championship Game in 2019 and the SEC still won the national championship and probably didn't hurt much in the ratings in the SEC Championship Game. Georgia/Michigan is huge for the Big Ten. If Michigan wins, we'll at least get a shot to take down Alabama. If we lose, the SEC wins again.