Why The Big Ten Is The Best Conference In College Sports

Why the Big Ten stands above the rest of the collegiate landscape in terms of awesomeness and notoriety.

They Lay Claim to the Ohio State v. Michigan Rivalry

This is, arguably, the best rivalry in all of sports.

It has been contested for well over 100 years.

Michigan leads the overall rivalry 58-44-6.

The Rivalry also Involves Two of the Best Coaches in College Football History

Bo Schembechler for Michigan and Woody Hayes for Ohio State.

The Big Ten Has the Best Mascots

Some of the mascots from the conference. From left: Herky the Hawk, Brutus Buckeye, Purdue Pete, Bucky Badger, Goldy Gopher, Willie the Wildcat, Nittany Lion, and Sparty.

They can be Cute

Like Minnesota's Goldy the Gopher.

Or a Little Confusing

Ohio State's Brutus Buckeye who's head resembles the nut from the Buckeye tree.

But They Never Back Down.

Michigan State's Sparty.

Big Ten School's Have Also Been Known to Party

University of Iowa students showing John Kerry good hospitality.

With Some Tailgates Turning into Full-Fledged Parties

Indiana University students are known for their ability to tailgate.

The Basketball is the Best in the Nation.

The University of Michigan Wolverines, who were a Final Four team this year.

The Football is Top-Notch

Urban Meyer led the Buckeyes to an undefeated season in 2012.

They Have the Best College Traditions

Ohio State's marching band spells out the Script Ohio at every game.

Wisconsin Has Tradition, Too.

At the end of the third quarter at every Wisconsin home game, the entire stadium shakes as the audience dances to House of Pain's "Jump Around".

Iowa's is a Little Different.

The opposing team's locker room at Iowa's Kinnick Stadium is painted pink as a way to get in their heads.

Penn State's is the biggest.

The classic Penn State white out, over 100,000 people wear white to form a raucous sea of Nittany Lion faithful.

Overall, Big Ten Fans are Truly Unbeatable

Minnesota Fans at a home basketball game.

Nebraska's Fans have Contributed to Over 300 Consecutive Sell-Outs

An NCAA record that dates all the way back to the 60s, people.

So Join the Millions of Other Fans of the Conference

Estimated amount of fans per Big Ten school, with new members Rutgers and Maryland highlighted.

Because if There's One Thing Big Ten Fan's Know, It's That Life's Good.