The Big 10, Pacific Coast conference (as it was known then) was a result of to many southern teams coming and winning the Rose Bowl. Alabama’s (4-1-1 in RBs) 34-14 rout of USC (Trojans first RB loss) in 1946, was a factor. The agreement began in 1947, when the Rose Bowl was already 45 years old. The Big 10/Pac 12) deal is the norm with the exception of RB being a semifinal game every four years.
So what’s the big deal?
Recent tradition (since 1948) is greatly missed.