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>>Nebraska Coach Says Get Rid of Signing Day

If Nebraska coach Bo Pelini had his way, National Signing Day would be a thing of the past. And the result would be an improved recruiting process.

"You've made a commitment to a young man to come play in your program, why do we have to wait to any certain day?" Pelini said. "Why don't we just go ahead and let's sign on the dotted line, let's get it over with and move forward."

 width=That would be a big change from the system in place, where players have to wait until the signing period even if they've made an oral commitment. But what if they could sign as soon as they decide on a school?

"I think it would slow down some of the early offers," Pelini said. "I think it would slow down some of the ridiculous things that go on on both ends, on the institution's side of things and as far as the recruit's."

He used the word "integrity" and mentioning teaching athletes about honoring their commitment and "what it means to be a teammate."

>>First Season For Maryland, Rutgers In Big Ten

The Big Ten expanded its footprint in the east where there's a large alumni base and big markets by adding Rutgers and Maryland. The way coach Kyle Flood sees it, Rutgers is expanding its footprint, too.

"It's also opened up some access in the Midwest," he said.

Rutgers, of course, will continue to focus on New Jersey and try to limit out-of-state schools from poaching players, something that has been an issue for the Scarlet Knights over the years. But Flood believes the new conference affiliation will open some doors for them in the Midwest to fill some holes.

 width=Maryland coach Randy Edsall understands that leaving the ACC after 61 years jolted fans. He thinks they're coming around to it, though.

"It's been embraced, and people understand why we did what we did, how it's going to benefit us for now and into the future," Edsall said. "I would say that the reaction now moving forward is people are very, very excited about what's gonna take place starting this fall."

Maryland opens conference play at Indiana on Sept. 27 and gets a big test the following week when Ohio State visits. There are also Big Ten home games against Iowa, Michigan State and Rutgers as well as trips to Wisconsin, Penn State and Michigan.

>>New Playoff System Could Create Great Chances For Big Ten Teams

As he watched the BCS championship game last season, Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook could not help but wonder what might have been if a playoff system was in place.

No need to wonder anymore.

A four-team playoff to determine a national champion is being implemented this season, and that could open some more opportunities for the Big Ten and the other four power conferences.

Cook says that hopefully "will give everyone an equal opportunity to play for a national championship.

The Spartans went 13-1, beat Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game and knocked off Stanford to capture the Rose Bowl. But when the BCS matchup arrived, it was Florida State taking out Auburn.

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