The expansion of the Big Ten Conference has brought four powerful football programs from the disbanded Pac-12, and with their arrival new rivalries are beginning to bloom.
Take the University of Michigan and USC for example. Last week, these two ranked teams played out an absolute thriller at “The Big House” in Ann Arbor, Michigan. A last-minute touchdown put the Wolverines in front, 27-24.
One former Wolverine loved every second of the 89-yard drive that clinched a stunning victory at home.
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USC wide receiver #8 Jacobi Lane makes a touchdown catch against Michigan defensive back #7 Makari Paige and defensive back #20 Gyah Hill during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, September. . 21st, 2024. (Imagination)
“Well, it was good that Michigan beat USC last week, that's for sure,” Tom Brady told FOX News Digital.
It's strange for college football fans to see USC, UCLA, Washington, and Oregon State face off against other Big Ten schools in conference play, but it will soon become the norm in upcoming seasons.
If anything, games like last week's Wolverines vs. Trojans will happen more and more given the talent and football tradition each school adds.
Tom Brady partners with Big Ten Conference's Abbott to tackle U.S. blood shortage in 'truly unique' way
Brady, a California native, is well aware of the Trojans' tradition and said it was where he wanted to be when he starred at Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, California.
Obviously, that never happened. So when he saw the University of Michigan's come-from-behind victory, he loved to “stick” to the Trojans.
“The University of Southern California, I wanted to go there, but they didn't want me,” he said. “So even with all the quarterbacks they've had over the years in Carson Palmer, (Matt) Leinart, Matt Cassel and (Mark) Sanchez, I always stick to that with them. It's a great tradition in football, so it was nice to see the Wolverines score the game-winning goal last week. ”
The Big Ten Conference is packed with unique football traditions and includes iconic programs like Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Rutgers is also known as the birthplace of college football, having held its first intercollegiate game in 1869 on College Avenue in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Michigan State defensive back Makari Paige (#7) and defensive back Jaire Hill (#20) are killed during the first half at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, September 21, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Tackles USC wide receiver #1 Zachariah Branch. (Imagination)
The tradition only grows as the USC and UCLA rivalries are added and new rivalries are born as the years go by.
Regardless of rivalries old and new, Brady wants the Wolverines to hoist the Big Ten Championship trophy when it's all said and done.
Meanwhile, Brady has partnered with the Big Ten and multinational medical device and healthcare company Abbott on the “We Give Blood Drive” to watch these rivalries put to the test off the field this college football season. are.
This national blood drive is attended by all 18 participating schools who want to help address America's health issues.
“There is a critical blood shortage in the United States, and each blood donation can save up to three lives,” Brady told FOX News Digital on Thursday. “I think that's the important part. Sometimes we take for granted the little things that have a big impact, and this is one of them.”
The way the We Give Blood Drive initiative works is that students, alumni and fans from the 18 participating schools will conduct mobile blood drives on campus during the college football season from September 26th to December 6th. Those wishing to donate can also: Everyone who shows proof of donation at any center nationwide will receive a free one-month subscription to B1G+, the conference's streaming service.
Michigan Wolverines quarterback Tom Brady, wearing No. 10, plays against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. (USA Today Sports)
The school that donates the most blood (each blood donation counts as one point) will receive a $1 million donation to improve the health of their students and community.
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“I love that people are trying to do positive things and finding really unique ways and strategies to raise awareness. Abbott is partnering with the Big Ten to make it an actual competition. It allows all students to participate and they can give back to the school in a very creative and fun way to do good in our community when teams compete and win. Yes, and we're pleased to partner with Abbott and the Big Ten to do that. ”
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