The University of Maryland is in talks to join the Big Ten Conference, according to people with direct knowledge of the situation.
One said the announcement of Maryland’s move to the Big Ten could be made within days. Another said the University System of Maryland’s Board of Regents was to see a written proposal today, but has yet to vote on the issue. The board will meet Monday to discuss the issue after receiving a written summary from Wallace D. Loh, the school’s president, and Brit Kirwan, chancellor of the University of Maryland system.
The sources requested anonymity because they are not allowed to speak on the university’s behalf.
Maryland is a charter member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, which was formed in 1953. But a move to the Big Ten would be an economic boon for the school’s athletic department, which this year cut seven varsity sports because of declining financial fortunes.
Thanks in part to the lucrative Big Ten Network, the conference distributed $284 million to its 12 schools this fiscal year.
BALL TIES RECORD
Wisconsin running back Montee Ball tied the major college career touchdown record, scoring on a 7-yard run in a 21-14 overtime loss to No. 6 Ohio State in Madison, Wis.
It was the 78th touchdown of Ball’s career, matching the mark set by Travis Prentice of Miami (Ohio) in 1999.
But he fumbled on what would have been the record-breaker – and possibly the winner – with 2:46 remaining in regulation, leaping over the pile at the goal line with the ball held in front of him and having it batted away.
Ball finished with 191 yards on a career-high 39 carries.
EXTRA POINTS
Michigan running back Fitzgerald Toussaint was sent to an Ann Arbor, Mich., hospital for surgery after the area between the ankle and knee of his left leg was snapped during the Wolverines’ 42-17 win over Iowa. … Western Michigan fired coach Bill Cubit with one year to go on his contract. He was 51-47 in eight seasons. … Texas A&M running back Christine Michael was ejected in the second quarter of the Aggies’ 47-28 win over Sam Houston State for throwing a punch. … Missouri defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, tied for the team lead in tackles, was not in uniform for the home finale against Syracuse after several media outlets reported earlier in the week the junior had been suspended for academic reasons.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.