On July 1, 2014 Rutgers and Maryland officially joined the Big Ten. This brings the total of teams in the Big Ten up to 14. The Maryland Terrapins play their first Big Ten game vs. Indiana on September 27, while the Rutgers Scarlet Knights play their first Big Ten game vs. Penn State on September 13, 2014. Both teams will compete in the Big Ten’s Eastern Conference, which will also include Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, Michigan State, and Penn State.
Rutgers played in the first college football game ever and also, retroactively, won the National Championship that year in 1869. They have always been in the FBS (Division 1) and have four conference titles: three in the Mid Atlantic and one in the Big East. Their overall record is 626-606–42 for a winning percentage of 50.8%. They have been to nine (5-4) post season bowl games and have the 38th most victories among NCAA FBS programs. They are neither a powerhouse nor a doormat.
Maryland also started their football program very early, playing their first game in 1892. They have National Championships in 1951 and in 1953, although the 1953 championship is the only consensus championship and the one claimed by the school. They have always been in the FBS (Division 1), and they have won 11 conference titles. Their overall record is 620–553–43 for a winning percentage of 52.8%. They have been to 25 (11-12-2) post season bowl games and have the 39th most victories among NCAA FBS programs. They are neither a powerhouse nor a doormat.
So there you have it: two teams with very solid football traditions, three national championships between them, although overall Maryland has had more success. Which of the two will fare better in the Big Ten over the next five years? Why? Please comment via the button below.