Couple general college football items . . .

I've always kind of admired the relationship between the Big Ten and the Mid-American Conference.

The Big Ten is the big brother; and the MAC is little brother who occasionally lands a few blows (ahem, Iowa v. Western Michigan).

I thought the Big Ten v. MAC at NFL venues was an interesting venture (look for another Iowa v. MAC at Soldier Field in the near future, according to Iowa AD Gary Barta).

Monday, the leagues announced that they will combine their instant replay programs this season, with the administration of the program being handled by the Big Ten.

Big Ten coordinator of football officials David Parry will oversee the joint program for the 2008 season with the assistance of Carl Paganelli, coordinator of MAC football officials from 1997-2007.

“We strongly believe that this marks the next natural step in regionalizing another of the important functions of college football officiating, with a goal towards further increased consistency and professionalism,” said MAC commissioner Rick Chryst.  “For several years, the Big Ten and MAC have been collaborating in those areas that make sense; particularly in regard to combined clinics and pre-season training and development.  As the importance of the instant replay function continues to grow, this broader approach should help increase performance from all those involved.”

The Big Ten and the MAC meet 12 times this season, including Western Michigan v. Illinois at Detroit on Nov. 8.

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And for those of you, like me, who are addicted to college football in the HD format, this just in from ESPN . . . (note the Nicholls State at Northern Iowa game Oct. 2; also Morehouse College travels to Tuskegee on Oct. 11. I feel good about our chances this year.)

Schedule subject to change

* Same-day delay