I've had to think about this for an extended period before I answered it. Its something that has been on the brain for more than a week.
I have never wanted a playoff. I dislike the BCS, but hate the idea of a playoff even more.
The Conference Championships that were instituted by by the Big XII, SEC and ACC were designed to bring in revenue, not make a champion. Having lived in SEC country, or home of record, when the CCG was implemented, and everyone hated it.
Why? An 11-0 Alabama could potentially face a 9-3 Georgia team they already played and lose. Bama would be out of the title hunt.
That said, I'm leaning more and more in the direction of needing a 12th team and a CCG in the Big Ten as well. We argue all day whether or not the 7 week layoff hurt Ohio State. 7 weeks. Almost and entire grading quarter in college. 3 weeks short of a full summer break for schools. That is a long time. Not to mention, in 7 weeks, we could have had a 16 team playoff.
The CCG would add a week to the champion's schedule making them a little fresher for the title game or BCS bowl. We could maintain the schedule we have, break for Thanksgiving, and have the CCG the following week while other schools are still playing regular season games.
Who would we add? Big question.
The general consensus is Notre Dame, although I don't agree. They want to align themselves with the Big east for every other sport, let football go there too.
Then who? Pitt? West Virginia? Louisville? Cincinnati? Ohio? Northern Illinois? There are a myriad of schools that have pros and cons galore to choose from that would benefit dramatically by joining the Big Ten.
My choice? None of the above. Kick Penn State to the curb and go with 10 teams. They were the last to join and frankly, I just don't feel like they are a good fit. They can join ND in the Big East. A Big East with ND, PSU, WVU, UL, and Rutgers is a legitimate conference from which a one loss champ would be respected. Unlike this year.
-Kick out PSU
-Leave the regular schedule as is
-Add a CCG two weeks after the season ends
That is my solution.