The Big Ten and SEC already owned college football. Now, they're running roughshod on Capitol Hill

The final weeks of college football's "talkin' season" have been dominated by the intense debate over which conference, the Big Ten or SEC, now stands as the nation's top league. While both sides have offered their own perspectives and sassy remarks, it was the announcement of three College Football Playoff trophies in Chicago that truly highlighted the current state of affairs.

However, this rivalry is not just about football; it is also about the power dynamics at play in Capitol Hill. The more intriguing aspect of the debate lies in the fact that the Big Ten and SEC are working together to manipulate the legislative process to ensure their dominance remains unchallenged. As they engage in a power struggle to shape the debate surrounding college sports, both conferences have united in their effort to secure favorable legislation.

The Protection of College Sports Act, initially dismissed, received support from the Big Ten and SEC presidents at the last minute. This bill, co-sponsored by Senators Maria Cantwell and Ted Cruz, now has a better chance of passing the Senate before the end of the week. The agreement reached between the two conferences is a win-win situation for them, as the cap set by the legislation is high enough to accommodate their financial resources while preventing others from challenging the status quo.

While the details of the bill remain undisclosed, it appears to grant the Big Ten and SEC the upper hand in the college sports landscape. Their influence extends beyond the playing field, as they have demonstrated their ability to sway the opinions of elected officials and shape the future of college football. This development raises questions about the role of the federal government in regulating college sports and whether such a bill truly serves the best interests of all stakeholders involved.