Sports

Joining the Big Ten has been beneficial for Maryland and Rutgers _ and the conference itself

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Rutgers' Robert Martin, left, rushes against Michigan State's Taiwan Jones (34) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State won 45-3. (AP Photo/Al Goldis) (The Associated Press)

Rutgers coach Kyle Flood walks the sidelines during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State won 45-3. (AP Photo/Al Goldis) (The Associated Press)

On the field and at the ticket window, Maryland and Rutgers have enjoyed a successful inaugural season in the Big Ten.

Maryland has already attracted two sellout crowds, and attendance is up 19 percent from last year heading into Saturday's home finale against Rutgers.

The Terrapins and Scarlet Knights both have winning records and are bowl eligible.

Rutgers coach Kyle Flood says the move to the Big Ten created "more excitement about our program," which set several home attendance records this season.

Many other coaches in the Big Ten seem delighted with the conference's expansion along the East Coast.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz says, "Both schools bring an awful lot to the conference. It's a win-win situation, hopefully for everybody."