Considering that the Big Ten was one of the last conference tournaments leading up to Selection Sunday, having the tournament a week early could alleviate the selection committee this year. I always had a fear that if the Big Ten Tourney Final went into OT or more extended, the Selection Show would be forced late. (In the age of the DVR, that would be a buzz kill). (I don't know if CBS ever had to pushed the Selection show back, but I always feared that scenario.) Having the Big Ten Tourney a week early just feels a bit reassuring. I know, for some, this change of schedule seems odd (and trust me, a difference is one aspect of life I DON'T handle well, AT ALL!) but for this year, I kind of like it.