The Sun Belt Conference released its new logo Sunday afternoon. You might be asking yourself, “OK, what does that have to do with the Big Ten?” Nothing, really, other than it looks like the conference may have used the Big Ten basketball tourney logo for inspiration. Everybody loves pinwheels!

It was all chalk in the opening round of our Big Ten helmet bracket. The biggest winner: Michigan State routed Northwestern, 71 percent to 29 percent. Now, it’s time for Round 2. See all of the matchups and cast your votes in this post.

Remember this terrific Ricky Stanzi America-themed print from last summer? The artist, Sean Thompson, is at it again. This year, Thompson has a piece that will interest a few Big Ten fan bases; it’s called “Evy,” and it’s of former Michigan player, Michigan State assistant and Iowa head coach/athletic director Forest Evashevski.

Some think Ohio State is the best team not just in the Big Ten but perhaps the best team in the nation as it comes off a 12-0 debut under Urban Meyer. A wealth of talent is one reason for optimism, as the Buckeyes are NCAA probation-free and eligible to win the Big Ten and BCS crowns. A favorable schedule is another reason for optimism. Ohio State should be favored in every game but one in 2013: the season finale at Michigan on Nov. 30.

It’s the time of week when I reach into my mailbag. Another good batch of correspondence from BTN readers and viewers. I appreciate all of the cards and letters. Keep them coming.