Axios

After months of anticipation, the newly expanded Big Ten football conference took the field yesterday, including a Rutgers' 44-7 win over Howard.

The big picture: The traditionally Midwestern conference added USC, UCLA, Washington, and Oregon, making the Big Ten — which now actually has 18 teams — a bit more coastal, much like when Rutgers and Maryland were added in 2014. It's now the largest conference in college athletics.

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America, but when it comes to fitness, tennis outshines its younger cousin.

The big picture: Tennis players sprint across a wider court, swinging at heavier balls than pickleheads.

The Big Ten football season kicks off Thursday, and this year will look like never before, with teams now traveling coast to coast for in-conference games.

Why it matters: With the addition of USC, UCLA, Washington and Oregon, the Big Ten now has 18 teams, making it the largest conference.