A number of ideas, theories, and completely fictitious hair brained rumors have made their way around regarding Big Ten Expansion since early January. It would appear the time for idle speculation is nearing its end.
With one Tweet reverberating through the establishment like mortar fire, college football realignment’s fastest rising star, former Dallas Morning News writer turned local sports talkshow host and
Orangebloods.com contributor
Chip Brown,
broke the news we’ve all been speculating for sometime now:
Calling the news shocking would be naïve at this point. Nebraska’s been one of the logical, leading candidates for the better part of the last 3 months and perhaps no school more geographically and culturally fits the league short of Notre Dame. The question now evolves into a Strokes record: "Is This It?"
Oh God, no...
Per other murmurs, Missouri’s been
issued a June 17th deadline to decide whether or not they too have designs on departing the Big XII, though as Big XII south officials are
speculating, there may be 10 others teams doing so with them. Since the Big Ten first openly announced intentions to begin the investigative process into possible expansion, many thought Texas, not Nebraska, would be the lynch pin with which the entirety of the Big XII would come tumbling down like a game of Jinga.
Perhaps we should’ve interpreted some of the
the agenda setter in terms of whether the Big Ten is done or not. Based on
could be a one and done scenario for the Big Ten. Given the traditional slow moving nature of the league, stopping at one wouldn’t be entirely surprising. In fact, judging from some of the previous statements regarding conference championship games and the like, I wouldn’t put it past Delany & co. to keep the platform as similar as possible to what’s currently in place, perhaps even to the extent of neglecting to divide into individual divisions and/or add a championship contest.
It should also be fascinating to watch the Big XII’s slow, precipitous decline over the next several months. The rumors of Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and either Colorado or Baylor (Ken Starr fighting the good fight, no doubt) syncing up with the Pac-10 seem more empowered now than ever. What happens to Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, and potentially Missouri could be forced to turn to unlikely bed fellows like the Big East, Mountain West, or maybe even the likes of the CUSA. Reciprocal moves on the part of the SEC and ACC to keep up the joneses could also be in the pipes. Fasten your safety belts, folks.
So what then if the Big Ten gets the likes of Notre Dame on board? Which (if any) of the Big East/ACC bunch make the most sense? Per the Joe Schad report above, the Big Ten would love to get Maryland and Rutgers in the fold. Both of these based on the theory that adding these schools would mean additional eye balls for the Big Ten network from the highly populous D.C. and New York City markets respectively. If Maryland football packs anywhere near the fervor of Rutgers, it’s probably safe to conclude these eyeballs are best appreciated in theory as opposed to extrapolated from Nielsen numbers.
Connecticut and Pitt both certainly fit the academic mold of the Big Ten and would also add strength in the middle of the league with their football programs. Then again few have put it as succinctly as Steve Chapman does:
If your students can harvest oysters without leaving the state, you are not a Big Ten school.
That’s saying nothing of the likes of Syracuse, who while by no means a high caliber football program at the present point, seems to be heading in the right direction since exiling ‘Gerg’ to Ann Arbor.
So what say you? Is the Big Ten done or which school(s) needs to be next on the expansion agenda?
Comments
Well, it was sort of inevitable that something be done before July. I like Nebraska's addition -- big name, big school -- but I think if the PAC-10 gets Texas, TexasTech, et al we will be seen as getting the scraps of the Big 12. Which means, and I hate to say this, we need Notre L(D)ame as well to make a bigger splash than the P10.
I plead and hope that this is it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just wish it'd stop here! No super conferences, none of that. I want enough to have a Big Ten (12?) championship game and nothing more.
I won't be getting that wish though.
Don't be scared of change :) Truly, I would rather have a Big 10 super conference and be THE college football conference as opposed to being a distant third behind a massive PAC-10 (presuming Texas, et al, join them) and an always powerful SEC. Wouldn't you?
Gimmee ND, Texas and that's it. Pitt and Rutgers imho will add nothing.
great addition ... I am so happy that it is NE and not Rutgers, Uconn, Pitt, etc. Texas and ND were never really going to go first, so we needed a brand name to ensure expansion was a success. Done.
Now, I say we stop, unless we can add two or four brand name teams, something I do not see as a reality.
now, the question is how much does having Pelini running a major program in the Big Ten harm OSU recruiting now. We now have another major program that is going to be competing for our four and five star recruits ... just a thought
Im glad Nebraska is joining. This is going to start alot of things in the college world. Even though it could hurt the NCAA, it would be nice to see some power confrences. The Big Ten is already set up for success with Michigan, Ohio State, Wisconon, Penn State and Iowa. The addition of Nebraska could mean the comming of more powerhouse schools, like maybe more from the Big 12 if they don't all go to the Pac-10.
This is chucking retarted and should not be allowed. Nebraska will dominate the Big 10 every year for the next 20 years.
Fvck Rutgers! East coast fans are more in tune with the NFL than college football, and won't add that many viewer in the long run, IMO.
What tradition does Rutgers have?! Why doesn't the Big Ten go after Temple while they're at it and get the Philadelphia viewing area.
I believe the Big Ten was right to go after Nebraska, and should go after Missouri and Notre Dame hard. Syracuse is the only eastern school with the tradition to fit with the Big Ten.
Pitt, Rutgers, UConn is a losing proposition for the Big Ten.
Sure they will. Welcome aboard! if you think a visit to Ok or TX is tough, wait until you have to come to the Horseshoe or Happy Valley. Of course, going Indiana ought to feel eerily similar to Iowa State
I agree brotha! Rutgers, while it may be a fine institution, adds very little to the Big Ten.
Can you imagine all of the New Jerseyans and New Yorkers staying home on a Saturday night to watch an 8pm kickoff between the Indiana Hoosiers and Rutgers
This sucks for the traditional basketball powerhouse like Kansas, ia state, etc. They'll end up going to a pathetic conference and will never again see a tv broadcast
Stop sniffing the ethanol and loosen up on the bib-overalls because Nebraska has been a doormat of late. What you're saying is equivalent to scUM saying they are going to dominate. Okay, may that was a bit extreme since the Cornholers have something that resembles an actual football team.
What, kind of like they did in the Big 12? I like the Nebraska add, but face it BigRed, Nebraska will be the red-headed stepchild of the Big 10 for years to come.
Ohio State will come home drunk and say, "Where's Nebraska!", and then Iowa will be like, "leave 'em alone." Michigan & Michigan State will be hiding their heads under the covers while poor boy 'Braska gets whipped with Papa Bucks Buckeye necklace. "What I tell you about leaving my tools in the yard!"
I think NU to the Big 10 is a great move for both sides. But I agree with Big12 Loner that this absolutely sucks for the schools left out. Especially Kansas as they have such a strong basketball tradition and seem committed to a strong athletic department.
While I feel badly for the other schools I've never gotten the impression that as a program they were committed to athletic success. I mean Iowa State has a great engineering program (or did when I graduated from high school and was looking around at colleges) but aside from perhaps wrestling they seemed content with athletic mediocrity or even doormat status. Even with its small population, Nebraska seems like a great add because they are absolutely committed to fielding a strong football team and overall have a good athletic program. That commitment to success seems to have paid off for them.
I wouldn't mind taking in Kansas, Missouri and Iowa State to be honest. I think it would add some depth to the league. Plus having Kansas in the conference during basketball season would be great.
Unlike other conferences, whose approach is strictly athletic, the Big Ten is looking at expansion through athletics, academics, research (it has its own consortium, comprised of the member schools plus the U. of Chicago, which once competed in Big Ten athletics) and marketing. That's why Rutgers and Maryland make sense for the Big Ten -- they are worthy academic institutions with good all-around athletic programs and give you access to two large, affluent markets. Both likely would also help attract Notre Dame, which doesn't want to be in a strictly midwestern conference; it likes having its teams visit eastern schools to keep visible for recruiting students, athletes and nonathletes alike, and to maintain ties to its alumni base. Maryland also fits the Big Ten land-grant profile and, through its proximity to Washington, gives nearby access to federal power brokers -- important in landing government research grants (money that frankly dwarfs athletic revenue).
So with Nebraska, Notre Dame, Maryland and Rutgers, who gets to be #16? Maybe Missouri, but I believe the Big Ten wants someone with stronger academics; Nebraska was about as low as it would go in that department (though it is improving its research), thanks to its athletic brand name and outstanding fan support. Virginia would complement Maryland and its academics would easily trump Missouri's; if UVa said no, Syracuse could also get in, though SU's research is a bit weak (it does often work in concert with the SUNY system). Pittsburgh has a lot going for it in both academics and athletics, but doesn't provide a new market for the BTN.
Just keep in mind that you have to look at this process, especially in the Big Ten, as a university president would -- not as an athletic director or fan would.
If this is the end, I might vomit. Maybe it's because I'm young enough that Nebraska hasn't been relevant since I started paying attention to college football, but NU by itself just doesn't strike me as a big enough prize to warrant the insanity that is about to ensue. If, when the dust settles, the Big Ten has become a conference of more than 12 teams, and either Notre Dame or Texas isn't one of them, I don't see a lot in the way of added value for the league. Sorry, Nebraska fans, but you can wake me up from this sleep when your team gets back to superpower status.
Let the madness begin!
Nebraska = catalyst
What happens to the BCS & automatic bids ? What happens when ND finally has to join a conference & has to earn a BCS bid ? When does a playoff system come around, after the new BCS deal has ended ?
This sounds eerily similar to comments made by Penn State fans in the early '90's.
Ask them how that worked out.
UT has no interest in the Big 10, which was trying to cherry pick a school with no attachments to the conference. Many in Texas are weary of having to fly to ASU or AU every year plus at least 1 West coast school. Texas would have nothing by 700-1000 mile commutes to Big 10 schools. Once in a while vs an Ohio State or Michigan is one thing, longhorn fans would gobble up tickets and book flights, but its flat out ludicrous to think that having Texas will get there fans en mass to games at Indiana, Purdue, and Illinois. From the Big 10 perspective that's probaby not a big deal, since longhorns can just shell out for the big 10 network. From UT's position, its a strain both financially and physically on its players. Before you spout off about the $20 mil the Big 10 network puts out, think about this. A&M recently stated that it cost them $270,000 to get its team to and from Miami to play the Hurricanes a couple years ago. That's ONLY counting the charter ($200,000) and the fuel fee the airlines charge ($70,000). That's not counting hotels, food, security, etc. So you're looking at 1.6 million just in jet fare (for 6 away big 10 games, estimated). Toss in the rest and you're probaby between 3-5 million, meaning that Texas would reap about as much money in the big 10 at $17-18 million that it currently is in the Big 12, and less than it will playing its century old rivals in the East Division of a Pac-16.
In otherwords, sorry Big 10, but you don't make the cut.
Good summary; in reference to Pitt, I just have to point out that markets and expanding the "tv footprint" is not essential. Afterall, (assuming it's accurate), the B10 Presidents just invited Neb whose population is tiny tiny compared to Ohio or even New Jersey. So, the fact that Pitt "doesn't provide a new market for the BTN" may not be an issue.
IMHO, Pitt fits really well. Academics are already mid-B10 level and the athletics are very good too (and Pitt has some brand name cache; maybe not TX, ND or Neb, but a lot better than Maryland).
this feels like the scene from Inglorious Basterds where everyone is pointing a gun at each other in the bar. Nebraska just pulled the trigger.
sorry, matthew, but strongly disagree. NEB commands awesome tv ratings. It's a GINORMOUS "get" for the B10.
Even the NEB-IL will get high high ratings and generate tons of money from advertising, etc.
For NEB, this is an academic upgrade of huge proportions; and like PennSt, NEB will get a huge bump in reputation by joining the B10 and the CIC; once the professors and researchers start forging their cross-university ties, NEB is in the B10 for the long term.
I see a happy marriage with giant advantages accruing to both sides of the deal.
oh, and consider Neb-Northwestern in wrigley field or soldier field. wow oh wow!!
Reason A&M example is relevent: less than 150 miles from Austin, similar travel expenses.
GET MARYLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I Would get to see the BUCKS every other year live !!!!!!! (from DC) F YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT WOULD BE AWESOME!
sorry dude, bball is a money making machine like football. KU can join the Missouri Valley Conference, and kiss Bill Self goodbye.
In a surprise to no one, I lived with this guy for a year and change while at tOSU.
Yup, these were my roommates. /sportsguy'd
IIRC, if a AQ conference drops below 6 teams, they lose their AQ; on the other hand, given the possible demise of the BXII and how much that would change the CFB landscape, I suspect the powers that be will convene and make a decision. My guess is that the Mountain West, remainder of the BXII and the WAC will reshuffle and there will be two AQ conferences after the reshuffle (probably a rebuilt BXII (just an idea: KS, KSstate, IOstate, COstate, MO & Boise in the north, TCU HO, Balyor, SMU ... um, help with a couple of more and then the MWC (the Utahs and Fresno State with Boise, etc.))
We need ND, and how come no one has mentioned Cincinnati or Kentucky?
Funny, I'm also a Texan, and I've heard from actual sources close to the situation that there is interest. "The Tech Problem" remains a stumbling block, however.
And if you think flying to the Midwest is a potential pitfall, how about flying to Corvalis, Oregon, Pullman, Washington, and really, pretty much all of California for the non-money sports?
Because Juan Dixon & Stevie Franchise played for Maryland.
I'd actually be pretty happy with Pitt. They fit geographically, they give Penn State a real rival (instead of them thinking we are) and they're a solid school both academically and in the major revenue sports. I don't know if they make sense from a money standpoint, but they seem like they'd fit well.
I'm pretty sure neither of them meet the academic requirements.
Read the first post again. Conference officials have downplayed that, since they'll be limited to 1-2 flights a year. Granted, I'm waiting to see how they do a 16 team conference's scheduling. Using the usual 12 team model, you play each division opponent once in football (6 games) + 3 from the other division. Will be interesting to see how they balance it with the 2 additional teams.
Numerous sources "close to the situation' have said that the email to OSU that you're referencing was one of several problems. According to the same random numerous sources cited by the media, Texas doesn't want to be an island way the heck out of region.
Several UT boosters I know have voiced their opposition to a Big 10 move for the reasons I mentioned above.
I'm not talking about any media cited sources, but for what it's worth, I would be willing to wager Texas is joining the Pac-11.
I would be more than happy to see Big Ten expansion end right here. Nebraska is the perfect fit and they give the conference an even 12 to set up 2 divisions and a championship game.
Make an offer to Notre Dame... If they accept, add one more to even the divisions. If they decline, stop there.
No Super Conference
Your right the "East" is an NFL area...because up until 5 years we had no college football worth anything. Rutgers is a growing program, are we ready to fight for the BCS Champ - no! Are we ready to make a commitment to grow and become a program like the rest of the Big Ten has -yes! Trust me, 10 years ago you could drive from the shore to RU stadium, get a ticket at the ticket booth, and be in your seat all within 30 mins from saying "hety lets go to the game". RU is growing, Jersey knows about college football now and the only way to get more viewers and fans is to get out of the Big East and go play ball with the big guys.
LMFAO . . . after the whoopin', Indiana brings Papa Bucks an ice cold beer and then Indiana asks if she can whip uo a sandwich or maybe a shoulder rub.
I live in Columbia, MO and am beginning to come to the realization that Mizzou has fucked this thing up somehow. I have a sinking suspicion that Nebraska will be the only addition unless Notre Dame jumps on board. Then, the conference will look east. That leaves Missouri out.
On top of that, the Big 12's ultimatum has put Mizzou in a bind. If they commit and the conference folds, they're screwed. If the bolt for the Big 10 without an invite, they're probably screwed. If they do nothing (which almost everyone here thinks they're going to do), hello Conference USA.
I was so close to having a semi-regular visit from my Buckeyes. Crap!
Interesting rumor on a Northwestern fan board would indicate that the Big Ten's plan is to go to 16, but add Missouri, Texas, Texas A&M & Notre Dame...
I hadn't really considered that combination, assuming that someone from the Big East would be in the plans... but honestly, I don't see why that's necessary.
http://northwestern.rivals.com...
I say go big!
Take Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Rutgers and Notre Dame. The Big Ten would stretch the entire east coast all the way out to Nebraska.
Even the AZ schools are not any closer to Austin thatn Iowa City. Get out a map and take a look. Then you add a potential trip to the fact tey'll have to make at least a couple of trips a year to the likes of Corvalis, Seattle, the Bay Area, and Texas will be travelling just as much playing in the new Pac 10 as they would in the Big 10.
Live in Tx also and agree the logistics and politics are a huge barrier, but if the future is going to be superconferences, "merging" into the Big 10 strikes me as more appealing than the alternatives. I just don't see why the Pac 10 would be atttractive, except to TX alums who'd prefer west coast travel. The distances are worse, and most imporantly they'd be joining with schools that have fan bases even less into sports than the deadweight already pulling down the Big 12. The Pac 10 has bowl and TV arrangements that are actually worse than the Big 12.
As a Buckeye stranded down here I'd love to live in Big 10 country again, so maybe I'm just hoping too much.
I think that would be best case scenario, however I don't see any if the TX schools joining. I'd be happy with ND and 1 other eastern school.
This all about $$$$$, these schools will be a cash cows for the BIG10. Every school we add in a state we aren’t already in adds big TV dollars. Rutgers, UConn, Maryland adds a lot.. Pitt, ND.. Not as much but it will help get eyes on TV sets
So do we also add a Big Boy restaurant and complete the circle of creepy fat white mascots?
Love, Sparty and that Boiler Bro.
Kansas will be on TV no matter what conference they are in. I don't know if you heard of this team named Memphis. But for the last 3 or 4 years they have been on ESPN regularly because they had AWESOME basketball. Kansas basketball transcends any conference it is in.
I once had such awful service at the I-71 Big Boy I swore I'd never go back and haven't to this day. True story.
Iowa State is Horrible. Add Kansas and Mizzou sure, but I hate Iowa State.
I'm just going to keep reiterating what I've said before, Kansas will be fine. They have only been relevant in football for about 4 years, and I'd venture to say their program is at it's peak. Their basketball will always make a ton of money, no matter what conference they are in. They are one of the 4 or 5 juggernauts of college basketball and have been for a long time. They will be fine no matter where they play. Hell they could go Mountain West for football and independent in basketball.
agreed x 10.
if ND comes on board, take missouri. then end it right there.
great story, hansel.
ACTUALLY A TEXAN
They always say that everything is bigger in Texas, well your brain must have fell short of that. You say that Texas does not make the cut of the Big Ten because of many reasons, but it seems that your main reason behind that is the traveling. So lets do some math and break down the traveling distances between the PAC 10 and the Big Ten.
Pac 10
Arizona = 893 Miles
Arizona State = 1,002 Miles
Cal = 1,354 Miles
Oregon = 2,115 Miles
Oregon State = 1,700 Miles
Stanford = 1,730 Miles
UCLA = 1,350 Miles
USC = 1,350 Miles
Washington = 2,140 Miles
Washington State = 1,950 Miles
Big Ten
Ohio State = 1,237 Miles
Michigan = 1,136 Miles
Illionois = 1,026 Miles
Indiana = 1,050 Miles
Iowa = 1,043 Miles
Michigan State = 1,351 Miles
Minnesota = 1,173 Miles
Northwestern = 1,139 Miles
Penn State = 1,575 Miles
Purdue = 1,100 Miles
Wisconsin = 1,190 Miles
The PAC 10 total miles from Austin in 20,614 miles. The total for the Big Ten is 13,020 miles. The longest for Pac 10 is Washington with 2,140 miles, the longest for the Big Ten is Penn State with 1,575 Miles. And I know that you are going to refer to the fact that if Texas goes to the PAC 10 that all the other teams in and around Texas are “Supposed” to join. If they do not join, which Island would you rather be on then. All of this is just in the invitation state, no one has accepted. So if you are going to argue the fact that Texas don’t fit, don’t use the distance between the schools as your scapegoat (hopefully you know what this means).
So lets break down Texas and if they “fit” in the Big Ten. I will give it to the Longhorns, they do have a winning record against the Big Ten, 12-7 to be exact. But 3 of the wins came against Indiana and 2 of them came from Purdue. The games against the Big Ten powerhouses are close, OSU 2-1, Penn State 2-3, Michigan 1-0, Iowa 1-1. That is good football if you ask me. So since I am a Buckeye Fan, lets line up the tradition. Texas 4 National Championships, 1 undefeated season & 32 combined conference championships. Ohio State 7 National Championships, 9 Undefeated Seasons, and 36 combined conference championships. So when you look at all the records, it seems to me that the evidence shows that Texas should be honored to come into the Big Ten because it is a conference that strives to win, and we actually have academic standards to get into the Big Ten, Texas has qualified for that also, but then again, you are representing your team!
As far as the tickets go and the traveling. I do not make a lot of money, I am a lower-middle class American and proud of it. I live in Florida and I go to an average of 3 to 6 games a year because I am a die hard Ohio State fan and I know that I am not the only one that travels to see MY TEAM play the great sport of football. TRUE fans will travel any distance to see their team play. TRUE fans will not use an excuse of miles from their program when in all reality the Big Ten will give better conference play to the Longhorns than the PAC 10. So, in closing, I do see Texas going to the PAC 10, but I do not agree with you on the fact that the Big Ten does not cut it for Texas. I work with a lot of Texas fans from Houston and they have all told me that they would rather go to the Big Ten than the Pac 10, so don’t speak for the team of Texas when you don’t have all your facts straight.
If we added the Big Boy, my personal circle of life will be complete, having gone to a HS with his son as the mascot:
http://www.facebook.com/sparky...
I think Nebraska could be it for now. Let the Big 12 implode and the souther teams go to the Pac 16. That conference is years from major profitability. I can see the SEC, ACC, and Big East staying just how they are, and a Pac 16 imploding. The Big 10 has just added a lot of value for the BTN with Nebraska. They are a national Brand even if they aren't as good, people still tune in to see them. Maybe it's not a huge market they added, but they added a ton of value for advertising. Once the Pac 16 fails, the Big 10 can pick up the pieces.
Hey 11W staff, thanks for the GS link. I'm pretty excited about all this..thanks again!
Agreed, go to 16!! Also take into account that delaney wants to expand south as well. And its not just about athletics.. Academics & TV Markets as well factor in.
Along with Nebraska the next offers should go to.
1) Notre Dame (hate em, but the most recognizable university..period)
2) Rutgers.. (meet all requirements.. plus NY/NYJ TV Markets)
3) Missouri.. (meet all requirements.. plus strenghtens midwest markets)
4) Maryland.. (meet all requirements.. plus DC area markets)
and wildcard
*Vanderbilt (meet all requirements..plus expands into south market..plus grabbing one from the SEC would just be nice)
This scenario is assuming that Texas & TxAM are heading West. Who knows, but all this speculating is fun!
Haha...nice. I love midgets in movies.
Someone said that once before....20 years ago....about Penn State.
For those who were inquiring, per the Boulder Daily Camera, the Big XII will have to spend an awkward next two years together.
This link is interesting concerning Revenue:
http://boards.kusports.com/sho...
It seems Amy Lamare from the Bleacher Report needs to learn how to add:
http://bleacherreport.com/arti...
Well, welcome to the Mountain West buddy!
THe more I think abou tit, the more I think it will stop rigt there. Seems like if Missouri was to be added, they would've gotten an invite at the same time. I'm not so sure it marks the end of the Big 12 either. They could just go out and add Utah or TCU. Even if so, maybe the Pac 10 goes to 16 and it probably doesn't work well.
THIS IS INSANITY!!!! WHERE WILL WE END UP???? THE SKY IS FALLING!!!
Ask me in 10 years though.
I think Bleacher Report just needs a couple thousand years of time-outs.
A Bleacher Report article full of falsehoods, fallacies, here say, and conjecture? I, for one, am shocked.
+1
Just adding a team from a big market guarrentees nothing. So the BTN is available there, but I suspect it already is available. There has to be enough interest in the team to put the BTN on the basic cable package for the BTN to make real money. So if Maryland football doesn't garner enuogh interest, it's not going to make basic cable packages.
I think Texas could really have it's own in the MAC.
I was thinking that. I understand the need for time, but it's got to be akward.
How do you know my middle name
Love internet boards. Make a post, check back in a few hours and someone makes a grand claim without looking at the realities of it.
Only 2 distances that matter for division play:
Arizona = 893 Miles
Arizona State = 1,002 Miles
Only 1 of those will be an away game, so figure 1 1,000 mile trip.
Assume that they'll be 3 other division games, that'll add either 1 or 2 road games on the west coast, so ballpark 1,700 miles once a year or twice a year depending on the rotation, so you get an additional 1700 or 3400.
add them together and you'll be sitting at around 2700 or 4400 miles to be traveled by UT in a Pac-16 outside teams within the current Big XII.
Ballpark a Big 10 opponent as a 1,100 mile trip, and you're automatically at 5 division games (for a 12 team big 10) plus 3 other division for 8,800 miles to travel.
For some reason people keep noting that California and Washington are so far. Those only matter for 1-2 games a year, so they're immaterial. By going into a new conference arrangement with teams within its own region, UT makes more money, spends less money, and gets even more recruiting pull in either California (Pac-10 option) or Florida (highly unlikely SEC rumors).
Glad you had the time to look up all those miles. While your at it, please post the mileage from Austin to College Station, Norman, Lubbock, Stillwater, and Boulder. Might as well actually complete an arguement, even a flawed one.
Longhorns fans= scUM fans...and Austin save a few places, is a sh*thole.
Well, that didn't take long!
That WOULD be the best case scenario. That's really the only way this whole thing works out. If the Pac-10 gets all it's rumored to get, we're stuck holding he bag. Nebraska is god in one sport, and that's just traditionally, and can you really get excited for Rutgers?
Let's see.... Nebraska is just no dipping it's toes in to relevance for the first time in about 1o years.... dream on.
first Nebraska troll?? Is that official???
This is not stopping at 12, not for anyone - even ND. This is a full-on 14-16 team expansion. With the Pac-10 looking to 16, and they're our best buds with regards to the Rose Bowl, the Big Ten will be looking at 16 being the only option.
Personally, I think this is fantastic. I think Nebraska got screwed when the Big XII formed, the revenue sharing has always been biased towards Texas and Oklahoma. I think they fit the mold perfectly, and they've been the only candidate I've looked at as a Must-Get.
The future is uncertain. We've been hearing the Big East will get raided, which will force ND to join. I've heard they're looking towards Georgia Tech, which to me came out of left field late yesterday. That would put a Big Ten school in the heart of the SEC territory. I think that's weird, but it could be awesome!
Colorado just jumped to the Pac-10 this morning. This will be a difficult day to concentrate on work.
Bleacher Report: The Internet's Short Bus
Well you're spot on about Texas fans sitting on their hands and leaving before halftime, but your mudslinging at Austin is completely off base.
I had fun on 6th street in 2006
Austin would instantaneously be the second best destination city in the Big Ten.
http://www.pac-10.org/genrel/0...
colorado to P10 is official, looks like the B12 will have to break up now. Smart move by Colorado though, at least this way they have a spot for sure, and Baylor will likely be left out
what's te best?
Chicago, though there's traditionally little in the area of football drawing any of us there.
Texas and Nebraska will not be in the same conference. ain't gonna happen
Just heard on the "Herd" that Colorado will be a member of the Pac-10 by the end of today......let the avalanche begin and goodbye Big 12.
Yeah, there will still be a pool of quality programs in that region even if all the teams in consideration bolt for the Big Ten or Pac 10 - Think about A Mountain West + Boise State+ Stranded Big XII teams scenario- think Kansas BYU, USAFA, TCU, BYU, BOISE STATE, UTAH, KANSAS... I'd take that over the Big East or ACC any day.
It would actually be a better situation for a KSU, ISU or Baylor too, who have a much better chance to compete and get get noticed... much more than the Oklahoma States, Texas A&M's, Texas Techs, and Colorado's who will basically be marginalized in a conference built for Texas and USC. Yeah, they cheer now "BYE BYE BIG IIX, we're off to the SUPER CONFERENCE!" .. but wait till they start playing and realize that they are basically the the equals of DePaul in Big East Basketball.. irrelevant in the college sports world...
already official and on the Pac-10 website (see above)
Assuming the Pac 16 scenario you describe, you have a point, up to a point. On the other hand, the rumored Texas to the BT scenario we're hearing includes TAM and Mizz coming in with Texas and Nebraska (and ND). So, your argument could work both ways.
Travel burdens in an 8 team BT west division (Tex, TAM, Mizz, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisc., Minn, NW) would be higher than it would be in a Pac 16 east, but it would be manageable. Meanwhile, that scenario would completely blow away the Pac 16 construct on all meaningful fronts: academics, athletics, branding/financials, lobbying power, etc.
If you could not see the overall net advantages of the above scenario, then I suspect True Buckeye is right in suggesting that you mostly care about the personal travel preferences of "Actually A Texan." The main obstacle to the above scenario is that the Texas leigislature would require that Tex & TAM take along TT and/or Baylor, which is not good for UT at all, but that's politics. If Texas could free itself of their sibling free-riders, all the better for Texas. I guess unless you're a closet TT fan?
I've heard that, for non-revenue sports, the two Pac 16 divisions would decide to not play schools from the other division until champ tournaments, etc., to save travel costs. Good idea fiscally, but that could hurt those programs in terms of competiveness and would further undermine a Pac 16 identity that'd probably be tough enough to establish as it were.
Also, the BT Network is already strong. No guarantee that a Pac 16 Network would even get off the ground.
Btw, how many UT trustees/board members are there? Maybe there are others with different opinsions in the mix besides the two you cite? Anyway, that's not a very compelling argument. Let's put the two scenarios up side-by-side for the trustees, then see how many break one way or the other.
Thanks for the perspective, though. We had thought that the Texas legislature was the main stumbling block, but you represent another segment of possible nayayers. I wonder, though, if that segment might be characterized as the "Hollywood" (read: Austin "progressive") faction of pseudo-Texans, which is having visions of Nap Valley wine tours and Rodeo Drive shopping sprees? Not saying, just wondering.
Luke,
I am sorry, but the hotel I stayed at in Austin was one of the worst places I have ever stayed.
Keep this in mind:
I was born and lived in Brooklyn,
I have lived in a homeless shelter.
Grew up in Linden Park (Northside of Columbus) and had more guns pulled on me than in the Navy.
I Partied in Tijuana for two years, damn near daily.
I was scared to go running in the area near my hotel.
Parts of the area where VERY nice, but when I go three miles each way to work (at the time) and there are more homeless panhandlers than anywhere I have ever been (East Coast up and down, all over Europe, Tijuana, etc.) than, respectfully disagreeing, I am not that off base.
Now, the campus is beautiful, Lady Bird Lake park was awesome, the downtown area was great, and Run Tex and the staff where very accomodating, and the food every was great.
Overall, my impression of Austin wasn't very great, but I would rate it above Norfolk!
I read this in an article..... and I like what is being said. Conference championship can weaken your conference if A team with 3 losses beats B team with 1 loss. Conf. champ has worse record than runner up and likely a lower ranking.
{The coach said it's possible the Pac-16 would push for two automatic bids to the BCS, one for each division champion. That potential bonanza could open the possibility of the two division champs from one league playing for the national title, and it would eliminate the need for a conference championship game.
"The Pac-10 doesn't believe in a championship game," the coach said. "And coaches in the Big 12 don't like it anyway."}
Let Texas go to the Pac-10. Let them become part of the hogg-pogg of west coast teams. Why would they want to come to the Big-Ten and dominate what could be a west division in the conference and possibly a championship match-up against OSU or Penn State every year. Go to the Pac-10 with A&M (Ooooo!), OkSt (big whoop), TTech, Oklahoma and whatever throw in. It is a great idea to face Oklahoma and USC every year. I don't know why we should even argue this. Big-Ten does nothing for Texas. They should truly become independent like Notre Dame. That is the way to go. Conference breaks up, who needs it. Open schedule every year. In fact Ohio State doesn't need to have conference affiliation. Let's just blow up the conference ties all together and have a free for all scheduling system.
Whoaaaaaa! Forgot to take my meds. Forget I just said all that!
Sad, but,,,wait, it'not sad, just true.
I would hold out until you see him repeat this over time. It could just be one of our own being silly.
LOL... well, i for one am beginning to think of PSU as a rival. if a team is consistently on my radar as a team that could ruin or NC run and I get pissed pissed pissed if that happens and want nothing more than to smash them the next year, that's beginning to get to rival status. PSU is not the "occasionally rises up" team (e.g., Purdue 2009). and the revenge the next year is not "assured" (e.g., Purdue 2010). so, PSU is getting there.
just my two cents.
or NC run should be "our NC run"
I think, like anything, where you stay completely makes or breaks your impression. I spent 2 weekends ago staying in the 4th Street Live area of Louisville and came away amazed at how awesome the area was and how much fun I had. Realistically though, living in the suburbs would likely be a radically different experience. I imagine living in OSU's off campus area and then moving to New Albany would give one a radically different taste on Columbus than say if you lived in East Columbus, or way out in Grove City or something.
I do agree homeless policy needs to be addressed, but if you want to talk homeless, aggressive beggars per capita, see just east of tOSU's campus.
Also: sounds like you may be a bit spoiled being a NY product and by all the awesome places your travels have taken you /jealous
What are you talking about. Nebraska in the Big-Ten is awesome! there are so many Nebraska Jokes.
I hear that at home games, Nebraska fans don't say "GoBigRed" they actually say "WeGiveHead".
Concurred. Outside of Texas and ND I want to grab up Rutgers. New York Market is huge. give em 5 years, maybe a few more and it will pay off. Syracuse is like IU, dead and gone.
Oklahoma State leaving Big 12 for Pac 10.
http://www.sbnation.com/2010/6...
I agree that Penn State is a rival. I for one have looked forward to that coference game more than any others overall the last 5 years or so.
Your move Brian Kelly....
Notre Dame better go to the big ten, unless they want to be left out, and STILL suck.
i think that this image that they have in their heads of the 1950's powerhouse that they were is really tripping them up.
WTF...without a conference champion game and only playing 1 or 2 teams from the other division its just 2 separate conferences
Yeah, it's a serious possibility.
ESPN reporting colorado - PAC 10
Did you guys hear that Nebraska is joining the Big 10? Somebody also said we put a man on the moon! Crazy stuff!
BuckeyeChief-
Did you make the mistake at staying in the hotels up north off Rundberg filled with hookers and drug dealers? I made that mistake once.
link, or i refuse to believe you! The moon is where Gidney and Cloyd live, not men
Linking? Sounds like something they should do on the computer..linking people? Hmm..we should call it the Al Gore..
Ha, sorry. Not a Napa fan, not even PAC-10 fan.
Just taking a look at the proposals that the rumor mills have spit out, the PAC-16 bid offers the most financial sense save one. I've seen 1 quote on either ESPN or Foxsports that the SEC would "consider" letting UT pursue its own TV deal seperate to that os the conference. Extremely far fetched idea, so I doubt that's more of a carrot to perk Texas' interest if that.
Peronally in the world acording to me an SEC with UT, A&M, LSU, and Ark as the core of a western division makes me the most happy as a fan. Dollars and cents wise, probably looking at the Pac-16 with two semi-autonomous divisions as you referenced. NOTE: TTU and Baylor not on list.
Summation: Probability UT, A&M and co. move into the Pac-16. Lesser chance is the SEC option, though A&M and Texas would only be the 2nd and 3rd members of the AAU to join. Big 10, barring inviting a chunk of the Big 12 south, doesn't offer the return for investment (i.e. travel over income) that either the PAC-10 or SEC possibilites do.
Actually a Texan says:
06/10/2010 at 3:19pmHa, sorry. Not a Napa fan, not even PAC-10 fan.
Just taking a look at the proposals that the rumor mills have spit out, the PAC-16 bid offers the most financial sense save one. I’ve seen 1 quote on either ESPN or Foxsports that the SEC would “consider” letting UT pursue its own TV deal seperate to that os the conference. Extremely far fetched idea, so I doubt that’s more of a carrot to perk Texas’ interest if that.
Peronally in the world acording to me an SEC with UT, A&M, LSU, and Ark as the core of a western division makes me the most happy as a fan. Dollars and cents wise, probably looking at the Pac-16 with two semi-autonomous divisions as you referenced. NOTE: TTU and Baylor not on list.
Summation: Probability UT, A&M and co. move into the Pac-16. Lesser chance is the SEC option, though A&M and Texas would only be the 2nd and 3rd members of the AAU to join. Big 10, barring inviting a chunk of the Big 12 south, doesn’t offer the return for investment (i.e. travel over income) that either the PAC-10 or SEC possibilites do.
Yikes... USC lost THIRTY scholarships, 10 per year from 2011-13.
http://sports.yahoo.com/top/ne...
Post immediately above is a double post. Please delete.
Why would we want either?
Holy Shit!!!!!!!!!!!! Almost the death penalty. And they lost their National title...ha ha ha ha ha
Hey Seantrelle...... enjoy SoCal.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/...
Does that make Wisconsin your rival too?
Penn state is a decent team, but they're never gonna be our rival until rodriguez finishes the job and sinks the state of michigan to the bottom of the lake.
Oh, and no I'm not a TTU fan. Texas Aggie, stuck on the East Coast for the forseeable future, so no none of this is for personal travel either.
And before anyone makes noise about A&M, SEC, Pac and Big 10 have all indicated a bit of interest. (1) A&M is also in the AAU, (2) the bring in $5 billion in endowments annually, 2nd in the Big XII behind UT ($12 billion) and ahead of every Big 10 school other than Michigan ($6 billion) and Northwestern ($5.4 billion).
With all the talk of adding Rutgers or Maryland because of their market, I would much rather land Ga Tech because of their market. They may not be number one in Atlanta, but it would have to put the BTN on basic cable right in the heart of Georgia. What a great recruiting tool and addition of millions of households along with a good Football and Basketball team.
Might be BS, but fun to speculate. Tx and Tx A&M seeking Big Ten membership
http://collegefootballtalk.nbc...
New reports have Texas and A&M going to B10. Add Pitt and ND with those and Nebraska and you have one hell of a conference.
B10 West
Iowa
Illini
Wisconsin
Minny
Northwestern
Nebraska
Texas
Texas A&M
B10 East
tOSU
PSU
Michigan
MSU
Indiana
Purdue
Pitt
Notre Dame
gaaaahhh that's so exciting, but I really need a link...
Sub Rutgers for Pitt and thats what I want
http://collegefootballtalk.nbc...
no sources though
http://www.kctv5.com/sports/23...
See post above for a link to rumor/report. The other teams and conference divisions are my speculation.
Wow, talk about a PAC-10 snub - Texas and A&M to the B10, and Oklahoma to the SEC? (If this turns out to be the case, of course)
The Nebraska Mascot Lil' Red = jail bait for pedophiles
I hope Seantrel henderson's extensions fall out. Have fun watching us in the BCS Seantrel!
Also http://kentsterling.com/2010/0... seems to flesh it out a little more, it has some quotes regarding what Texas and A&M wanted in negotiations, and what legislators were looking for. Could be crap, but it makes it seem more credible...
Isn't it ironic, don't ya think, that the old-cliche-conservative-afraid-of-change conference started this whole ball rollin'?
The Big Ten is not exactly gonna look like an idiot, but the Pac-10 will steal the expansion thunder (which they were first to be official already) if they get Texas and we don't at least get ND.
I would think that if the choice was up to the University, Texas would want to be in the Big Ten over the Pac-10 anyday of the week and twice on Saturday. Something tells me though that the legislature and the step-children will dictate the choice and whoever is willing to take them along with the Longhorns is gonna "win/hit the jackpot" BUT that's all just my opinion.
I posed this question on the USC post. What happens is Bush gets the Heisman taken away? Was Leinart number 2 in voting that year. Would he be awarded with the Heisman in that example? Or was Vince Young number 2 and we don't have to worry about it.
Also, does Oklahoma become a BCS champion then? Wouldn't that be a huge F U to Auburn/the SEC who is always crying about how Auburn was the best team that year.
Getting Texas in your conference will end up being like marrying a woman that has three kids that you neither like or dislike.
nevermind, I just saw that Young was second that year.
I actually like the addition of Nebraska. The football program is turning around under Pelini, and it should make for interesting games. Now, the B10 really needs to start hounding ND. ND can really make the B10 some money. Who does not want to see ND and OSU go at it every year. The games will sell out even if OSU curb stomps them annually. I will still watch it every year. What bothers me though is if the B10 becomes the B16. How are the schedules going to work? If ND comes calling along with Neb, there are going to be games I want to see every year. i.e OSU v. Neb. , Neb v Mich, Neb v PS , Neb v Wis, and Neb v Iowa. lets not forget if ND jumps on board. I am going to want to see them play all the above teams as well. On a yearly basis I really want to see OSU play Neb. I think the schools would be dumb not to make sure that happens. I can say this. If the B10 goes to 16 teams. OSU and Mich better have that annual game. Nothing can replace that. If they dont, there will be rioting. So if the B10 goes to 16 teams, fine. Just make sure you are scheduling the right games, I dont want to see OSU playing the doormats of the B16 year in and year out. YOu know who you are.... In, Ill, NW, Mich(ooops),
I was thinking today, if we do split into divisions, it'd be cool if OSU-Mich was the first game of the conference schedule, instead of the game right before the championship game. Would definitely be something to look forward to, i don't know. It would lose a little bit of luster that way though, but early-season non-conference matchups are always exciting, i think this could be too
Ian, to them it's serious; to us it's delusional.
Actually A Texan: your argument that the Pac 16 makes the most sense financially for UT (income - expenses) assumes either: 1). Texas gets to keep all of its own TV money; 2). a Pac 16 Network that generates revenue at least close to what the BT Network generates, and possibly well in excess of the current BT Network deal if the BT stopped at 14.
Option 1: What happens to the other 15 schools in the Pac 16? Wouldn't they be worse off than before if Texas keeps all of its own money, while dragging in Ok St, Colorado, and yes TT (the "Tech" problem is the only reason that UT would go to Pac 16 instead of BT)? If the conference is not sustainable, what happens to it after 15 yrs. I'd say "Haven't we seen thing movie before," but we're watching it right now.
Option 2: The Pac 16 Network is success -a BIG if. Good luck forcing cable companies in Los Anegeles, San Diego, Bay Area, Sacremento, Tucson, Seattle, Denver, etc. to pay very high rates for it to be packaged as a "standard" channel.
Since the Heisman is awarded by the NY Downtown Athletic Club, or whatever, the Ncaa can't take Bush's trophy just like they cant strip the school of the BCS title.
If the DAC chooses to strip the Heisman, then technically it would go to Young, but supposedly he said he doesn't want it. Whether or not Bush was eligible, he was still the best player in CFB that year, so it really doesn't matter anyway.
But I say whats stopping the BCS from taking the MNC away? They already "choose" who gets to play in the game, so why wouldn't they give the 04-05 title to Oklahoma?
I heard VY wouldn't accept it anyway, I wouldn't.
Except instead of charging 8 cents per subscriber, they can charge 88 cents per subscriber. It's a huge deal.
Ummmm Nooo. I want to give Mich the treatment they gave us in the 90's. They just havn't been in position to allow us this late. Still in my dreams though.
Well of course!
But with it being just before the championship game, it loses a lot of its importance anyways
heck, if we stay pat at 12, with nebraska, maybe we don't have to split into divisions at all and can keep it the way it is :)
Ha! If that happened I might have to start chanting "BIG TEN".
No I wouldn't.
But... that pipe dream of a conference would need 2 AQ for the BCS.
Breaking news!!!! Texas, Texas A&M in talks to join Big Ten as soon as tommorow!!! Oklahoma may join SEC!!! www.insidetheshoe.com for more
Ken Gordon seems to think Seantrel will be blowing his Jr. year, the first year after the post season ban ends...
"On Seantrel Henderson, the mammoth Minnesota tackle who chose USC over OSU and several other schools earlier this year: If the Trojans get a 2-year ban as expected, the NCAA likely will allow any players with two or less years of eligibility left to transfer without sitting out.
That means Henderson is no different from any other player who wants to change schools. He would have to sit out a year. My guess? He stays. If he's as good as advertised, by his junior year, the Trojans will be back in a bowl and I doubt the NFL scouts will have forgotten how to get to campus."
Ken must be real hot on USC if he thinks they are going bowling with 65 scholarship players. As USC is getting docked 10 a year for the '11-'13 classes that means Seantrel's Fr. year will have 85, then 75, then his Jr. year 65. If he is "as good as advertised" he'll bolt for the NFL vs. sticking around for a 55 scholy team his Sr. year.
Unless I have no bloody idea how the docking of scholarships works.
wha wha what?!?! NEWS TEAM, ASSEMBLE!!!!
way to steal my thunder and overshadow my USC post :( haha
Sorry...=(
I know the NCAA can't take it away but read that if Bush was inelligible, the downtown athletic club may take it from him. I don't know if that will happen or not, but I was thinking it could be a back door way of Leinart getting his 2nd Heisman, but it didn't matter anyway since Young was 2nd in voting.
I just saw that it said they vacated their wins and championship.
from what i understand, it's 75 for the next 3 yrs, thought i read that somewhere, but i'm not 100% sure
What a week for sports rumors - this is awesome. Keep it coming!
Sneaky Pete responds to the sanctions via youtube:
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/2...
just saw that in Good Shizzy, freakin hilarious
I am shocked that he kept a straight face during that bizarre delivery. What a coward. Runs away at the last possible moment to let the city of Troy burn to the ground, only to then act shocked and blame some global new world order conspiracy that is out to get USC. Fight on!*
* from the Seattle-area
Heard in on am 570 out here, couldn't believe what a god liar he is. Politics are in his future.
Pac-10 Commish: ""There are several different scenarios that could play out here," Scott said, adding there have been "no assurances" made to other schools and "no invitations have been issued." Scott even said the Pac-10 could add Colorado and no one else."
No invite folks! This means no offer. Texas and Texas A&M would only be meeting to talk about a concrete offer. They're moving to the Big Ten!
How about Lil' "Dog-Dick" Red or Pecker Head Red?
Assuming BT w/ Texas, TAM et al, that's a good point. They'd probably think hard about going to a 9 game conference schedule, which would make overall BT team schedules even tougher, as they'll be brutal enough within division.
Even with 9-game conference schedules, I doubt that Ohio State would play certain western teams like Nebraska and Texas annually. Roughly, they'd play them every 2 and a half seasons. This could be one of the bigger letdowns of a 16 team conference.
But if Tex and TAM joined a 14 team, and we assume a 9 game conference schedule, then we'd see either Texas & Nebraska almost every yr on a rotational basis.
The way the docking of scholarships work is that they can only offer 15 for each of the next three years.
They could be much lower than 65 scholarship players at that point- they have 26 juniors and 20 seniors. So, they lose those 46 guys the next two years and add only 30, which puts them at 69, assuming no transfers, no RS Sophmores to the draft, and nobody getting booted off of the team.
They also currently have 21 sophomores, so for the first season after their scholarship ban is over, they'll have lost 67 players and added only 45, putting them at 63 scholarship players, at maximum.
If you can kill two people and keep your trophy, my guess is he keeps it.
Yeah, but OJ wasn't eligible at the time! hshshs!
I think you mean harebrained rumors, not "hair brained" rumors. This one is funny, but not as good as "out of hound."
To the tune of "American Pie"....
"We're singing bye bye, 'cause the Big 12 has died,
Oklahoma's going Southeast so their program can die,
USC is now on fire, and Seantrel want's to cry,
The Jayhawks are lost, and the landscape is tossed,
And Touchdown Jesus really wants to know why..."
Sorry I couldn't resist, doing home work, still on my 15 year degree plan, and I have to be at work at 0430...good times.
Originally, I was not a fan of a major expansion, but now that I think about...
I'd welcome the Horns OR the Aggies... To Chicago... for the Big Ten Championship game... IN DECEMBER!!!
The problem with a 9-game schedule is that means each school only gets 3 non-conf games, meaning they're guaranteed one less home game, resulting in less revenue. Not something a lot of schools can afford in these times.
But does getting Rutgers or Maryland automatically put the BTN on basic cable? I live 10 miles from Cincinnati and it's not on my basic cable plan.
I read somewhere where OJ's is the only Heisman that's ever been sold. I guess he pawned it to pay off the dream team. But yeah I get what you are saying. Of course he wasn't playing when he murdered 2 people.
Well, it would mostly mean teams like Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan, teams which are already rolling it in, won't have 7 home games a year. Plus, the increased TV revenue should more than make up for losing that home game.
but that fucks up the already fucked up alumni ticketing situation. which directly effects me.
nope, it was part of his payment to the goldman family. sold most of his stuff off for that.
My guess is it'd be at Lucas Oil Stadium. Can't have those Southern Teams getting cold.
1 line too many, son.
+a fucking million, for using Ironic correctly lol
Yes, in other words, NO FOOTBALL TRADITION, like Nebraska and PSU.
Rutgers doesn't belong in the Big Ten, I'm sorry, I don't care how many viewers they bring in, or what their academics are like.
PSU and Nebraska? HOME RUNS!
Rutgers in the Big Ten? FOUL BALL!
I meant "unlike" Nebraska and PsU.
Iowa state would be a natural in state rival with Iowa, aka MSU/UM.
So your one of the CFB fans that CAN'T WAIT for the Rutgers/Indiana matchup on Saturday night.
Give me a friggin break. Rutgers in the BigTen makes NO SENSE whatsoever.
Hey dude, I know you're in SoCal, but Rutgers doesn't meet the "tradition/history" criteria that Nebraska, PSU and Notre Dame meet.
Drop the Rutgers talk! They suck!
I don't think it's about making/not making "the cut." TX/A&M would be welcome additions on their merits and - I am sure - would be proud to be members of, the B10. I wouldn't be surprised if the recent trio of games between Ohio State and Texas were the inspiration for some of this. Ohio State vs. Texas has been a great college football show, over that three-game span. Perhaps, it could become an out-of-conference rivalry. The ratings for those games suggest as much.
It's - at least - impractical and bad business for a TX-led B12 South contingent to do anything but stay put or move to the PAC 16 and join AZ's teams in the "Old West" division.
Regional identity matters in college football. I think it must be preserved.
From a business perspective, the lords of the B10 must contemplate a way to expand their network's audience. Nebraska is a great addition that shines the B10 brand, academically and on the field. The Huskers will be good for business. Their inclusion is a solid investment.
But, business is about risk, too. I think the B10 leadership sees NYC (pop. 19 million metro) and D.C./Baltimore (pop. 5.3 and 2.6 million metro) as sleeping giants of opportunity, it calculates can be "B10'd." It cannot let the ACC steal these markets. To have Chicago, Indy, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York, D.C. and Baltimore would assure the Big 10 tremendous revenue and the footprint of a colossus.
Marketing can work wonders. Given ten years, Rutgers and Maryland could be competing for B10 championships. En route, these markets will be witness to B10 football and its unique pageantry.
Regardless of recent history, the B10 is the elite conference in college sports and its leadership and fans aim to keep it that way. ONE B10 football national championship equals a decade of SEC NC's, in terms of revenue and prestige. That's not conceit. That's fact. No conference balances academics and athletics better than the B10. We are the "Ivy League 2.0." The B10 is a legacy conference, which is why it wants ND so badly. No conference - nor region - can claim as many football legends/championships, as the B10 nor Mid-West. American football was born in Ohio. Oxford, Ohio is home to "The Cradle of Coaches." Think about how much value The Ohio State University squeezed out of the 1968 NC. And the B10 is certainly the wealthiest conference. I do not believe the B10 will permit the PAC - its closest rival - to usurp its power. And if the 4-conference, "super" division of college football comes to fruition, I wouldn't be surprised if the PAC and the B10 (16?) rivalry mandates the permanent site of the "National Championship of College Football" be, The Rose Bowl.
WRONG.
Purple Book Cat broke the news.
http://northwestern.rivals.com...
WRONG. Purple Book Cat broke the news.
http://northwestern.rivals.com...
There are so many comments, not sure what you are referring to as WRONG. Good read though. We'll see if it moves to fruition or is just yet another person with source(s).
what's a northwestern? i thought they went extinct around 1994.
BTW this is the single best comment exchange in the history of 11warriors.com.