Big Ten Expansion Talk

Unless you live in a cave, or the south, you have heard some of the rumors surrounding Big10 expansion. At this point I label the rumors of a power 16 team conference, becoming college football's version of Big East basketball, as merely gossip. There is obviously discussion regarding what is best for the conference in the midst of SEC imperialism. The Big10 needs a championship game, making the season last longer while creating a bigger stage prior to bowl season. A move to 12 teams, at least, is going to happen at some point so let's take a look at some of the issues we're working with here.

What Does the Big 10 Have to Offer?

The Big10 is the oldest division 1 sports conference with some unique characteristics. All 11 members schools are on the Committee on Institutional Cooperation, along with the University of Chicago, as part of one the nation's top academic consortium's. But we're talking about sports right, big deal you say? Sure....except for that $5.5 billion fund you get to share as part of it. CIC admittance is a requirement in order to be a member school of the Big10, giving universities eager for acceptance a taste of their own medicine.

Academics: The Big10 is top academic conference in division 1 sports, with a US NEWS average of 50.1, nudging out the ACC by a few points. While us Wolverines consider the heathens from Columbus as somewhat primitive, US NEWS considers Ohio State as the #53 ranked school in the country. Even Michigan State, the armpit of Big10 academics, comes in respectively at #71. I've seen what East Lansing produces, it's not pretty. To think that there's worse, I weep for our future.

Money: The Big10 is the fattest of all the conferences and with the most progressive revenue sharing structure. Any team would be luck to leech off the motherland, and some lucky team(s) might get that chance. Not only do you have a remaining 7 years on a 10 year extension with ABC/ESPN, but you get the Big Ten Network. The BTN is owned by Fox and reaches approximately 75 million households. It has cable contracts with hundreds of providers and is available in 95% of the largest media markets.

WHY EXPAND?

Many reasons. Actually just 1, money. Still, it's a bit more complicated than that. Everything from expanding the footprint of the conference (i.e. money) to mitigating SEC propaganda (i.e. money) to giving fans a conference championship game and with a longer season, a better shot of competing in BCS bowl games (i.e. money). As far as the number of teams, rumors have pinned negotiations with anywhere between 1 and 5 more schools.

Targets

Notre Dame: As much as I hate the domers they would be the only team I would want should the Big10 choose to add only 1 team. In a 12 team Big10 it's ND or no one for me. Putting everything aside that makes one hate ND, they are the only true fit. Never mind expanding the footprint, more people watch ND in New York than watch Rutgers. It is obviously an outstanding school, would have no problem meeting the requirements for the CIC, and would generate a great deal of hype. Among the biggest myth's is that ND would be financially downsizing by losing their contract with NBC. This is not true as NBC will not be offering ND the same kind of dough they could once leverage when their contract expires in only a couple years. The revenue sharing system and network contracts in the Big10 dwarf anything ND could achieve on their own.

In case you need to know what ND is all about:

Wow, just, wow. It's so painful but I can't look away. Like roadkill, or albinos.

PITT: In a larger expansion I would be OK with Pitt. They don't expand the footprint, but add a natural rival for Penn State and is also a huge addition for basketball. Academics are not an issue as Pitt comes in at #56. At any rate you would get to see more of a Dave Wannstedt, a clown posing as a football coach.

Rutgers: No way. People who are footprint obsessive will label Rutgers as an obvious choice, gaining a direct entrance to the NYC market. I counter that with logic. First off college football doesn't have any roots in NYC, no power teams play anywhere near the city. Rutgers football, now matter how big it became, would always fall behind; the Yankees, Mets, Jets, Giants, Nets, Rangers, and Islanders in terms of popularity. Aw shucks throw the Knicks in there too for old times sake. Rutgers adds nothing in terms of competition in either football or basketball, and academically they are pushing Michigan State type limits.

MIZZOU: I appreciate the offer, but I respectfully decline. They give the conference an increase in footprint, and recruiting paths into Big12 territory, and are a natural rivalry...BUT. No way. Not consistently competitive in either football or basketball. They would be the only school outside the top 100 in academics and would generate limited hype.

TEXAS: Yea, in your wet dream. Some people were talking about this for a while but it would never happen. They have rivalry games with A&M and Oklahoma and keeping those on top of a Big10 schedule would be disastrous. Location is obviously a huge factor too for Texas, and most likely would keep them from giving the move much consideration. If the stars aligned right, the Big10 would welcome with open arms.

Syracuse: In a multi team expansion I would take it. For basketball if nothing else.

WVU / UConn / Louisville: No, no, and no. Not worth anything other than that.

Iowa State: I renounce my Big10 diploma should that transpire.

We'll see what happens. Big10 honcho Jim Delaney has maintained that talks are ongoing but no decision will be reached for some time. As rumors linger and become more outrageous we will revisit this topic.