The Big Ten, and Counting

[gametime]

You’ve probably read that, because of its new self-contained television network, and because of inconveniences with scheduling non-conference football games, the Big Ten, which is really Eleven, is thinking seriously about going to Twelve, at which point – if the new member is Missouri – it would actually have more members than the Big Twelve itself.

 

Everyone agrees that the slam-dunk solution is Notre Dame, which remains offended by the concept of affiliation for football. Missouri has been bandied about for years in that regard. But now that the Big Ten Network is a go, the conference is looking further at the big media markets. With New York in mind, Syracuse and Rutgers have been mentioned.

 

The defection of either of those schools would, of course, prompt another round of recruiting by the Big East, which could use another football school or two anyway. It’s not likely that the University of Cincinnati would be considered as a Big Ten prospect, but what about Louisville? Other than Ohio State and Florida, there’s not a hotter athletic department in the nation.

 

In the context of the Big Ten, though, the trouble with Louisville is the same as that with the University of Kentucky. The Big Ten prides itself on academic excellence, to the point that every member of the league is also a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). That organization includes only 37 Division I schools. So if the Big Ten insists on maintaining a unanimous level of AAU participation, the field of expansion candidates is severely limited. Notre Dame, Missouri, Syracuse and Rutgers all qualify. So do Pittsburgh, Texas, Florida, Nebraska, Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas, Virginia, Maryland and Vanderbilt.

 

http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/lonniewheeler/2007/07/big-ten-and-counting.asp#links

[UKMustangFan]

Notre Dame makes the most sense, but I think Iowa State would be the way to go....

[98NCCalum]

Notre Dame makes the most sense, but I think Iowa State would be the way to go....

Nd is not joining a conference.

[RockPride]

^ Not until the NCAA forces their hand...it will happen...but only if they still don't win a BCS game through this next contract.

[gametime]

Nd is not joining a conference.

Give it a few more years and they won't have a choice...

[UKMustangFan]

^No doubt, but if the Big Ten could add anyone, they would make the most sense due to the fact that they would bring even more massive coverage and exposure to the conference. I only say Iowa State just because geographically they work better than most of the others.

[RockPride]

jinx.

[UKMustangFan]

Let's say the Big Ten would go after a Rutgers or a Syracuse.....Who would the BEast try to replace them with?

[gametime]

Let's say the Big Ten would go after a Rutgers or a Syracuse.....Who would the BEast try to replace them with?

Memphis is the most logical...

[oldrambler]

My guess and that is all any of these are would be Missou, Iowa State or maybe Pitt. I kind of doubt Pitt though, just a thought and imo they would be a longshot.

[RockPride]

Memphis works for the Big 11's basketball needs as well.

[gametime]

Memphis works for the Big 11's basketball needs as well.

MSU would spice up the Big 11 quite a bit IMO...

[RockPride]

Absolutely....

[98NCCalum]

The REAL Big 12 sounds nice....

[OldRaider22]

Will be interesting to see in regards to whether the Big 11 chooses to wait it out until ND's hand is forced or if they go another route. For my own selfish personal reasons, I'd like to see Nebraska join the Big 11. Highly unlikely, I know......but still would love to see it happen. Louisville would suit me just fine as well :devil:

 

On a side note, I have read elsewhere that the Big 10 network won't be available on Insights normal lineup. Anyone have any info regarding this? If not, I'll be ponying up for it in the fall......