The inevitable has finally occurred in the NCAA. The Big 10 Conference has announced plans to expand to 12 teams within the next few years. It was bound to happen eventually, but it seems that plans are now underway to seek out another addition to the conference. Undeniably such an expansion will have an impact on the Big 10 as a conference, and certainly the conference that loses a team, supposing that one team is not a non-conference team.
Notre Dame would be the most logical choice of any team out there currently. Unfortunately, what is most logical is not always the most practical. Even though Notre Dame plays a Big 10 schedule for the most part (Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, Penn State, and occasionally Ohio State once in a blue moon), a fundamental problem is the contract with NBC. Word has it NBC will not let the Irish out of their contract, though many people believe NBC should jump at this chance now since the Irish have had a number of bad seasons.
Looking to the Big East, you have potential candidates in Pittsburgh, Rutgers, and Cincinnati. Pittsburgh would be the natural choice, though commentators are saying Rutgers would open up the eastern media market. Geographically it does not make a whole lot of sense for Rutgers to join, though I personally do not have a problem with their program. Pittsburgh would be a good addition and geographically makes sense. Also it provides a great rivalry with Penn State, and academically Pittsburgh fits well with the Big 10. Cincinnati I am not thrilled about as a pick, but there has been talk about them joining. West Virginia also would be an interesting pick.
Big 12 conference brings the rumors of Missouri, Iowa State, Nebraska, and a very long shot University of Texas. Texas would be a hell of an addition for a number of different reasons, though I do not foresee such a transition. Iowa State would certainly be a good choice, and Missouri brings a lot to the table as well. While I think Nebraska is not a bad choice, I question how realistic that move would be.
I cannot see Texas anywhere but the Big 12, and the same with Nebraska. The Pac-10 has been eyeing Texas for awhile, but they stand about as much of a chance as the Big 10 has. Geographically, it makes as much sense for the Big 10 as it does for the Pac 10: no sense at all. Academically it is very attractive, as well as athletically, but in either the case of Nebraska or Texas, I just cannot see a situation where they would leave the Big 12 conference.
Ideally, if the decision were up to me, these would be my top choices. Granted, the more realistic choices are in the second tier and below, but there is always an outside chance of getting ND or Texas.
1st Tier Choice: Notre Dame or Texas
2nd Tier Choice: Pittsburgh, Iowa State, or Missouri
3rd Tier Choice: Rutgers or West Virginia
4th Tier Choice: Nebraska or Cincinnati
While all of this is merely speculation, we will know eventually who the lucky team will be to join the ranks of the Big 10. I am very excited to see the Big 10 openly talking about an expansion and it gives us a lot to look forward to in the next year.
The Mang
Conservative Capo of Youngstown, local Grinch, and Football Enthusiast.
Notre Dame would be the most logical choice of any team out there currently. Unfortunately, what is most logical is not always the most practical. Even though Notre Dame plays a Big 10 schedule for the most part (Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, Penn State, and occasionally Ohio State once in a blue moon), a fundamental problem is the contract with NBC. Word has it NBC will not let the Irish out of their contract, though many people believe NBC should jump at this chance now since the Irish have had a number of bad seasons.
Looking to the Big East, you have potential candidates in Pittsburgh, Rutgers, and Cincinnati. Pittsburgh would be the natural choice, though commentators are saying Rutgers would open up the eastern media market. Geographically it does not make a whole lot of sense for Rutgers to join, though I personally do not have a problem with their program. Pittsburgh would be a good addition and geographically makes sense. Also it provides a great rivalry with Penn State, and academically Pittsburgh fits well with the Big 10. Cincinnati I am not thrilled about as a pick, but there has been talk about them joining. West Virginia also would be an interesting pick.
Big 12 conference brings the rumors of Missouri, Iowa State, Nebraska, and a very long shot University of Texas. Texas would be a hell of an addition for a number of different reasons, though I do not foresee such a transition. Iowa State would certainly be a good choice, and Missouri brings a lot to the table as well. While I think Nebraska is not a bad choice, I question how realistic that move would be.
I cannot see Texas anywhere but the Big 12, and the same with Nebraska. The Pac-10 has been eyeing Texas for awhile, but they stand about as much of a chance as the Big 10 has. Geographically, it makes as much sense for the Big 10 as it does for the Pac 10: no sense at all. Academically it is very attractive, as well as athletically, but in either the case of Nebraska or Texas, I just cannot see a situation where they would leave the Big 12 conference.
Ideally, if the decision were up to me, these would be my top choices. Granted, the more realistic choices are in the second tier and below, but there is always an outside chance of getting ND or Texas.
1st Tier Choice: Notre Dame or Texas
2nd Tier Choice: Pittsburgh, Iowa State, or Missouri
3rd Tier Choice: Rutgers or West Virginia
4th Tier Choice: Nebraska or Cincinnati
While all of this is merely speculation, we will know eventually who the lucky team will be to join the ranks of the Big 10. I am very excited to see the Big 10 openly talking about an expansion and it gives us a lot to look forward to in the next year.
The Mang
Conservative Capo of Youngstown, local Grinch, and Football Enthusiast.
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