Possible Big 10 Expansion Sooner Than Expected?

The first domino in the rumored conference realignment may fall sooner than expected. High-ranking officials in the Big Ten Conference will meet tomorrow afternoon in Washington, D.C. to discuss expansion.

"The thinking among those in touch with Big Ten officials is that the league is likely to add at least three schools -- to end up with a 14- or 16-team league."

"Notre Dame remains Option A, though observers are flummoxed about the school's intentions because of seemingly divergent statements made by Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick." The article also mentions that the Big 10 may go after Rutgers, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse in the Big East Conference.

http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com...on-sunday.html

:rolleyes:

I've heard so many different things that, at this point, I'll believe it when I see it.

If the BE were to get raided, what's the timetable on that effecting CUSA and then, possibly, us? Anyone have a clue?

I sure don't.

When the initial shot is fired by whomever, I think the resulting fallout happens very quickly. Nobody wants to wait to see how it plays out or have their top replacement team end up going someplace else. I am guessing that it will take a month or two to finalize. Certainly no longer than three months.

With all the talk over the past years and months, I cannot believe that a conference does not have contingency plans based on who leaves. As soon as a member announces they are going someplace else, the directors will be holding "informal" talks with the schools on the replacement lists.

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Originally Posted by SixWings

:rolleyes:

I've heard so many different things that, at this point, I'll believe it when I see it.

If the BE were to get raided, what's the timetable on that effecting CUSA and then, possibly, us? Anyone have a clue?

I sure don't.

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Highly likely that we will be in a different conference by calendar year-end.

Hopefully it's a good one!

In all honesty, the only feasible options worse than our current situation are the 'belt and, what, the MAC?

If the Big 10 takes 3 from the BE, then the BE will take 3 from CUSA-East Carolina, UCF, and Memphis.

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Originally Posted by LookingForResults

Highly likely that we will be in a different conference by calendar year-end.

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No conference moves at this point can be effective before July 1, 2011 with almost every conference requiring 12-month notice for withdrawal. Remember Tech's WAC announcement in October 1999 that didn't take effect until July 1, 2001.

If something doesn't happen as a result of this meeting, it will likely be July 2012 before any changes go into effect since time is running out fast for 2011 changes.

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Originally Posted by DONW

If the Big 10 takes 3 from the BE, then the BE will take 3 from CUSA-East Carolina, UCF, and Memphis.

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Seems likely (like you said, IF the Big 10 takes 3 from the BE).

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Originally Posted by RealityCheck

No conference moves at this point can be effective before July 1, 2011 with almost every conference requiring 12-month notice for withdrawal.

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You're being technical, which is ok; I am referring to agreements.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DONW

If the Big 10 takes 3 from the BE, then the BE will take 3 from CUSA-East Carolina, UCF, and Memphis.

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I suspect that Temple might get a invite over ECU. Yes, they got kicked out before, but now they are making the effort in FB and are doing well. Philly appeals more to the BE than Greenville I would think (population, TV market, ease of travel, etc.). I could see them being invited back, but will not be surprised whichever one is taken.

Memphis and UCF are locks I think at this point. Unless they believe Memphis is too renegade and the BB sanctions play into the decison.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RealityCheck

No conference moves at this point can be effective before July 1, 2011 with almost every conference requiring 12-month notice for withdrawal. Remember Tech's WAC announcement in October 1999 that didn't take effect until July 1, 2001.

If something doesn't happen as a result of this meeting, it will likely be July 2012 before any changes go into effect since time is running out fast for 2011 changes.

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If the meeting happens later today and they reach a decision to move forward by June 30, it will put Notre Dame on the clock. That is, if they haven't already given Big 10 commish Delany their decision.

That may be what's driving this sped up timeline. The Big 10 has been working on various scenarios for years and in the past few months came up with two options. One if ND joins, a second option if they do not. If ND quietly made their decision known to the Delany, who isn't talking, there is no need to wait any longer on where to expand.

The other reason for the possible sped up timeline is the aftermath. As Hookdown pointed out, it should not take long for the Big East, CUSA and whatever other conferences impacted to pick up the pieces and replace the schools they lose. But it might be tight. June 30 is just a little over two months away.

If the BE took three, isn't there a chance that cusa might just stay at 9?

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Originally Posted by The Historian

If the meeting happens later today and they reach a decision to move forward by June 30, it will put Notre Dame on the clock. That is, if they haven't already given Big 10 commish Delany their decision.

That may be what's driving this sped up timeline. The Big 10 has been working on various scenarios for years and in the past few months came up with two options. One if ND joins, a second option if they do not. If ND quietly made their decision known to the Delany, who isn't talking, there is no need to wait any longer on where to expand.

The other reason for the possible sped up timeline is the aftermath. As Hookdown pointed out, it should not take long for the Big East, CUSA and whatever other conferences impacted to pick up the pieces and replace the schools they lose. But it might be tight. June 30 is just a little over two months away.

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If ND had accepted, there would be no need for this meeting and they don't have to get another conference's approval to talk to them. This meeting is most likely to let everybody know they are serious and see what schools show interest.

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Originally Posted by johnnylightnin

If the BE took three, isn't there a chance that cusa might just stay at 9?

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It is always possible.


The question to be is whether CUSA is happiest going back to 9 and no playoff or staying at 12 with the choices available. As far as I know, CUSA is happy with the 12 team model. If this shakes out like I think it might, CUSA could even lose more than 3.

After the dust settles for this round, I think there is a 75% chance that we have a new home. My gut feeling is that this one is going to be a 9 on the Richter scale and the WAC will not be an attractive option after the reorg...

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Originally Posted by DONW

If ND had accepted, there would be no need for this meeting and they don't have to get another conference's approval to talk to them.

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I don't think they would just add ND. Even if nd said yes, they could be meeting to discuss others. Imagine the fallout if they went to 16. Would the sec talk to ut, a&m, Miami, and fsu?

If the Big Ten invites Pitt, Syracuse, and Rutgers, that leaves the Big East with only 5 football schools. That would make it impossible for the Big East to keep their BCS status no matter how they counter. Would it result in a football-basketbal split?

What would UConn do?

UConn has only played FBS football for 10 years, but they did make a smooth transition to FBS football.
UConn does not own or operate their football stadium which is located in East Hartford, 25 miles away from their Storrs campus.
UConn is geographically isolated from the remaining 4 football schools.
UConn (Tier 1 #66 overall) is academically superior to the remaining 4 football schools (all are Tier 3 like us).
UConn was a founding member of the Big East in 1979 with Georgetown, Providence, St. John's, and Seton Hall with Villanova joining in 1980.

Would UConn opt to stick with their basketball roots to play with their historic rivals and academic peers to make the Big East a 10 school basketball conference similar to this? If so, would they play FBS as an independent or FCS in the A10 or Colonial?
-UConn
-Georgetown
-Providence
-St. John's
-Seton Hall
-Villanova
-Temple
-Notre Dame
-Marquette
-Depaul

Or would UConn opt to play FBS football in a non-BCS conference similar to this?
-UConn
-Army
-Navy
-Temple
-West Virginia
-Ohio
-Cincinnati
-Louisville
-Memphis
-East Carolina
-South Florida
-Central Florida

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Originally Posted by johnnylightnin

I don't think they would just add ND. Even if nd said yes, they could be meeting to discuss others. Imagine the fallout if they went to 16. Would the sec talk to ut, a&m, Miami, and fsu?

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That is if UT is not a part of the Big 16. Frankly, if they do expand to 16 (the Big 11), then I really do not see how Texas is not a part of that. I do not think they will expand by that much, but who knows? That would be the ultimate nuclear option for them.

I think if the B10 had a perfect time to get ND, now would be it. Put lightly, ND failed this decade to produce as expected and could use the prestige of the upper B10 schools. Not to say ND isn't prestigious anymore, but they're nowhere near where they want. Joining the B10 or BE gives ND the attention of this whole hypothetical event and a larger tv base. Why shouldn't they join?

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Originally Posted by Dawg06

If the Big Ten invites Pitt, Syracuse, and Rutgers, that leaves the Big East with only 5 football schools. That would make it impossible for the Big East to keep their BCS status no matter how they counter. Would it result in a football-basketbal split?

What would UConn do?

UConn has only played FBS football for 10 years, but they did make a smooth transition to FBS football.
UConn does not own or operate their football stadium which is located in East Hartford, 25 miles away from their Storrs campus.
UConn is geographically isolated from the remaining 4 football schools.
UConn (Tier 1 #66 overall) is academically superior to the remaining 4 football schools (all are Tier 3 like us).
UConn was a founding member of the Big East in 1979 with Georgetown, Providence, St. John's, and Seton Hall with Villanova joining in 1980.

Would UConn opt to stick with their basketball roots to play with their historic rivals and academic peers to make the Big East a 10 school basketball conference similar to this? If so, would they play FBS as an independent or FCS in the A10 or Colonial?
-UConn
-Georgetown
-Providence
-St. John's
-Seton Hall
-Villanova
-Temple
-Notre Dame
-Marquette
-Depaul

Or would UConn opt to play FBS football in a non-BCS conference similar to this?
-UConn
-Army
-Navy
-Temple
-West Virginia
-Ohio
-Cincinnati
-Louisville
-Memphis
-East Carolina
-South Florida
-Central Florida

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Af UConn, it is all about what Geno wants to do.... :laugh:

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Originally Posted by Allgood

I think if the B10 had a perfect time to get ND, now would be it. Put lightly, ND failed this decade to produce as expected and could use the prestige of the upper B10 schools. Not to say ND isn't prestigious anymore, but they're nowhere near where they want. Joining the B10 or BE gives ND the attention of this whole hypothetical event and a larger tv base. Why shouldn't they join?

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I think that this is the do or die time for ND to join the Big 11 if they are ever going to. I doubt that the Big 11 will expand again any time soon. Even if they did, I am guessing that they are getting tired of ND saying "no" and may not consider them next time. Especially if ND football keeps going downhill. If ND is to join, now is the time. Of course, they probably still think they are above everyone else and will decline an offer.

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Originally Posted by johnnylightnin

If the BE took three, isn't there a chance that cusa might just stay at 9?

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I think no for three reasons....

1) CUSA immediately loses the conference championship game with the extra ticket and TV revenue that brings in.

2) A 9-team conference provides fewer chances of being a multi-bid conference in the NCAA Tournament.

3) The big one...geographic imbalance. Marshall most certainly wouldn't stay in a 9-team CUSA with 5 of the other 8 teams west of the Mississippi, so 9 wouldn't be the number anyway.

The other question is with UCF, ECU, and Memphis gone does Marshall simply go back to the MAC under either scenario - 9 or 12 teams?

Who knows, all this might lead to new conferences being formed. This is what makes college football exciting and better than the NFL, you never hear about the NFL realigning and having crazy shake ups.

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Originally Posted by hookdown

I think that this is the do or die time for ND to join the Big 11 if they are ever going to. I doubt that the Big 11 will expand again any time soon. Even if they did, I am guessing that they are getting tired of ND saying "no" and may not consider them next time. Especially if ND football keeps going downhill. If ND is to join, now is the time. Of course, they probably still think they are above everyone else and will decline an offer.

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Hookdown:

I think if ND declines, they would expand to 14. If ND says yes, they expand to 16. If they have to, they will leave the door open for ND.

The Big 10 Network already pays nearly twice as much per school as ND's deal with NBC ($12 million to $22 million), even though it's still in its infancy. If they can increase the payout in the next five to seven years to $30 or even $40 million per school per year, it will be very difficult for ND to turn them down.

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Originally Posted by The Historian

The other question is with UCF, ECU, and Memphis gone does Marshall simply go back to the MAC under either scenario - 9 or 12 teams?

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Marshall would probably lobby C-USA to invite Ohio, MTSU, and WKU.

But I don't see UTEP, Rice, Houston, SMU, Tulsa, Tulane, Southern Miss, or UAB voting Ohio in.

I think WKU would be a tough sell for the Texas schools.

I think they would all go for MTSU though, and I think that would be enough to keep Marshall in C-USA.

I would agree about WKU unless Marshall leaves. I think Tech and MTSU would be the clear frontrunners for 2 of the 3 spots if Memphis, ECU, and UCF are gone.

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Originally Posted by DONW

If ND had accepted, there would be no need for this meeting and they don't have to get another conference's approval to talk to them. This meeting is most likely to let everybody know they are serious and see what schools show interest.

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DonW,

ND is in the Big East for all other sports but football. They would need to be replaced and this addressed even if they are the only one added.

I think that the Big 10 adds both Missouri and either Rutgers or Syracuse. The Big East will still have to address adding some schools on both the football and bball side. This will probably lead to the total split. Then all the dominos will start falling!

DFiH

I don't see Temple going back to the Big East or Missouri going to the Big 10. They're not going to lose that recruiting advantage in Texas.

This topic always brings out the most different opinions of any discussion on this board.

I think that Missouri would rather have the cash that being in the Big 10 would bring for all sports over the recruiting in today's economy. I lived in StL for a while and they relate much more there with Illinois, Iowa & the other 'Midwest states' than they do the schools in Colorado, Nebraska and Texas. With the exception of the University of Kansas, they are much more interested in Illinois, Ohio State, Michigan, etc. Plus the dollars that the schools in the Big 10 make is reason enough.

I think the Big 10 will be:

East: Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, Michigan State, Rutgers, Purdue & Indiana

West: Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Northwestern, Notre Dame, & Wisconsin

Not a bad line-up.

Of course of this happens, dominos will fall!

DFiH

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dawg06

If the Big Ten invites Pitt, Syracuse, and Rutgers, that leaves the Big East with only 5 football schools. That would make it impossible for the Big East to keep their BCS status no matter how they counter. Would it result in a football-basketbal split?

What would UConn do?

UConn has only played FBS football for 10 years, but they did make a smooth transition to FBS football.
UConn does not own or operate their football stadium which is located in East Hartford, 25 miles away from their Storrs campus.
UConn is geographically isolated from the remaining 4 football schools.
UConn (Tier 1 #66 overall) is academically superior to the remaining 4 football schools (all are Tier 3 like us).
UConn was a founding member of the Big East in 1979 with Georgetown, Providence, St. John's, and Seton Hall with Villanova joining in 1980.

Would UConn opt to stick with their basketball roots to play with their historic rivals and academic peers to make the Big East a 10 school basketball conference similar to this? If so, would they play FBS as an independent or FCS in the A10 or Colonial?
-UConn
-Georgetown
-Providence
-St. John's
-Seton Hall
-Villanova
-Temple
-Notre Dame
-Marquette
-Depaul

Or would UConn opt to play FBS football in a non-BCS conference similar to this?
-UConn
-Army
-Navy
-Temple
-West Virginia
-Ohio
-Cincinnati
-Louisville
-Memphis
-East Carolina
-South Florida
-Central Florida

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Dawg06:

You are right in that if they were to lose Syracuse, Rutgers, and Pitt, the Big East will lose its AQ status. In fact, if they were to lose two of those three, I still think they lose AQ status.

But I think they will attempt to keep the league together. That might mean inviting Memphis as a full member but UCF and East Carolina as associate members, playing football only. In the past, those two have expressed a willingness to find another conference for their other sports.

http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/...ush-heating-up

From ESPN.com

"As first reported by the Chicago Tribune, top Big Ten officials will meet beginning Saturday in Washington to discuss expansion. Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany confirmed in a text message to ESPN.com that he's in D.C...

Later in the story:

"Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick, by the way, had this to say on Saturday: "Our highest priority is maintaining football independence."

Corrected the quote if he thinks independence should be Notre Dame's top priority in 2010.

"Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick, by the way, had this to say on Saturday: "Our highest priority is maintaining football mediocrity."

The biggest stumbling block in getting Notre Dame to go Big Ten is getting the ND administration and alumni to realize how irrelevant Notre Dame has become compared to what it used to be. And it won't get back to what its supporters think it already is until it joins a conference.

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Originally Posted by RealityCheck

Corrected the quote if he thinks independence should be Notre Dame's top priority in 2010.

"Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick, by the way, had this to say on Saturday: "Our highest priority is maintaining football mediocrity."

The biggest stumbling block in getting Notre Dame to go Big Ten is getting the ND administration and alumni to realize how irrelevant Notre Dame has become compared to what it used to be. And it won't get back to what its supporters think it already is until it joins a conference.

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You'll never convince ND fans of that. They think they're god's gift to college football.

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Originally Posted by DONW

You'll never convince ND fans of that. They think they're god's gift to college football.

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They are God's gift... just in more of a comedy/gag gift way. God does have a sense of humor, you know. :laugh:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DONW

You'll never convince ND fans of that. They think they're god's gift to college football.

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Notre Dame has provided lots of gifts in the form of wins to its opposition in recent years. And a high percentage of those have been within sight of Touchdown Jesus.

I have a question:

Does any one know if the Big East loses members or if they split with the basketball schools forming a new conference, will they lose their BCS status? What would trigger that?

DFiH

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DawgFaninHous

I have a question:

Does any one know if the Big East loses members or if they split with the basketball schools forming a new conference, will they lose their BCS status? What would trigger that?

DFiH

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see post #32

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DawgFaninHous

I have a question:

Does any one know if the Big East loses members or if they split with the basketball schools forming a new conference, will they lose their BCS status? What would trigger that?

DFiH

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The BC$B$ makes up its own rules as it goes along, I don't think they could take the bid away until the next evaluation period ends, but that could be subject to change.

Could start hearing some news very soon, the BCS meetings are next week.



http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_r...g-16?eref=sihp

I think the Big East could end up filling holes either way.
If Missouri leaves the big 12, my theory is that the Big12 would possibly look at adding a school like Louisville that brings an entirely new TV market along with quality Basketball and Football programs.

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Originally Posted by Tbone1

I think the Big East could end up filling holes either way.

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Are they recruiting Bernice?

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Originally Posted by Champ967

Are they recruiting Bernice?

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Oh man, that just ain't right. :)

It's not "if", it's "when". It'll start falling fast after the first moves. Could effect every non-AQ conference. Hope Bruce has our ducks in a row.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...,3111131.story

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Originally Posted by johnnylightnin

It's not "if", it's "when". It'll start falling fast after the first moves. Could effect every non-AQ conference. Hope Bruce has our ducks in a row.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...,3111131.story

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It has to happen fast or they won't meet the June 30 deadline for schools to start the 2011 season. I think that each conference probably already has a plan for if "X" school gets taken, then we take "Y" school. And I would imagine that "Y" school already knows this and has agreed.

I think we should know by July 1 what our future is.

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Originally Posted by sportdawg

I think we should know by July 1 what our future is.

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I would love for it to happen that fast -

I just don't see it...

"Unless Irish athletic director Jack Swarbrick is trying to construct the mother of all smoke screens, Notre Dame will remain in a conference of one."

If ND says no and two or three schools from the Big East are invited, it will interesting to see what the ACC does. We haven't really gotten into it on this thread, but if the ACC were to announce expansion plans in the next few weeks, to go to 14 or 16 teams, it will be the death of Big East football. The ACC will take several of its football-playing members. This might be where UCONN ends up.

The few football playing schools left in the Big East will almost certainly end up back in CUSA. CUSA expands but with some of its former members.

For Tech, it would be much better if the Big 10 goes to 14 and the ACC announces it will stay at 12. At the same time, there will be a lot of pressure on the ACC to make a quick decision, one way or another, that it can live with for the next 5 to 7 years.

I wonder if there is a buy-out for the 27 month notice the BE schools must give. Does the buy-out still exist if the conference folds?

That's the one thing that makes me think this could be more drawn out that most expect.

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Originally Posted by The Historian

The few football playing schools left in the Big East will almost certainly end up back in CUSA. CUSA expands but with some of its former members.

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This is the scenario that scares the crap out of me -

USF and UC could end up back in CUSA

Really need far flung mayhem to help us get to where we need to be

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sportdawg

It has to happen fast or they won't meet the June 30 deadline for schools to start the 2011 season. I think that each conference probably already has a plan for if "X" school gets taken, then we take "Y" school. And I would imagine that "Y" school already knows this and has agreed.

I think we should know by July 1 what our future is.

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Sportdawg:

I think that may be the one thing the Chicago Tribune writer has incorrect in his story. If the Big 10 is pushing for this by July 1 of this year, it is so the plan can be put into place for the 2011-12 school year, not the 2012-13 school year. Look at the last round of expansion that hit the ACC, Big East and CUSA in 2004. Everything had to be in place on July 1, 2004 for the 2005-06 school year.

The Big 10 may need to go through a formal process over the next 6 weeks, but their commish Delany really needs to know from his presidents which schools would have the 8 votes needed for admission (all of his recommended schools will) and then make the target schools known in the next week or so. Also, I don't think the Big East bylaws and buyouts and waiting periods will be a problem. Money will take care of it.

The Trib writer is correct in that all of the other conferences involved need time to be able to respond.

I think the BE stays together no matter what happens. They have that automatic BCS bowl bid and they still have enough teams to pick from to keep it. They can pick teams out of the MAC if they have to. The ACC has no reason to expand because there will be no teams left that can improve their conference.

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Originally Posted by Dwayne From Minden

This is the scenario that scares the crap out of me -

USF and UC could end up back in CUSA

Really need far flung mayhem to help us get to where we need to be

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Depends upon the degree of mayhem. If the ACC declines to expand and Big East football survives, CUSA will then expand. It will be good for several schools, including Tech and MTSU in my opinion.

If the Big 10 and ACC were to each go to 16 - real mayhem - well I don't even want say what might happen to Tech.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dwayne From Minden

This is the scenario that scares the crap out of me -

USF and UC could end up back in CUSA

Really need far flung mayhem to help us get to where we need to be

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If Pitt leaves for the Big 10 and WVU feels stranded, they may very well try to push for ACC or even the SEC (if Missouri leaves and Arkansas moves as a result). However, if there is a core of WVU, Pitt, Louisville, UConn, Cincy & USF left with BCS money, there is no way they are going to disband. They may have to stay at 9 for a while, but you know that UCF, ECU & Memphis already have their luggage at the door! If they can also can get Army, Navy & then then ask Temple back, they are set for awhile. That is our best scenario!

The movement will then focus on the west with the PAC10 and the MWC trying to scramble to follow suit to that 12 number. I think the BCS conferences are going to wait until they see how the money falls before they are all convinced that 14 or 16 is the way to go, like the Big 10 seems to want to do. Once this next round settles down, we should have 5-6 years of stability. And who knows, in 2018 or so, we may look very attractive to a BCS conference!!!!

DFiH

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hookdown

I think that this is the do or die time for ND to join the Big 11 if they are ever going to. I doubt that the Big 11 will expand again any time soon. Even if they did, I am guessing that they are getting tired of ND saying "no" and may not consider them next time. Especially if ND football keeps going downhill. If ND is to join, now is the time. Of course, they probably still think they are above everyone else and will decline an offer.

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Regarding Notre Dame, I agree.

Notre Dame's biggest problem is that they have to understand what life is going to be like AFTER the Big 10 expands to 12, 14 or 16 teams, WITHOUT them.

- If the Big 10 moves to this "Super conference" alignment of 16 teams without the Irish, Notre Dame could eventually become a forgotten and unimportant commodity in the midwest. Santa Clara, Fordham, Duquesne, Carnegie Tech, and Dartmouth were all prestigeous names in college football at one time. Can Notre Dame really afford to be left out of this Super conference?

- Scheduling would suddenly become much tougher for the Irish, and ND's prestige would eventually fade.

This is going to be fun to watch.


HD

Pure speculation here....but I'm guessing that the Big 10 --currently at 11 schools-- goes to a Super conference alignment and adds 3 or 5. Here are the locks, in order, for an invite/bid:

1) Notre Dame - Could boost the new Big 10 TV package significantly.
2) Missouri - Perfect fit geographically, academically, and synergisitically.
3) Nebraska - Tremendous football reputation. Good geography in the west.
4) West VA. - Very solid football & basketball program. Good geography in the east.
5) Pitt - Good fit geographically in the east. Brings eastern TV sets & relationship with Penn State.

Adding all 5 would take the Big 10 to 16 schools. We would have out FIRST Super conference. Then, you'd see the SEC, the ACC and the Big 12 (now 10 schools with loss of Missouri and Nebraska) scramble to follow suit.


HD

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

Pure speculation here....but I'm guessing that the Big 10 --currently at 11 schools-- goes to a Super conference alignment and adds 3 or 5. Here are the locks, in order, for an invite/bid:

1) Notre Dame - Could boost the new Big 10 TV package significantly.
2) Missouri - Perfect fit geographically, academically, and synergisitically.
3) Nebraska - Tremendous football reputation. Good geography in the west.
4) West VA. - Very solid football & basketball program. Good geography in the east.
5) Pitt - Good fit geographically in the east. Brings eastern TV sets & relationship with Penn State.

Adding all 5 would take the Big 10 to 16 schools. We would have out FIRST Super conference. Then, you'd see the SEC, the ACC and the Big 12 (now 11 schools) scramble to follow suit.


HD

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I think you're right about the super conference trend. Big 12 and the BE could be massacred in the process. I do think the Big 10 is gonna make a play for Syracuse and Rutgers in an attempt to get the Big 10 network picked up in the largest media market in the nation. If that happens, they'll have more money than they know what to do with.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

Pure speculation here....but I'm guessing that the Big 10 --currently at 11 schools-- goes to a Super conference alignment and adds 3 or 5. Here are the locks, in order, for an invite/bid:

1) Notre Dame - Could boost the new Big 10 TV package significantly.
2) Missouri - Perfect fit geographically, academically, and synergisitically.
3) Nebraska - Tremendous football reputation. Good geography in the west.
4) West VA. - Very solid football & basketball program. Good geography in the east.
5) Pitt - Good fit geographically in the east. Brings eastern TV sets & relationship with Penn State.

Adding all 5 would take the Big 10 to 16 schools. We would have out FIRST Super conference. Then, you'd see the SEC, the ACC and the Big 12 (now 10 schools with loss of Missouri and Nebraska) scramble to follow suit.


HD

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I agree, but slightly disagree on two points:

1) Like Johnny Lightnin says, they will grab Rutgers or Syracuse (maybe both) to get into the NYC market. IN all the scenarios this is what everyone is saying! The other lock is Missouri. Joe Pa and State wants Pitt, but they did turn them down once and their is bad blood as a result. I think Pitt stays with Cincy and WVU this round.

2) I think the other conferences are going to sit at 12 until they see how scheduling this 'monster' and how the money is going to fall. They are going to site the problems with the WAC at 16 until the Big 14/16 can prove it is a huge money maker!

DFiH

Having been in the middle of ACC land during the last expansion, I can only tell you to expect the unexpected. Google Syracuse, VT, BC and ACC expansion.

There is still a debate within Tobacco Road as to if the last ACC expansion was beneficial to the ACC 9. UNC and Duke were adamantly opposed to that expansion and will likely be to any future expansion. My gut says that they stay put at 12, but if they see a chance to disband the Big East and the ACC's basketball rival anything is possible.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DawgFaninHous

2) I think the other conferences are going to sit at 12 until they see how scheduling this 'monster' and how the money is going to fall. They are going to site the problems with the WAC at 16 until the Big 14/16 can prove it is a huge money maker!

DFiH

---

I agree with you about the fear of history repeating itself (WAC). I also think the Big10 will not go above 14 teams. It would take too many years to schedule the out-of-division conference mates.

I haven't seen any discussion about USM changing conferences but they have been consistently improving their athletic facilities as well as additional campus buildings. I have no idea if they have an agenda but I think they are happy in CUSA.

Whatever happens, this will be THE end of the realignment road for the next decade+. Once every super conference is locked in at 12-16 with a conf. championship game, what's done is done.

Better hope we end up in a good position.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CChandler

Whatever happens, this will be THE end of the realignment road for the next decade+. Once every super conference is locked in at 12-16 with a conf. championship game, what's done is done.

Better hope we end up in a good position.

---

You're exactly right and the big boys know it too. That's one reason we might see some panic reactions from some conferences that are normally level headed.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DawgFaninHous

I agree, but slightly disagree on two points:

2) I think the other conferences are going to sit at 12 until they see how scheduling this 'monster' and how the money is going to fall. They are going to site the problems with the WAC at 16 until the Big 14/16 can prove it is a huge money maker!

DFiH

---

DFIH:

Once the Big 10, and then Big East, possibly ACC, and then CUSA acts, there will be a pause but not for long. Probably not more than a year. The focus will then shift to Texas.

The Big 12's TV contract is up in 2012. By this time next year, Texas will have much better idea of where it want to be, and where the money will be.

The Big 10 might make that decision easy for them. If Nebraska and Missouri head for the Big 10, the Big 12's new TV deal will never be able to generate the dollars Texas will be looking for. The really big TV money will then be with an expanded SEC, or an expanded Pac 10. You could easily see a group of Big 12 teams, led by the Texas/Texas A&M combo head to one of those two leagues. They could easily create an SEC/Pac 10 bidding war.

Interesting blog on the topic...

http://frankthetank.wordpress.com/

Obama will soon figure out a way to tax these schools that are bringing in so much money.

Someone help me be more positive....

Realignment looks likely. There is a chance that it occurs but it does not require CUSA to scoop up member(s) of WAC, MAC, or Belt. If CUSA must raid one or more of the forementioned conferences, we must be selected over some other schools who have some positive attributes. So, we need realignment; we need realignment to happen and force CUSA to pick up at least one school from WAC; and we need CUSA to pick us.

We need hings to fall our way. Because of these multiple contingencies, i think the odds are less than 50/50, assuming realignment occurs in the next two years.

I think that after the Big 11 does whatever they are going to do, the SEC is going to make a serious power move. I seriously doubt that the SEC will sit and let the Big 11 become the "power conference". The ego of the SEC just won't let that happen. I think they will make a strong move for Texas, A&M to expand to at least 14. If they go the 16 school route depending on if and how it works for the Big 11, you might see Oklahoma and Oklahoma State move into the SEC. Without Texas or Oklahoma, it will be very hard for there to a Big 12 especially if Nebraska some how ends up in the Big 11 Super Conference.

http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?ti...443#pid5370443

I normally don't do the realignment offseason talk thing, but I think its a legit topic in 2010, and something is going to happen sooner than later.

Here's how I see it shaking out, with a strong attempt at throwing away any biases:

BIG TEN:
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Michigan
Michigan State
Minnesota
Northwestern
Ohio State
Penn State
Purdue
Wisconsin
Syracuse
Rutgers
Missouri

BIG EAST (football playing members listed):
Cincinatti
Connecticut
Louisville
Pittsburg
USF
West Virginia
Central Florida
Memphis
East Carolina

PAC 10:
Arizona
Arizona State
UC Berkeley
Oregon
Oregon State
Stanford
UCLA
USC
Washington
Washington State
Colorado
Utah

BIG XII:
Iowa State
Kansas State
Kansas
Nebraska
Oklahoma State
Oklahoma
Baylor
Texas Tech
Texas A&M
Texas
BYU
New Mexico or UNLV or Colorado State (assumption going forward: New Mexico)

SEC:
[unchanged]

ACC:
[unchanged]

MWC/WAC/Something:
Air Force Academy
Colorado State
San Diego State
TCU
UNLV
Wyoming
Nevada
Texas-El Paso

CONFERENCE USA:
Houston
Rice
SMU
Tulane
Tulsa
UAB
Southern Miss
Marshall
Ohio
Middle Tennessee
Louisiana Tech
North Texas

WAC:
Boise State
Fresno State
Hawaii
Idaho
New Mexico State
San Jose State
Utah State
Montana

Sun Belt:
Arkansas State
FAU
FIU
ULL
ULM
Troy
Western Kentucky
South Alabama

MAC:
[unchanged - Ohio]



NOTES:

MWC -- No, I did not forget Boise. The MWC has no interest in Boise state. Do I need to repeat this? No interest in Boise State, due to their subpar academics. Boise is left out in the cold here. It may be hard to swallow, but its the truth.

CUSA -- There are two scenarios at play here. One involves keeping Marshall and adding Ohio (Tier 1 national university) of the MAC as a travel partner. MTSU is added to replace Memphis, and LA Tech and North Texas are added, and become travel partners for one another. This is the play I project.
Scenario two involves dropping Marshall, putting Ohio out of the picture and probably cementing this incarnation of CUSA at 10 schools.

WAC -- Kind of hosed. Really needs Montana to move up to get to 8, or make a play for the CSU+Wyoming combo.

Just my opinion. This makes the most logical sense. Of course, we know how that goes.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DONW

Obama will soon figure out a way to tax these schools that are bringing in so much money.

---

It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Obama implement a "windfall profits" tax on these schools. Afterall, this has become very big business. Yes, I know schools are tax free entities, but I also know the feds never foresaw this kind of big time TV money going through the coughers untaxed.


HD

I just don't see the sec expanding, and especially taking somebody out of the Big 12. The powers in the sec aren't interested in teams that can beat them. they can already win a national championship playing the teams they play, so why add teams that aren't a sure wins. The Big 10 will most likely take only Pitt for a 12 team conference or Pitt, Syracuse, and Rutgers for a 14 team conference. These are teams that most Big 10 teams can beat and they could possibly help their TV market. To get an idea on what these conferences are going to do, take a look at their schedules. They all play 8 conferences games and 4 easy teams at home. They only have to win 2 conference games to qualify for a bowl and they don't even have to win a road game. They're not going to add teams that they might have to play on the road.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by johnnylightnin

Interesting blog on the topic...

http://frankthetank.wordpress.com/

---

It really does show just how big this really has become and why the Big 10 just might go to 16. It also shows why the Big 10 might be begging Nebraska, and why Fox News Corp might be driving some of this.

The timetable really is important. If they do not have anything in place for 2011-12, they would be leaving a lot of money on the table.

Am I the only person that believes there is NO WAY IN HELL these conferences will have 16 teams?? Seems to be a football scheduling nightmare.....I just think the Big 12, SEC, Big 10-11-12 (whatever), Pac 10 and the ACC plus the Irish school are going to get together and form the 'football super league' and leave the rest out in the cold. They pretty much did it with the BCS, they can do it again!!

Actually I think 16 may in all likelyhood happen -

4 conferences of 16 teams

64 teams

Conference champs then play a PLUS 1 for a football NC

The money made will dwarf anything out there

I personally think the magic number will be 14. That makes sense for the Big 10 wanting both Missouri and Rutgers with a space left open for ND, if they bite. If they don't they will ask Syracuse. This will give them 6 division games and 2 (home/away) from the other division every year.

However, to use Dwayne's thinking, you could add 2 more 16 team conferences and have an 8 team playoff set with the champion from each and two at-large teams coming from the 'Big 4'!!!! The last two conferences could come from the rest of the teams left standing from CUSA/WAC/MAC/Sunbelt/MWC.......it also makes them all BCS eligible and eliminates the threats from lawsuits!

DFiH

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DawgFaninHous

I personally think the magic number will be 14. That makes sense for the Big 10 wanting both Missouri and Rutgers with a space left open for ND, if they bite. If they don't they will ask Syracuse. This will give them 6 division games and 2 (home/away) from the other division every year.

However, to use Dwayne's thinking, you could add 2 more 16 team conferences and have an 8 team playoff set with the champion from each and two at-large teams coming from the 'Big 4'!!!! The last two conferences could come from the rest of the teams left standing from CUSA/WAC/MAC/Sunbelt/MWC.......it also makes them all BCS eligible and eliminates the threats from lawsuits!

DFiH

---

That would be both crazy and awesome. 6 team MNC tournament -- 1 and 2 seeds (probably Big Ten and SEC champs in most years) get byes into the second round. The other two "big 4" champs take on the two "little 2" champs, respectively, in the first round with the winners moving on.

I would love to see that. For giggles (listed in groups of 2 -- travel partners):

LITTLE TWO EAST:
South
-------
Tulsa
SMU

Rice
Tulane

North Texas
Louisiana Tech

UAB
Southern Miss


North
------
Marshall
Ohio

MTSU
Western Kentucky

Miami (OH)
Akron

Central Michigan
Western Michigan

LITTLE TWO WEST:
South
------
TCU
Houston

Texas-El Paso
New Mexico

UNLV
Nevada

San Diego State
Hawaii

North
------
Colorado State
Wyoming

Boise State
Idaho

San Jose State
Fresno State

Air Force Academy
Utah State

This is assuming Utah, BYU, Memphis, ECU, and UCF go to the Big 4.

Again, would love to see this.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DawgFaninHous

I personally think the magic number will be 14. That makes sense for the Big 10 wanting both Missouri and Rutgers with a space left open for ND, if they bite. If they don't they will ask Syracuse. This will give them 6 division games and 2 (home/away) from the other division every year.

However, to use Dwayne's thinking, you could add 2 more 16 team conferences and have an 8 team playoff set with the champion from each and two at-large teams coming from the 'Big 4'!!!! The last two conferences could come from the rest of the teams left standing from CUSA/WAC/MAC/Sunbelt/MWC.......it also makes them all BCS eligible and eliminates the threats from lawsuits!

DFiH

---

How does it eliminate the threat from lawsuits? They are still just throwing out a bone to the other FBS conferences. If the above scenario happens, I could see the other 5 conferences trying to form another 16 team conference and trying to get in the mix. Between the WAC, CUSA, and MWC, there would be some cherry picking for the best 16. Then, they would make a big push - possibly legal route.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dwayne From Minden

Actually I think 16 may in all likelyhood happen -

4 conferences of 16 teams

64 teams

Conference champs then play a PLUS 1 for a football NC

The money made will dwarf anything out there

---

Too many egos involved for 16 team conferences. As somebody else said, they've already screwed the little guys out of millions, so why run the risk of screwing up something that's working.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DONW

Too many egos involved for 16 team conferences. As somebody else said, they've already screwed the little guys out of millions, so why run the risk of screwing up something that's working.

---

Bingo. Too many big cats to herd in one direction, too many divergent interests and ideas, and too little time to even try to pull it off. Getting a few ADs from the former WAC to meet at an airport in order to defect and form the MWC, or expanding the Big 10 by a few teams - that can be done through backroom meetings. Changing the entire face of college athletics is much less a backroom meeting deal and more like a Continental Congress - it would involve too many competing interests to pull off in short order. For those reasons and several more, a 64 team Super Conference/League idea is about as likely to occur at the present time as a balanced Federal budget.

OK, here comes the first of several thoughts so please bear with me.

1. I strongly believe that whoever expands first is in the drivers seat, so I would not be surprised at all to see someone other than the Big 11 go for it and expand first. That would also help to prevent suspected defections.

2. HD, I totally agree with you about ND and the distinct possibility that they start fading out of the national picture if they decline the Big 11 again. Especially if part of the Big 11 expansion includes Texas (I know you do not think that will ever happen, but if it did...).

3. CChandler, I agree that this is going to be the last realignment for some time to come. Conferences had better get it right or fall by the wayside.

4. CChandler, I agree for the most part on your new conferences. However, if the MWC loses Utah, BYU, and New Mexico, they have lost 2/3's of their glamour football teams. UTEP and Nevada do not make up for it. I think they end taking Boise, even if they have to hold their noses over academics. Besides, Boise is probably better known nationally than any of the other remaining schools with the possible exception of TCU. Which means TV exposure and money for the conference.

5. I too think the chances of 16 team conferences are remote, but I certainly would not rule it out. If the AQ conferences think that it will get them more money, then it is a done deal.

6. I look for the losing conferences to be the Big East and WAC when the dust settles.

7. Whatever happens, happens in the next 2 1/2 months. Hold on kids, this is going to be a white knuckler!!! :shocked2:

If Boise, Fresno, and Hawaii ever find new homes, what would be left of the WAC would be a west coast version of the Belch. The WAC may simply fold in a scenario like that. On the other hand, if those three schools stay put and the WAC were to add three schools (UNT, ULL, and MTSU maybe) and form an eastern division, we would be OK. I don't see the WAC staying at nine members. I think that one way or another, major change is coming for the WAC.

Not that I think it is going to happen, but if they conferences do elect to become super-conferences here is who I think they might go after. Obviously, not all of this can happen so it would be interesting to see how it shakes out, if it does at all.

In no particular order of desire:

Big 11 - Notre Dame, Syracuse, Rutgers, Pitt, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas, Texas A&M

ACC - Syracuse, Pitt, UConn, West Virginia, Navy, South Carolina, Louisville, Cincinnati

SEC - Florida State, Miami, Georgia Tech, Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU

Big 12 - Arkansas, LSU, New Mexico, Utah, BYU, Colorado State

Pac 10 - Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Texas A&M, Colorado State, Hawaii


Like I said, these are just possibles for each conference. Most likely, interest in any particular school on this list ranges from very high (ND, Texas) to very low (Colorado State, Louisville) and all points in-between. I do not think that the Big East will become a super-conference, it will be all they can do just to survive. I do think that if one conference goes to 16, then the others will follow.



http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/201...html?eref=sihp

I don't think it would be completely impossible that the Big 12 would take a look at us. We have potential, and we are in Louisiana.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BUZDAWG

I don't think it would be completely impossible that the Big 12 would take a look at us. We have potential, and we are in Louisiana.

---

We'd have to have our Big Texans make a HUGE financial commitment and pull some political strings for that to be in the realm of possibility.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BUZDAWG

I don't think it would be completely impossible that the Big 12 would take a look at us. We have potential, and we are in Louisiana.

---

And here i am being worried that CUSA may not even take a serious look at us....:icon_wink:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BUZDAWG

I don't think it would be completely impossible that the Big 12 would take a look at us. We have potential, and we are in Louisiana.

---

:rolleyes4:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Slackdog

:rolleyes4:

---

http://louisianatech.scout.com/2/950518.html

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BUZDAWG

I don't think it would be completely impossible that the Big 12 would take a look at us. We have potential, and we are in Louisiana.

---

I assume this is 'tongue in cheek'...

If not, please share the high grade narcotics you are apparently overloaded with!!!

Well, I am not saying it is likely, but we always are saying we have the potential to be much more than we are. Look at Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, TCU, USF as schools that made a commitment to their athletics. The Big 12 may want to expand into Louisiana. Who else would they look at in this state? Perhaps they would look at our potential with the increased money we would have with a Big 12 conference affiliation. Again, I don't think it is likely, but we are talking about major changes in the landscape here.

People keep bringing up market size. The biggest TV market in the US does not have an AQ all that close -- Rutgers being the closest. Houston does not have an AQ -- A&M is about 90 miles away and both Texas and Baylor are over 160. Does Philadelphia have an AQ -- Rutgers is probably the closest to Philly.

I would not consider the following being in larger Markets:
Nebraska, Iowa State, Oregon State, Washington State, Iowa, Missouri (hey it's halfway between KC and St. Louis but they're both still a ways).

You could probalby name a few more.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Houston Techsan

People keep bringing up market size. The biggest TV market in the US does not have an AQ all that close -- Rutgers being the closest. Houston does not have an AQ -- A&M is about 90 miles away and both Texas and Baylor are over 160. Does Philadelphia have an AQ -- Rutgers is probably the closest to Philly.

I would not consider the following being in larger Markets:
Nebraska,

---

It isn't just about geography. Houston has a huge market without a "big name" school in the city, but it's safe to include Houston's numbers for UT or maybe A&M. So when the Big 12 goes to Fox or ESPN to negotiate a contract, they can say "look at the ratings a UT game gets in Houston."

Nebraska can safely offer their entire state and a national brand.

When you talk about non-AQ schools, the market size is still a part of the equation, it's just debatable how much it should be. SMU, Rice, and UTEP did not get invited to CUSA (instead of Tech) because of on-the-field results only (or at all). Potential market size was absolutely a part of that choice. The Tech argument is that it is better to have most of a small market than very little of a large one (like SMU in Dallas). But either way, tv deals are an enourmous part of this whole conference mix-up thing.

If the Big10/11 takes a school from the BE, it will be 100% about the money. It will be all about getting a major market to add the Big 10 network to their cable packages.

Let me say that I am just saying this as a fan and nothing else.

Someone mentioned whoever is the first to move is going to be in the drivers seat... agreed.
Someone else said the MWC wants nothing to do with Boise becuase of academic standards... possibly true.

HOWEVER... imagine this:

MWC adds Boise State, Fresno State and Louisiana Tech
Rockies Division: Utah, BYU, Colorado State, Wyoming, Air Force and New Mexico
Plains Division: Boise State, Fresno State, UNLV, San Diego State, TCU and LA Tech
Football Championship every year in Denver (probable sellout every year because of Rockies Division winner)
Men's BKB and Women's BKB every year in Las Vegas

Keeps all rivials, including Boise, Fresno and LA Tech
Gives TCU and LA Tech a travel partner in basketball
Gives TCU and LA Tech a drivable conference game

In my opinion... if this were to happen. It would secure this league for a long time. All 12 programs would become stronger. BCS would have to admit this group as an AQ or completely rewrite its standards to keep them out... or if Big East folds, this group takes its place.

In that scenario I would think the MWC would chose Houston over Louisiana Tech (and UTEP over Boise State, though we obviously disagree there)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CChandler

In that scenario I would think the MWC would chose Houston over Louisiana Tech (and UTEP over Boise State, though we obviously disagree there)

---

And Nevada over Fresno just to round things out.


But his idea would sure be nice for Tech.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GODAWGSGO

HOWEVER... imagine this:

MWC adds Boise State, Fresno State and Louisiana Tech
Rockies Division: Utah, BYU, Colorado State, Wyoming, Air Force and New Mexico
Plains Division: Boise State, Fresno State, UNLV, San Diego State, TCU and LA Tech

In my opinion... if this were to happen. It would secure this league for a long time. All 12 programs would become stronger. BCS would have to admit this group as an AQ or completely rewrite its standards to keep them out... or if Big East folds, this group takes its place.

---

While I agree that this would be a SUPER option for LA Tech, I find it very hard to believe that the MWC would invite far flung LA Tech before inviting Nevada-Reno (who's already in the MWC footprint) or Hawaii. Just can't see it. In fact, even Utah St has an advantage over us in this lineup. And as others mentioned, don't forget Houston and UTEP.

Now, if the MWC goes to 16 teams like the Big 10 may do.........then we may have a shot.


HD

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GODAWGSGO

MWC adds Boise State, Fresno State, NEVADA, UTEP, HAWAII, & HOUSTON


Rockies Division: Colorado State, Wyoming, Air Force, Boise, Nevada & UNLV
Plains Division: Fresno State, Hawaii, San Diego State, UTEP, TCU and Houston

---

This is obviously after the PAC 10 raids Utah & BYU!
This could happen and Houston is almost as bad as Boise in trying to get their attention! When they hired a new AD one of the criteria was the ability to get them in a new and bigger (perceived bigger in this case) conference.

This obviously works in our favor as it actually opens 2 spots on the 'right side' of CUSA!!!! It does leave the WAC pretty high and dry, though!

DFIH

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DawgFaninHous

This is obviously after the PAC 10 raids Utah & BYU!
This could happen and Houston is almost as bad as Boise in trying to get their attention!

---

1. I don't think the Pac-10 is taking anyone. I read somewhere (admittedly just a blog, so I can't promise this is fact) that the Pac-10 requires full agreement on any expansion. It only takes ONE school voting no to keep it from happening. Hard to imagine 10 school presidents agreeing on something like this unless they have no choice.

2. IF Utah and BYU have left the MWC, why would Boise or Houston still want to join? If the two best teams leave, that conference is in a position of weakness and more likely to be raided than to do much raiding. I guess you could have said the same thing about the BE after the ACC raid, but the MWC isn't an AQ conference, and won't be anywhere near becoming one if two of their 3 best teams leave.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by inudesu

1. I don't think the Pac-10 is taking anyone. I read somewhere (admittedly just a blog, so I can't promise this is fact) that the Pac-10 requires full agreement on any expansion. It only takes ONE school voting no to keep it from happening. Hard to imagine 10 school presidents agreeing on something like this unless they have no choice.

2. IF Utah and BYU have left the MWC, why would Boise or Houston still want to join? If the two best teams leave, that conference is in a position of weakness and more likely to be raided than to do much raiding. I guess you could have said the same thing about the BE after the ACC raid, but the MWC isn't an AQ conference, and won't be anywhere near becoming one if two of their 3 best teams leave.

---

I also read that they are looking to expand (the PAC10, that is) to 12 and it quoted their commissioner as saying it. The leading school is Utah with people arguing the other one would be either Colorado or BYU. Colorado is the favorite, but for this discussion, I inserted BYU. Chances are though they will most likely stay in the MWC.

Even if BYU and Utah left, the MWC still would have AFA, Co St, SDSU, UNLV, New Mexico, & TCU! Why wouldn't Houston or Boise want to play with that group as opposed to the rest of the WAC and CUSA. To me it would be a 'no brainer'!

Just googled on "big 10 expansion" and found a "sport tales" blurb that says the Big ten will announce in a press conference today that Rutgers, Pitt and Notre Dame were to join. See http://sportales.com/football/big-10...-dame-to-join/

I can't believe this is serious. Will know tonight on ESPN.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Houston Techsan

Just googled on "big 10 expansion" and found a "sport tales" blurb that says the Big ten will announce in a press conference today that Rutgers, Pitt and Notre Dame were to join. See http://sportales.com/football/big-10...-dame-to-join/

I can't believe this is serious. Will know tonight on ESPN.

---

No need to wait for tonight to get the answer. That site is totally NOT serious.