JK37 wrote:THE BAD:
Notre Dame - "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice..." The Bg Ten won't go back to them after being rejected once. Too proud. This annoucement (I can't recall anything so preemptive regarding conference realignment ever.), could be the final ditch effort at Notre Dame. In other words, they let them know the invitation is open (if ND asks first), and the Big 10 saves face. Either way, that ship has sailed. ND prides itself too much on its football independence.
Iowa State - Big 10 already possesses the largest school in the state. Plus, no new major markets, nor an academic upgrade. No go.
Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Louisville - pick one or more of the Iowa St. reasons listed above.
As (I think) one of the few people on here that is actually a fan of a Big Ten team and in Big Ten land... All valid points. Cincy has no chance. They have a reputation in Ohio (at least if not elsewhere) of less than stellar academic standards and their basketball program is rife with accusations of impropriety (even after Huggins left). West V would have similar problems academically. Pitt is intriguing because of proximity and pretty good academic programs but again, don't see it happening.
Here's the thing with ND. Why would ND want in? They have the easiest road to a BCS bowl because they are an independent with their own special clause, they have their own TV deal they get to play 1/3 of the Big Ten every year anyway -- and get to avoid playing at Ohio State (unless they want to play them) and at Wisconsin and some of the tougher places (besides the teams on their schedule). Now, if a playoff system does come around -- maybe they want in, and I'm pretty sure the Big Ten wouldn't turn them down.
As for the other teams...BC fits academically, does get the Big Ten more media exposure -- but why? Why would BC leave and why would the Big Ten want them? They'd be bottom half in all the big sports -- it does nothing to improve the conference, and sure it gets BC a little more money but it puts them further behind the 8-ball in terms of conference competitiveness for a few years.
Plus it completely changes recruiting for a team like them. Right now they can go recruit the players in NC, or VA that aren't going to the 'Big Time' basketball schools.... If they are in the Big Ten its going to be a lot tougher to sell those same kids because you lose the advantage of playing a UNC or a Va Tech.
I think Syracuse makes more sense -- but their football program also does nothing to help the Big Ten... Certainly would bost their recruiting a bit considering their location. Should be interesting though. But, academics will definitely play a key role...As will reputation of the school. I understand the media issue is big, but, I'm not so sure its as big as you guys are thinking. I mean its not the Big South struggling to get a foothold in major cities.
They've made huge strides with the Big Ten network which is already on standard digital cable throughout most of the midwest (and its on regular old basic cable throughout Ohio and a lot of other states), and also already available in most sports packages across the country. I do understand that getting a BC or someone shifts the ABC/ESPN coverage from acc to Big Ten for that particular market (most likely), and gets more press coverage in papers/tv etc. But considering the TV deals the big Ten already has.... I'm not sure its the reason for this move. I mean, they are already far and away making more than any other conference on TV deals... So I just don't see that as the primary driving force. I think competitiveness in football and finishing the season soooo early has a lot to do with it. A lot more than they would ever admit.
AND if the Big Ten does add a school, I can guarantee you the Pac-10 will at least explore the options as well. Although I think its going to be much tougher for them, unless they are willing to drop the academic standards significantly.
- By olldflame