GunnerFan Wrote:Missouri is the obvious, safe choice. Their access to markets is solid, they institutional make up and commitment from fans and alumni comparable to existing Big Ten members. It would preserve the midwestern character of the conference and they should form easy rivalries with Illinois and Iowa.

Here is an article from Missouri on the subject:

Sports Posted on Thu, Jul. 26, 2007reprint or license print email Digg it del.icio.us AIM
Alden says Big Ten hasn’t contacted him about Missouri
By MIKE DeARMOND
The Kansas City Star
The Big Ten Conference wants to add another school to what is now an 11-team league — and wants to do so soon. But despite heavy speculation in the past, that school probably won’t be Missouri.

“I heard those rumors the first time,” Missouri athletic director Mike Alden said of MU joining the Big Ten. “That was nine years ago.

“But we haven’t heard anything from anybody about that. We’re all about the Big 12.”

Earlier this week TV commentator Lee Corso chided the Big Ten for not previously inviting Missouri to join the fold. The television markets of St. Louis and Kansas City have always seemed attractive to the Big Ten, which on Aug. 30 is scheduled to launch programming on its own network.

With Illinois already a member of the Big Ten, the league has a foothold in St. Louis. Even with greater Kansas City’s estimated 1.9 million possible viewers, the presence in St. Louis might fly in the face of one of Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany’s important considerations.

“We have eight states,” Delany told the Des Moines Register Wednesday. “With expansion, you could have nine.”

Syracuse or Rutgers — seen as a scheduling partner with Penn State — would seem to fit that bill and are already the subject of strong speculation.

Nebraska has also been considered, in the not-so-recent past, as a possible target of the Big Ten.

Notre Dame, wooed unsuccessfully by the Big Ten in 1999, would not qualify as bringing another state with Indiana and Purdue already in the Big Ten. But Notre Dame’s national following certainly makes the Irish attractive.

Alden said any talk of Missouri and the Big Ten probably would come at the level of the system’s Board of Curators — if it comes at all.

Speed, Delany said, might be of the essence.

“I think we need to look at it in the next year,” Delany said.

MadEagle Wrote:If that is the case what on God's Green Earth does the SEC find so appealing about Mississippi State and Ole Miss markets ?

Because on Dec 8-9, 1932 when the SEC was formed and Ole Miss and Mississippi State were voted in as charter members, 60' HD TV's, HD Satellites, and Top 100 TV Markets weren't on any one's horizon at the time.

Without reading through all of this, I suppose I'm not the only one that thinks the Big 10 will also look at WVU, UofL, and Pitt, am I?

bearcatfan Wrote:Without reading through all of this, I suppose I'm ___ the only one that thinks the Big 10 will also look at WVU, UofL, and Pitt, am I?

Pretty much.

bearcatfan Wrote:Without reading through all of this, I suppose I'm not the only one that thinks the Big 10 will also look at WVU, UofL, and Pitt, am I?

I don't think that because:

1. Pitt is in the same state as Penn State

2. Louisville nor West Virginia have the "academic standards" that the Big Ten wants (keep in mind, I'd be proud to have a son or daughter accepted to either school, but the Big 10 has very high standards). But, that is a big reason why everyone is mentioning Rutgers and not those two, as Rutgers has more respect in the academic world.

I still think Maryland is going to end up being a candidate in all this. They're a state flagship with very good academics. They are a member of the AAU, practically a requirement to be accepted to the Big Ten. They provide an eastern partner for Penn State. And, it has been rumored they have been unhappy with the way the ACC does things.

Well said gunner. I agree with your theme that rutgers would be a culture shift while syracuse fits nice into the midwest culture. Yet, syracuse doesn't really fit the academic profile of the big 10, isnt' the flagship state school nor is it at the level of NW academic standing but i wouldn't ko them because of academics. I'd have to compare markets, rutgers brings in the state of NJ and NYC while syracuse, i guess you could argue the entire state of NY but that really isn't right, who knows how big syracuse market share is in NY state. Also, the long term risk would be another d1 program could develop in new york state if syracuse left the big east. Other things after reading some posts, i think a main reason that the big 10 hasn't gone to 12 is UM/Ohio state never wanted to dilute their season ending game. Yet, that is really silly, the bama-auburn game is still huge even with the SEC title. Also, it does seem a forgone conclusion that missouri would jump but as lee corso says, not so fast, maybe they have no interest. If i were gonna bet, syracuse or rutgers will get a big 10 invite within 2 years.

As for West Virginia, i think they would be a great pickup for the big 10 but the academic types would frown. Who knows, this thing will get political so W.Virg could be a real dark sleeper along with Kentucky and Nebraska but smart money would be on Rutgers, Syracuse, ND, or UConn and not expanding. I do not believe Lville or Pitt have a shot though.

BullsFanatic Wrote:

bearcatfan Wrote:Without reading through all of this, I suppose I'm not the only one that thinks the Big 10 will also look at WVU, UofL, and Pitt, am I?

I don't think that because:

1. Pitt is in the same state as Penn State

2. Louisville nor West Virginia have the "academic standards" that the Big Ten wants (keep in mind, I'd be proud to have a son or daughter accepted to either school, but the Big 10 has very high standards). But, that is a big reason why everyone is mentioning Rutgers and not those two, as Rutgers has more respect in the academic world.

I still think Maryland is going to end up being a candidate in all this. They're a state flagship with very good academics. They are a member of the AAU, practically a requirement to be accepted to the Big Ten. They provide an eastern partner for Penn State. And, it has been rumored they have been unhappy with the way the ACC does things.

Am I the only one who thinks they might even look at 14 if the states being brought in provided enough revenue. What about Rutgers, Maryland, and Syracuse to provide eastern rivals, gain access to Washington and New York markets, provide access to 3 populous states, all are AAU members and great academic schools. That could be a 14 magic number for them. The combined population of the three states is 33,572,943 people of which I'm sure a very high proportion have cable or satellite for them to charge. That's alot of money on the table. I'd love to see a 16 school conference where they invited Rutgers, Syracuse, Pitt, West Virginia, and UConn. Then we can have an eastern division featuring PSU, those 5 and say Michigan State and Purdue. You play 10 conference games, 7 in division opponents and 3 rotating out of division opponents, championship game at the end. 2 out of conference opponents which kinda bites but given how big the conference is it makes sense.

What kind'a twist or wrinkle would it be if the Big 10 successfully wooed Notre Shame to join the conference? All those years of bending over backwards for the Irish would be wasted. Would there be a fall out from it? The footballers may feel no more need to stick around waiting for the Irish, rather being the new majority they move in a different direction.

I think the front runners for the last Big 10 slot are Mizzou, Iowa St., Pitt, and Notre Shame. Some folks were talking on the radio today here locally that UofL should be given a look. I don't think so. The only thing The Ville has for the Big 10 is a geographic fit. (Well besides outstanding football and basketball). They are just not a Big 10 fit. I could see WVU getting a look though.[/align]

college football live just said, that pitt should be the new addition to the Big 10. Said it would give PSU a travel partner and stay in the boundry for the big 10. So. does that mean anything?

I don't think pitt or iowa state have a shot, it goes against what the big 10 commish stated, the need for a 9th state

14 eventally is going to happen. maybe 2010 or 2025,

brista21 Wrote:

BullsFanatic Wrote:

bearcatfan Wrote:Without reading through all of this, I suppose I'm not the only one that thinks the Big 10 will also look at WVU, UofL, and Pitt, am I?

I don't think that because:

1. Pitt is in the same state as Penn State

2. Louisville nor West Virginia have the "academic standards" that the Big Ten wants (keep in mind, I'd be proud to have a son or daughter accepted to either school, but the Big 10 has very high standards). But, that is a big reason why everyone is mentioning Rutgers and not those two, as Rutgers has more respect in the academic world.

I still think Maryland is going to end up being a candidate in all this. They're a state flagship with very good academics. They are a member of the AAU, practically a requirement to be accepted to the Big Ten. They provide an eastern partner for Penn State. And, it has been rumored they have been unhappy with the way the ACC does things.

Am I the only one who thinks they might even look at 14 if the states being brought in provided enough revenue. What about Rutgers, Maryland, and Syracuse to provide eastern rivals, gain access to Washington and New York markets, provide access to 3 populous states, all are AAU members and great academic schools. That could be a 14 magic number for them. The combined population of the three states is 33,572,943 people of which I'm sure a very high proportion have cable or satellite for them to charge. That's alot of money on the table. I'd love to see a 16 school conference where they invited Rutgers, Syracuse, Pitt, West Virginia, and UConn. Then we can have an eastern division featuring PSU, those 5 and say Michigan State and Purdue. You play 10 conference games, 7 in division opponents and 3 rotating out of division opponents, championship game at the end. 2 out of conference opponents which kinda bites but given how big the conference is it makes sense.

Do you think ANY school that they add for 13 and 14. Would bring 8-10 million more each in the TV contract?
Thats the reality and thats why 13 and 14 dont really work. You cant add a championship game to bring extra money. So ALL the money must come from TV tights. I doubt ANY of those schools could bring that much money by themselves

GunnerFan Wrote:

MadEagle Wrote:Exactly and yet the SEC is the nations #1 conference despite having any great tv markets. The Big East would be fine if they had to pick up Southern Miss...

To a man my SEC friends all feel Miss St. the weakest link in the conference. By far. Many even rate Vandy (overall, not just football) as being more important to the conference than MSU or Ole Miss! They'd love nothing more than to see MSU out the door and bring in TAMU, WVU, VT...

The grove is great and I know culturally most SEC fans aren't about to kick out any members, especially 2 founding partners. But it speaks to the national appeal of the other institutions that the SEC earns all that money DESPITE having TWO members in market-poor Mississippi.

I'm no fan of Mississippi, but that state is having great success right now. The second Japanese auto plant (Toyota) is going up as we speak near Tupelo, and just announced an auto body plant there. The Memphis suburbs in Miss. are some of the fastest growing counties (De Soto)in the country. Three billion dollars worth of Casino and entertainment developments in Tunica and DeSoto Counties. All within 45 minutes of downtown Memphis by the way. I-69 being built from Toronto to Mexico will pass through this area also. Mississippi has already started contruction of its portion. I-22 is being built to connect Memphis to Atlanta *this is an upgrade of US 78(?) finished through most of Ms to the Alabama border.

Mississippi is changing very fast!

SORRY DOUBLE POST:

bluesox Wrote:I don't think pitt or iowa state have a shot, it goes against what the big 10 commish stated, the need for a 9th state

Syracuse and the New york TV narket gives the Big 10 over 13 million new viewers.

tigercat Wrote:I'm no fan of Mississippi, but that state is having great success right now. The second Japanese auto plant (Toyota) is going up as we speak near Tupelo, and just announced an auto body plant there. The Memphis suburbs in Miss. are some of the fastest growing counties (De Soto)in the country. Three billion dollars worth of Casino and entertainment developments in Tunica and DeSoto Counties. All within 45 minutes of downtown Memphis by the way. I-69 being built from Toronto to Mexico will pass through this area also. Mississippi has already started contruction of its portion. I-22 is being built to connect Memphis to Atlanta *this is an upgrade of US 78(?) finished through most of Ms to the Alabama border.

Mississippi is changing very fast!

Thanks for standing up for my state! The coast is also (re)building rapidly (USM will be much more appealing in the near future) and will be a top-notch tourist attraction (if left alone by nature) to go along with Nawlins.

ESPN said Pitt or Iowa State? There is a reason these guys are sports show anchors and not commissioners. Yeah, it would make better rivalries to have either of those teams, but not better TV markets, hence why it will be Rutgers.

Catclaw made an excellent post about the big 10 sticking up for the big east, and also made a good point about the big east too. If the big 10 did get mad at the ACC for taking BC to get into the Northeast tv, then he also made the point of why the big 10 might be looking at Rutgers and Syracuse. If market is truely what this is about then, the question is simply which one can bring the NY city market. Radio personalities having a field day with this. Most seems to agree that if it is market then the only 2 possibilties, Rutgers and Syracuse, if it is geographic then it is Mizzouri, if it is prestige then it is Nebraska. None of them believe that ND will give in to the big 10. Most believe that the top three is ND, Rutgers, and Syracuse only because any three of them can help bring in the NY market. Most of them believe that is the market that the big 10 is aiming for. If Catclaw rumor is true, then all this makes sense. The big 10 is playing cat and mouse like the ACC, through out a bunch of names and not let on to what you really want and then make your deal when MT napping.

BullsFanatic Wrote:

bearcatfan Wrote:Without reading through all of this, I suppose I'm not the only one that thinks the Big 10 will also look at WVU, UofL, and Pitt, am I?

I don't think that because:

1. Pitt is in the same state as Penn State

2. Louisville nor West Virginia have the "academic standards" that the Big Ten wants (keep in mind, I'd be proud to have a son or daughter accepted to either school, but the Big 10 has very high standards). But, that is a big reason why everyone is mentioning Rutgers and not those two, as Rutgers has more respect in the academic world.

I still think Maryland is going to end up being a candidate in all this. They're a state flagship with very good academics. They are a member of the AAU, practically a requirement to be accepted to the Big Ten. They provide an eastern partner for Penn State. And, it has been rumored they have been unhappy with the way the ACC does things.

Maryland would jump in a heartbeat, but I don't think the Big 10 will go for them. I figure it will be either Syracuse or Missouri. But who knows what will happen in the future? None of us are named Nostradamus.

Cubanbull Wrote:

brista21 Wrote:

BullsFanatic Wrote:

bearcatfan Wrote:Without reading through all of this, I suppose I'm not the only one that thinks the Big 10 will also look at WVU, UofL, and Pitt, am I?

I don't think that because:

1. Pitt is in the same state as Penn State

2. Louisville nor West Virginia have the "academic standards" that the Big Ten wants (keep in mind, I'd be proud to have a son or daughter accepted to either school, but the Big 10 has very high standards). But, that is a big reason why everyone is mentioning Rutgers and not those two, as Rutgers has more respect in the academic world.

I still think Maryland is going to end up being a candidate in all this. They're a state flagship with very good academics. They are a member of the AAU, practically a requirement to be accepted to the Big Ten. They provide an eastern partner for Penn State. And, it has been rumored they have been unhappy with the way the ACC does things.

Am I the only one who thinks they might even look at 14 if the states being brought in provided enough revenue. What about Rutgers, Maryland, and Syracuse to provide eastern rivals, gain access to Washington and New York markets, provide access to 3 populous states, all are AAU members and great academic schools. That could be a 14 magic number for them. The combined population of the three states is 33,572,943 people of which I'm sure a very high proportion have cable or satellite for them to charge. That's alot of money on the table. I'd love to see a 16 school conference where they invited Rutgers, Syracuse, Pitt, West Virginia, and UConn. Then we can have an eastern division featuring PSU, those 5 and say Michigan State and Purdue. You play 10 conference games, 7 in division opponents and 3 rotating out of division opponents, championship game at the end. 2 out of conference opponents which kinda bites but given how big the conference is it makes sense.

Do you think ANY school that they add for 13 and 14. Would bring 8-10 million more each in the TV contract?
Thats the reality and thats why 13 and 14 dont really work. You cant add a championship game to bring extra money. So ALL the money must come from TV tights. I doubt ANY of those schools could bring that much money by themselves

Well for instance if they invited Maryland, Syracuse, and Rutgers that adds alot of cable/satellite households that they get big bucks for with the BTN. Who knows what will happen but my preference is for the BE FB 8 gets serious about building itself up, getting Memphis should be priority numero uno.