Updated throughout the day with quick takes from staff.
The Chicago Tribune reported today that Big Ten conference expansion, which was originally reported to be on a 12-18 month schedule, is being fast-tracked right now, just four months after the original announcement:
An accelerated timetable has emerged, according to sources familiar with the process.
High-ranking Big Ten representatives will meet Sunday in Washington to discuss expansion. The timing and location of the session make sense considering the Association of American Universities has its semi-annual meetings there through Tuesday and all 11 Big Ten schools are AAU members.
We've done plenty of research at SBN, and we've got an exhaustive, scientific list of potential teams, ranked by likelihood that the Big Ten will ask them to join:
1. Notre Dame
2. Syracuse
3. Pittsburgh
4. Rutgers
5. Texas
6. Nebraska
7. Boston College
8. Kansas
9. Virginia
10. Miami
...
853. 1999-2000 Los Angeles Clippers
854. Early-decade British pop sensation S Club 7
855. A handful of stale basketball-shaped chocolates
856. The surviving cast of Home Improvement
857. The FBI's Ten Most Wanted list
858. Iowa State
8 comments
Comments
Thats too high for Iowa State Community College
by cbspga on Apr 18, 2010 7:01 PM EDT reply actions
You guys try waaaaay too hard.
"What is he doing!?"
-Doug Collins
by TyCubsfan on Apr 18, 2010 7:14 PM EDT reply actions
After reading an article about this subject I think Rutgers is gonna be higher on the priority list then Syracuse. Obviously, ND and Texas are no brainers. But, Rutgers offers much more than meets the eye. I for one didnt realize that Jim Delany was born in East Orange, New Jersey. I also didn’t realize the ratings potential Rutgers have. In 2006, #7 Rutgers vs. #3 Louisville drew a 8.1 rating. The 8.1 was on par with a BCS Bowl game. So, yes New York City and New Jersey will jump onboard if Rutgers is a winner. The ND, Syracuse, Rutgers Texas and Nebraska plan would be landslide. The possibility of adding 5 teams is on the table. ND, Syracuse, Rutgers, Penn State and Ohio State could easily draw a huge rating in NYC. Then, throw in Texas, you have 3 of the largest tv markets in the country. B10 becomes a super power over night. BTN is on basic immediatley and we never hear the B10 is weak talk anymore.
If Russia attacked Turkey from the rear, Do you think Greece would help?
by whardiek on Apr 18, 2010 8:55 PM EDT reply actions
Minor problem:
Rutgers has to, you know, be a winner – in a conference with Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, Texas, ND, and Nebraska.
"In case you're wondering what the offense should look like, that wasn't it." - Urban Meyer
by cantcatchuf on Apr 18, 2010 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, cantcatchuf
I really dont think being a winner on the field has anything to do with the B10 expansion. You can correct me if I am wrong, but, the BTN isn’t on basic cable in the East coast. What better way to leverage a basic cable contract then to have two or more east coast teams in your conference. I dont think expansion has as much to do with competition as it does TV marketshare. This is about eyeballs on tv’s. Who in America has more tv’s then NYC? No One. Mark my words, Rutgers will be in the B10.
If Russia attacked Turkey from the rear, Do you think Greece would help?
by whardiek on Apr 19, 2010 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions
your logic is invalid
NYC does not watch college football. Never has, Never will.
Managing Editor/Chief Lackey-And The Valley Shook
by PodKATT on Apr 21, 2010 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions
they do
just not at a number that would make any difference. But, the main goal is to get the Big 10 network in NYC, so they can sell that ‘hey we have the NYC market.’ Just being in NYC maybe enough.
Mountain West Connection
by Jeremy Mauss on Apr 27, 2010 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Other Schools
Connecticut should be on the list as a lot of people are talking about them.
If Virginia is on the list, Maryland should be ahead of them. Geographically, they are closer to Big 10 schools and they are right in the DC market while Virginia is way out in Charlottesville. In fact, I would put Maryland ahead of Boston College.
I know Rutgers is a contender but they really should be #859 behind Iowa State.
Schmolik
by Schmolik on May 16, 2010 5:13 PM EDT reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed