It's that time once again folks. The Big Ten, according to their press release today, is considering expansion.
The [Council of Presidents/Chancellors] believes that the timing is right for the conference to once again conduct a thorough evaluation of options for conference structure and expansion. As a result, the commissioner was asked to provide recommendations for consideration by the COP/C over the next 12 to 18 months.
- Big Ten press release, December 15, 2009
You may think that the conference is crying wolf because we have been down this road before. Since adding an eleventh team in Penn State back in 1990 (the football team officially joined the party in 1993) the conference has since been turned down by Notre Dame and turned down rumors of being interested in teams such like Missouri time and time again. The Big Ten used to tell fans that expansion was not a priority in order to sustain success in the future, but the tide may be turning in the BCS conference.
Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez made some comments recently that suggested the Big Ten would in fact be interested in an expansion.
"I have a sense he is going to take this year to really be more aggressive about it. I just think everybody feels [expansion] is the direction to go, coaches and administrators."
- Barry Alvarez
Today the conference issued a press release confirming that expansion is once again at the top of the to-do list for the Big Ten. This development is sure to have a rippling affect on many conferences in the college football universe and here is why. Removing a team from another conference, possibly a BCS conference, would lead that depleted conference desiring a new team, which would continue a possible domino effect like we saw years ago when Miami and Virginia Tech left the Big East for the ACC.
Boston College followed the Hokies and Hurricanes and the Big East had to fill some holes by adding teams like Cincinnati, Louisville and South Florida. In turn Conference USA had to make some changes as well. This is how Marshall moved in to the conference, leaving the MAC. The MAC filled their opening with Temple, who was kicked out of the Big East prior to the depletion of the conference.
When the Big Ten is looking for a new team you can expect to hear some familiar names. Here is a look at some of the ideal additions for the Big Ten. When reviewing the options though, let us just consider the football side of things instead of other sports like basketball, baseball, etc.
Notre Dame
Probability: Wishful thinking
The Fighting Irish have already turned down an offer to join the conference but perhaps the Big Ten hopes that Notre Dame recognizes the benefit of joining. Notre Dame has a way of viewing themselves in a brighter light than most outside of the program will. An exclusive national broadcasting deal with NBC is hard to part with for the University and should be a key recruiting tool. But the Irish eyes have not been smiling for a while now.
Notre Dame already has established rivalries with Big Ten members Michigan, Michigan State and Purdue and placed in Indiana is a prime location for a Big Ten team, even with two schools already in the Hoosier State.
PRO: Brand recognition. Despite recent history, Notre Dame's name alone can sell.
CON: May be futile effort due to exclusive TV package for Notre Dame
Pittsburgh
Probability: Not likely
Adding Pittsburgh makes sense for the Big Ten. Academically Pittsburgh would fit in nicely with the Big Ten, never mind what Penn State grads may tell you. Picking Pittsburgh from the Big East would add fuel to the fire to the recruiting battles in the Pittsburgh region as well. Many talented football players come out of the Pittsburgh area, including Ohio State's quarterback, Terrelle Pryor.
But perhaps the best part of adding Pittsburgh would be the forced renewal of the series between Keystone State rivals Penn State and Pittsburgh. Reigniting the flame of this rivalry would be much more attractive at the end of the season than the Land Grant Trophy game between Penn State and Michigan State.
PRO: Recruiting hotbed, natural rivalry with Penn State
CON: Does not do much to improve exposure than other possible candidates.
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Cincinnati
Probability: Far-fetched
Cincinnati may only be rumored to be in the running due to their recent success. Two straight trips to a BCS bowl game is enough to grab the attention of any conference, including the Big Ten. Ohio State rules in the state though and adding Cincinnati does not appear to be a worthwhile option for the league at this point.
Expect the Big Ten to look for a way to extend the conference's foot print and get outside of a current Big Ten state if they can.
PRO: Up and coming program
CON: Like Pittsburgh, does not do much to improve exposure than other possible candidates.
Syracuse
Probability: Ideal candidate
Why would the Big Ten want to add a team who's starting quarterback made more headlines as a Duke guard than he ever did on the football field last season?
Location, location, location.
Syracuse is an attractive candidate despite its recent football performances because it would get the Big Ten into the heart of Big East country by way of the New York market. Although Syracuse is not exactly next door to the Big Apple, bringing Penn State, Ohio State, and Michigan into New York on an annual basis a minimum two times per season gives the Big Ten a New York audience.
Never underestimate the power of the viewing market.
PRO: Extends Big Ten foot print to the New York market
CON: Program has seen much better days, basketball program is a Big East staple
Missouri
Probability: Viable candidate
Missouri may not have the appeal that Syracuse carries, but adding Missouri may be the second leading option for the Big Ten. Missouri gives the Big Ten a stronger presence in the St. Louis region.
Missouri already has a good rivalry with Illinois, but they also have a strong rivalry with Kansas. Adding Missouri would likely continue an annual series against a Big XII team. And how ironic would it be to see the Big Ten (with 12 teams) take on the Big XII (with 11 teams) when neither conference's name accurately counts their teams (assuming the Big XII didn't replace Missouri - which I believe they would)?
PRO: St. Louis market, natural rivalry with Illinois, Kansas
CON: Strong Big XII ties
That is a look at five of the most likely institutions the Big Ten will have on their short list. What school or schools do you think the Big Ten should consider in their search? Which team above would be the best fit for the Big Ten? Feel free to take more than football into consideration when discussing below.
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Comments
Good article. I like UC in the Big East for basketball, but I'd love to get a chance to have our guys pound OSU each year.
The Big East needs to expand before the over-rated Big Ten does. So the Big East can have a championship game in New York City, get better bowls, and get better TV contracts. My top four would be ND, BC, Penn State and Maryland. It may be to much to ask but with those teams the Big East could challenge the SEC and Big 12 in football. Tell ND they can keep their NBC money. Tell JoPa we'll change the name to the Eastern conference. Make nice with BC. Steal Maryland from the ACC.
Basically the Big East needs to go big or go home. I don't think they can survive losing Pitt, Syracuse or Rutgers.
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