If the Big Ten expands by one: Zero-to-minimal impact.
Whether the “one” is Rutgers or Missouri/Nebraska, there isn’t much in the way of a ripple effect.
The Big 12 would probably look to Arkansas or TCU to replace Missouri/Nebraska.
End of story.
If the Big Ten expands by three but Notre Dame is not involved: Minimal-to-moderate impact.
Even if Nebraska and Missouri both bolt for the Big Ten, the SEC holds firm and the Big 12 survives because of its anchor, Texas.
And if the Big 12 remains intact, the Pac-10 probably does, too.
If the Big Ten expands by three or five and Notre Dame is involved: Major impact.
A 16-team Big Ten that includes Notre Dame would force the SEC’s hand. It might look to Miami and Florida State, but the money is with Texas.
At that point, Texas is forced by revenue concerns — the Big 12 would be a distant third behind the Big Ten and SEC — to consider its options.
Would the UT regents want to partner with the second-class academic schools in the SEC, or join the Pac-10?
(Imagine the SEC with Miami, Florida State and Texas.)
Bottom line I: At this point, Notre Dame appears to be the difference between a moderate and major restructuring of the landscape.
Shocking, I know.
The Irish joining the Big Ten is the only way, from what I’ve gathered, that the SEC makes a major move and Texas feels compelled to bolt the Big 12 (and a revenue distribution model that tilts toward Austin).
Which means that the Irish joining the Big Ten is the only path that leads to Texas — and presumably Texas A&M — possibly joining the Pac-10.
And then we’re talking about a Pac-14 with the Texas schools, Utah and Colorado.
Bottom line II: Expect more expansion rumors in the coming weeks as the Big Ten and Pac-10 CEOs prepare for their annual meetings next month. (The Pac-10 gathering is in San Francisco, the Big Ten in Chicago.)
killer_ewok
iRep
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killer_ewok
iRep
11,379
posts
Mon, May 10, 2010 7:28 PM
May 10, 2010 7:28 PM
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/2010/05/10/bcs-football-expansion-rumors-swirling-as-are-the-denials-of-said-rumors/
May 10, 2010 7:28pm