Hypothetical: Best fit for 12th Big 10 team?

[JWil]

Of course, logically, it SHOULD be Notre Dame... but they're arrogant and get their own TV contract money, so if the Big Televen ever gets seduced by the "Championship Game" hydra, who do y'all go for?

Here's my Top list of schools:

-- Notre Dame
-- Pitt (would give PSU someone to mess with out there)
-- Syracuse (even though their fans are whining chumps)
-- Louisville?
-- West Virginia? (I know, not a good fit on any level)
-- A MAC school? Northern Illinois maybe?

Always an interesting situation to think who the Big 11 would go after if they ever wanted to bump up. I know y'all and Mizzou have flirted for a long time, but with the Big 12 bylaws the way they are, there's zero chance of Mizzou leaving the Big 12 (or CU to the Pac 10, for that matter).

Thoughts?

(merged from its own thread)

[Hubbard]

I think most people are against adding ANYONE (including holier than thou ND) without getting rid of someone else (think Northwestern, Illinois, Indiana). Championship game is bad for many, many reasons. Cheifly being the tOSU - scUM rivalry wouldn't be the last game of the season. Too much tradition to mess with right there.

Ok now with that outta the way, say someone was added, I would not want PITT. They are annoying enough without being in a big time conference (it was bad with Cryami and VT, now it's just plain horrible). I wouldn't mind Syracuse, but would they really be an improvement over anyone else in our conference? Other than ND I think Louisville would be the prime candidate, although after Petrino leaves I think they go back to being doormats. I don't think any MAC school is ready for Big Ten competition and Mizzou never seemed like a good fit, they always seemed more western than midwest in flavor.

[cincibuck]

Originally Posted by buckeyegrad

With all due respect to Miami (OH), it is laughable to consider them Big Ten quality in terms of academics.

First of all, sports programs aren't based on Grad/Professional schools, they orignated with, and continue to be associated with, undergrad programs.

As a former adjunct at Miami, I can tell you that the quality of the students I worked with exceeded or equaled anything at tOSU. It has only been in the last few years that tOSU has been allowed to be a selective school, an option Miami received way back in the 50's.

I would also add that while Miami's grad programs are limited in scope, they are nonetheless excellent.

But the question is, "would they make a good entry into the Big 10?" and the answer is a resounding 'NO!' They are held to a 35,000 seat stadium, which would be half as big as the current smallest facility in the conference. I personally think you would have a hard time getting the idea before the faculty council at MU, as they are very content with their current athletic situation and with being a dominant power in the MAC. The AD and the coaches might have other dreams, but it is a school with a faculty not likely to yield to pressure for such a change.

[LordJeffBuck]

Pitt - natural rivalry with Penn State, would give the Bucks more exposure in Western Pa (i.e. would help recruiting in the Pittsburgh area).

[MililaniBuckeye]

Why did this thread have to be dug up again. Just remember three things:

1. The idea is [censored]in' stupid. Period.
2. Ain't ever happenin'. Period.
3. See items #1 and #2.

[Thump]

Originally Posted by MililaniBuckeye

Why did this thread have to be dug up again. Just remember three things:

1. The idea is [censored]in' stupid. Period.
2. Ain't ever happenin'. Period.
3. See items #1 and #2.

Blame LordJeffBuck, he's the one who brought it back.