College Football Expansion: Teams (or Brands) for the Big Ten To Consider

Click here to take College Sports Matchups poll on conference expansion

You are the big guy at a large company and have decided it is time to snap up a few new brands to add to your portfolio. There are plenty of prospects, but you are looking for something that will “Wow” your current customer base, add value to your current business, meet the common sense test, and be a key contributor to your success for the long haul.

Your decision will impact your company for decades to come, and maybe even change your entire industry. You better be smart as you consider the options in front of you and know the pros and cons of each one.

If you are part of the group making the decisions for the SEC and Big Ten regarding expansion, you also better be doing your homework and know why you are going to invite a particular school to your party. You are going to impact all of the current members and change the landscape of college sports. For all of us that that love the game, please be smart.

Here are some insights from College Sports Matchups to help you know the good and bad for the schools you will be considering.

Potential Big Ten Members

Notre Dame

Obviously the real prize for the Big Ten. The Big Ten needs to make sure they don’t create special circumstances for the Irish or bring in other teams just to force their hand. 

Fan Approval	Expands the Base	Logical	Test of Time
Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

A good addition to the Big Ten.

Pitt

Inconsistent athletic history. What are the Panthers really bringing to the table?

Fan Approval	Expands the Base	Logical	Test of Time
Unknown	No	Somewhat	Unknown

Not a good addition to the Big Ten.

Rutgers

Could the Scarlet Knights bring a new television market? Do people really get excited about Rutgers football? More questions here than answers .

Fan Approval	Expands the Base	Logical	Test of Time
Unknown	Maybe...maybe not	Somewhat	No

A marginal addition to the Big Ten.

Syracuse 

A new television market.  A major player in college basketball. Football has the potential to be solid, but it will take a few years.

Fan Approval	Expands the Base	Logical	Test of Time
Probably	Yes	Yes	Yes

A good addition to the Big Ten.

West Virginia

Reputation for inappropriately hostile crowds will hurt West Virginia in any expansion talk.

Fan Approval	Expands the Base	Logical	Test of Time
No	Yes	No	No

A really bad choice for the Big Ten.

Texas

Not just a new television market, but a whole new world for the Big Ten. Does Texas A&M have to come along? 

Fan Approval	Expands the Base	Logical	Test of Time
Conditionally	Yes	No	Unknown

Not the most logical choice, but one you have to take seriously if you are the Big Ten.

Texas A&M

Would just be hitching onto Texas’s wagon.

Fan Approval	Expands the Base	Logical	Test of Time
No	Yes	Only with Texas	Unknown

Don't take Texas if they have to come as a package.

Colorado 

Why?

Fan Approval	Expands the Base	Logical	Test of Time
No	Not significantly	No	No

A much better fit for the Pac-10.

Missouri

Good location and new Big Ten fans. 

Fan Approval	Expands the Base	Logical	Test of Time
Yes	Yes	Yes	Probably

A solid Big Ten candidate.

Nebraska

The Huskers are like the popular girl just dying to be asked to the dance by the star football player. They are quietly just hoping for an invite. They are a better fit than Texas. 

Fan Approval	Expands the Base	Logical	Test of Time
Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Might be the second best choice after Notre Dame.

Kentucky

Would they bolt the SEC?

Fan Approval	Expands the Base	Logical	Test of Time
Unknown	Yes	Marginally	Unknown

This would be a real reach for both sides of the equation.

Cincinnati

Too small time.

Fan Approval	Expands the Base	Logical	Test of Time
No	Not enough	No	No

This would be a decision made only to force Notre dame's hand.

Louisville

See note on Cincinnati.

Fan Approval	Expands the Base	Logical	Test of Time
No	Not enough	No	No

Don't see this happening. SEC is more likely, and we don't even consider Louisville as a candidate for SEC membership. 

There is our quick look. Who do you think was missed or we are wrong about?