MUSINGS OF A BIG(11)TEN FAN

Should the Big(11)Ten expand?  Is it the time right to expand?  Should it expand only if that school from Indiana agrees to join? Should it expand with one team or multiple teams? Who should be considered for expansion? What should the league be called if it does expand? Why does anyone care?

I am a product of the rust belt, and while the Pistons, Tigers and Red Wings have had a few good years, my formative years were bounded by routinely bad play by these teams and since I am a football fan, I had the Lions, a team that has set the gold standard for dysfunction and disappointment in any level of sports.  So like so many I turned to college sports for my fandom fix and given my locale, I became a fan of all things Big(11)Ten. I have wasted way too much time discussing the status of the Big(11)Ten regarding all things big and small and lately league expansion again with others of my ilk.

Should the Big(11)Ten expand?

The conference now known as the Big(11)Ten began with seven members.  It expanded and contracted over half a century locking in at ten members for the second time in 1949 with the addition of Michigan State University.  The oldest conference by almost twenty years the Big(11)Ten maintained this roster of institutions until 1990 when Penn State joined benefiting both the conference, Penn State and the other members.   Expansion as many know has not been dormant since then just unsuccessful.

After the addition of Penn State in 1990 there was the very public courtship in 1999 of that school from Indiana; which ended in its rejecting an invitation to join the Big(11)Ten citing its delusionary belief in its unique nature.  That instance was not the, only activity regarding expansion in the last 20 years.  The University of Texas examined/did some basic inquiries into joining the conference in the early 1990s before there was a Big 12, when the former Southwest Conference’s vitality was waning.  This however did not really go anywhere for several reasons not the least of which is that while University of Texas is a fine institution, regionally it would be an island separated from the Big(11)Ten’s regional mainland. 1993 also saw the issue get some rumination when expansion was again tossed about and in this case adding not only one school but multiple schools being added was examined.  Some of the candidates considered were Rutgers, Kansas and Missouri among others but the decision at that time was also to stand pat with eleven members in the Big(11)Ten.

     The times have changed and now the landscape of college athletics seems to have convinced not only the venerable Coach Paterno but others that expansion needs to be seriously examined.    Let’s not be fooled finances and issues related to finances are the leading factors in gaining this additional momentum.  While Big(11)Ten coffers are filling more rapidly than they ever have it is not only today’s bottom line being considered but those future ones also.  Finances you see touch upon issues directly and others ones peripheral but still worth noting.

- The potential for a conference championship and its associated money are noted by all.

- Playing all others in the conference to achieve a true champion is not feasible with 11 members but becomes simple with two divisions of 6 or 7 members.

o Regionally aligned this would reduce travel costs.

o A divisional split may also open up an additional spot for another non-conference opponent to generate money.

- BCS TV contracts are expiring in 2015 and if the BCS keeps picking up adversaries a change is coming

o In terms of negotiating media rights and moneys 2015 is right around the corner.

- The Big(11)Ten network footprint expanded into another market would benefit all.

    So for obvious financial reasons expansion seems to be a slight plus. Slight because any new members need must not be a drain on any current botton line rather they need to be able to contribute to the conference coffers.  Additionally this is not only a football discussion a fact many seem to overlook.  So yes it seems like the Big(11)Ten should expand. 

Is the time right to expand?

     Change is disruptive and that is true whenever it happens but when you look at the BCS gaining haters seemingly daily and other schools/conferences looking to better their lot. Now seems to be a very good time to start the expansion process, phasing in any increase in membership to increase bargaining clout in negotiating the future media contracts and ground rules.  The non-AQ conferences, the MWC especially, at nine members will continue to tout their merits and will realize that expansion of another worthy member will only increase the strength of their argument. The PAC 10 which seems to be belittled in many posts will probably in the same time frame also consider expansion for all the same reasons (other than they have an even number of members) as the Big(11)Ten. Lastly the Big(11)Ten has suffered more by perception than anything else and if done right expansion could alleviate much.  So yes the time is right to do a deliberate expansion of the Big(11)Ten membership.

Should it expand only if that school from Indiana agrees to join?

In a simple answer “No”.  That school fits geographically, and in so many ways traditionally and academically but it had its chance when the invitation was last extended and now unless it comes calling it should not really even be considered.  Those things that make it fit are also the reasons why it is not unique now and probably really not that special for a longer time than most realize.  As the landscape changes in the near future most of the concessions it has enjoyed will be taken away. Why should it get special consideration, when other programs are just as worthy and it will then be negotiating all alone. (Note: eventually when opportunities have past it by, this school will bring its football into the Big East along with its other sports. - my opinion) So “no”, this school should not be the focus of expansion of the Big(11)Ten.

Should it expand with one team or multiple teams?

Personally, I find this aspect of the current discussions interesting, I do not believe that all institutions are worthy or beneficial as new members of the conference but I do believe that certain combinations of schools could make expansion of multiple schools into the conference a greater benefit.  One for the previous mentioned benefit of regional scheduling and two a greater expansion of the media footprint of the conference. Also such a change in membership might simplify the eventual split into two divisions.  So if done right I believe either way is fine.

Who should be considered for expansion?

The following baker’s dozen of institutions have been or are being mentioned as possible candidates for an expanded Big(11)Ten and are in my opinion those most likely.  They are presented in an approximate order of the latest ranking of academic excellence.

• US Naval Academy

Location

- In a state directly bordering the state of a current Big(11)Ten member.

- An eastward expansion to the Baltimore/Washington DC area.

** A national presence/interest by its service affiliation.

Tradition

– Long history and proud tradition.

Academics

- Beyond reproach.

Athletics

- Not a current power due to restrictions attributed to being a service academy

Money

- Travel not close to current members

- Does have a media draw ability

- In a state directly bordering the state of a current Big(11)Ten member.

Interest

      - None expressed but no wild denials by anyone associated with 

         program or alumni.

      Comment:  My personal feeling is that Navy would be a positive

      addition in a multiple school expansion but not so much if only one

      school is added.

• University of Notre Dame

Location

- Geographically a fit and by its alumni base somewhat an increase in interests outside prime Big(11)Ten region but not a real expansion of league footprint.

Tradition

– Long and proud tradition

Academics

- Fine academics

Athletics

- Long tradition is multiple sports

Money

- Some money and would increase bargaining power but in 07-08 years this school took in 83 million while Iowa was taking in 81 million. Not much of a difference between a school many claim has the finances to remain above all others and a school not usually mentioned as an athletic financial powerhouse ( no slight meant to Iowa here).

Interest

- Claiming no interst

           Comment:  Personally as I said above unless they come hat in hand

           just pass them by as they gain more than the Big(11)Ten would in the

           calculus of benefits these days.

• US Military Academy

Location

- In a state directly bordering the state of a current Big(11)Ten member.

- An eastward expansion directly to general vicinity of the New York City area.

** A national presence/interest by its service affiliation.

Tradition

– Same as Navy

Academics

- Same as Navy

Athletics

- It has been a while since they were competitive but just as with the other service academies they could be again.

Money

- Same as Navy

Interest

- None shown

Comment:  Same basic comments as made regarding the Naval Academy.

• Boston College

Location

- An eastward expansion with access to the Boston media market and an increased eastern presence.  However unless there are multiple additions to the conference BC is not adjacent to Big(11)Ten territory.

Tradition

– Tradition is equal to most if not all of possible candidates.  BC is also a hockey school with more akin to several current Big(11)Ten school as opposed to any in the ACC.

Academics

- No issue with academics

Athletics

- No issue with athletics

Money

- BC would be a benefit to Big(11)Ten coffers

Interest

- None shown and with its addition to the ACC it is unlikely to even consider jumping ship again.

Comment:  Prior to its jump to the ACC during previous periods of expansion discussion I thought BC with a New York school would be a good addition to the conference.  BC has tied itself to the ACC and it will remain there unless something really weird which I do not foresee happens.

• University of Maryland

Location

- In a state directly bordering the state of a current Big(11)Ten member.

- An eastward expansion to the Baltimore/Washington DC area.

Tradition

– Nothing negative here, it’s a good school

Academics

- A solid school with respected academics

Athletics

- While football has had lean years since the past glory days the TERPS do have solid programs in multiple sports.

Money

- Neutral

Interest

- None shown or in all likelihood existing.  Maryland is happy where it is in the ACC.

Comment:  Only on list since I have seen it mentioned.  Not a serious candidate

• University of Pittsburgh

Location

- In a state with a current Big(11)Ten member

Tradition

– As good as some already in the Big(11)Ten

Academics

- Ranked higher than some current members of the Big(11)Ten

Athletics

- Would not be a beast year in, year out but would settle in much like an Iowa or Wisconsin.

Money

- No real benefit for the conference

Interest

- Would probably not say no to an invitation but has not really shown any interest.  Many in the state would support.

 Comment:  Penn State would probably not support its addition as long as Paterno has a say in the process and in truth its addition really would not help the conference.

• Syracuse University

Location

- In a state directly bordering the state of a current Big(11)Ten member.

- Upstate New York closer to Buffalo rather than the Big Apple but would give some additional exposure to that market.

Tradition

– Fine tradition

Academics

- No issue with its academics

Athletics

- While football has had a few down years it will be back and its other programs are still very solid.

Money

- Would add to coffers but not fully deliver the NY media markets

Interest

-  Some interest in my opinion but offer would have to be such that the Big east buy out would not really hurt.

 Comment:  I feel this is one of the better possibilities to join the conference in either a single or multiple team expansion.

• University of Connecticut

Location

- An eastward expansion, currently not bordering a state with a member school, which is required by current bylaws (bylaws can be changed).  So if the bylaws stand UConn would only be a part of a multiple team expansion.  Syracuse plus Uconn being the most likely combination of teams;  I  personally think this is the best case but it does mean that there needs to be another school added also of the memberships is still an odd number.

- Gets you the New York market quite well and access to more of the east coast.

Tradition

–  Has only been playing big time football for a few years but has a basketball program (Men and Women) that would be a prize to any conference.

Academics

- Good school, no one would question this area.

Athletics

- refer above to tradition

Money

- Would be a plus

Interest

- None openly shown but I believe they could be convinced that it would be to their benefit.  Much like Penn State – No one questioned PSU football prior to joining but all would say its other sports have benefited from being in the Big(11)Ten.  Uconn has the same with basketball and it other sports would benefit.

 Comment:  Will probably not be a choice if only one added but would be a gem in a package deal.

• Rutgers University

Location

- In a state directly bordering the state of a current Big(11)Ten member.

- An eastward expansion that gives access to NJ/NY markets maybe not wrap them up but definitely access.

Tradition

– Some tradition – not great

Academics

-  Good school

Athletics

- Middling when looked at over a period of time.  Would be a mid tier school in a new Big(11)Ten in most years

Money

- Probably only slightly positive if it came alone to the conference.

Interest

- It seems to have some but that is just conjecture.

 Comment:  If the conference went all east and took Syracuse, Connecticut and Rutgers then this seems like a good fit otherwise I think Rutgers would gain far more than it gives to the conference.

• Iowa State University

Location

- In a state with a Big(11)Ten member

- Natural rivalry already in place with Iowa

Tradition

– Good tradition but mostly in non-revenue sports

Academics

- Decent academics no one would see it as a bad move in this arena

Athletics

- Would not be a player in revenue sports

Money

- Would be a net drain on coffers

Interest

-  Interest would peak if the Pac 10 raids the Big 12 for Colorado but otherwise would just try to parlay best situation.

 Comment:  No benefit to the Big(11)Ten

• University of Nebraska

Location

- Borders a state with a Big(11)Ten member

- A Westward expansion gains in a few media markets

- A national draw for increase share in other markets

Tradition

– Great traditions

Academics

- Good academics

Athletics

- Football a bit bruised recently but coming back and other sports all hold their own.

Money

- Would be a net plus

Interest

- Probably little interest as a founding member of old Big 8 and now of Big 12.  If the Pac 10 raids that could change or if the discontent in revenue sharing is still seething perhaps could be talked into at least listening to a proposal.  Would be fine as a singular addition or as a group think (Neb – West, Syracuse and UConn –East)

 Comment:  I would not argue against the addition of Big Red; I think it unlikely unless landscape changes more but would be great for the conference.

• University of Missouri

Location

- Borders a state with a Big(11)Ten member

- Already has a natural rivalry

- Gives access to some medium markets

Tradition

– A good tradition

Academics

-  A good School

Athletics

-  No a power but more than capable in most sports

Money

-  Might be a slight negative

Interest

-  Has shown some interest in the past and some in the alumni and state leadership seem to indicate they are willing to listen.

Comment:  Like big red they are founding members of Big 8/Big 12 and the deal would have to be sweet to get them to jump.  In my opinion not likely.

So there is my listing of the bakers dozen of most likely candidates.  I would think Syracuse is the most likely single candidate since that school from Indiana still has its delusional alumni base.

The next group of nine plus schools have been mentioned, admittedly some by very obscure sources but to me they are all nonstarters:

• University of Kansas

- While it has some decent programs (basketball) it really is not what the Big(11)Ten needs in any of the criteria examined.

•  University of Texas

- Fine school it is just too far removed from the Big(11)Ten mainland and unlike when it considered it in the 1990s, it now rules its conference with OU.

•  University of Cincinnati

- A commuter college with a couple of good years in football.  Gives nothing to the conference.

•  West Virginia University

- Does not help the conference and it not really in the same caliber academically.

•  University of Kentucky

- Would never leave SEC and really would not bring anything to the conference.

•  University of Louisville

- Lesser school with same comments as WVU and UK

• University of Toronto

- Completely out of left field ??????

•  Boise State University

-Out in the middle of nowhere and a few years in one sport does not constitute tradition.

•  Any MAC school

- The MAC every year produces at least one good team but among these schools there is not one that helps the Big(11)Ten. 

What should the league be called if it does expand?

     I have heard people debating on what this conference should be called now and what it should be called if there is an expansion.  Personally I think the stealth eleven in the logo is odd at best but I really would not have been too excited about the Big Eleven, so whatever. However a conference that has had two official names and a few other unofficial ones cannot remain the Big(11)Ten if it adds one or more schools to its ranks.  The Intercollegiate Conference of Faculty Representatives (1896 – 1987) was the official name for most of the time that this conference has existed. The Big Ten (1987 – Present) was only officially adopted in 1987 to protect copyright stuff, so please do not get hung up on a name.

Western Conference (1896 – 1899)

Big Nine (1899 – 1917)

Big Ten (1917 – 1946)

Big Nine (1946 – 1949)

Big Ten (1949 – present)

            ** [Shhh – Eleven schools after 1987]

Hell, you can pick the super mondo happy conference for all I care but do the changes right and first and then worry about what to call the new beast.  Perception becomes really far too often so work expansion correctly and the perception will be of a powerful modern conference and the name probably will not matter.  I would prefer something akin to the American Conference but in the end I do not care as long is the expansion is done correctly.

Why does anyone care?

Overall maybe no one should or does but for me I am enduring a second year of no bowl trip for us and besides I had time to ponder this while stuck in traffic.