[Husker] Big Ten Expansion

[Scott TITSWORTH]

Interestingly, here at Ohio University (have you heard who our coach is?) we are discussing this issue in faculty senate, at least somewhat.  The Ohio Schools in the MAC, O$U, and Cinci collectively divert just over $90 Million from student fees to support athletics at the schools to maintain FBS status.  At Ohio U., that number is about $15M and growing each year.  In these budget times, that is real money.  In fact, our subsidy of intercollegiate athletics is equal to the base funding for entire colleges at our university.  That becomes a tough sell to constituents when teachers and support staff are being let go and students' tuition/fees are increasing steadily.  Compare that to the Big 10 where that subsidy vanishes.  In fact, of that $90 million in athletic subsidy across Ohio schools, guess how much of that is from O$U?  Zero.  

The super conferences will only widen that gap between the haves and have nots.  The biggest barrier to super conferences might very well be the fact that conferences like the MAC and Sun Belt will be forced to give up on FBS status altogether.  That, of course, will change the game on scheduling, etc.

Like some of the others living in these parts, I would love to see NU in the B10 (or whatever it would be called).  I have consciously not made a trip to the Shoe in Columbus for obvious reasons, but would do so to see Bo stick it to his alma matter.  I definitely think all of this will change college football significantly in coming years.  Whether it will be for the better is questionable.


Scott