[Husker] Big Ten Expansion

[Nick Chevance]

On Thu, Apr 22, 2010 at 8:27 AM, Steve Reichenbach <reich at inetnebr.com> wrote:
> I think that NU should join the Big 10 if the opportunity is presented.
> There would be some unfortunate aspects, such as increased travel,
> distance to away games for fans, lost rivalries, but I think that it
> is a more secure conference for the future.
>
> The scenario I like best is the Big 10 going to 16 teams by adding
> NU, Missouri, and Kansas on the west (with Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin,
> Illinois, and Northwestern) and Rutgers and either Syracuse or Pitt
> on the east (with Penn St., Ohio St., Indiana, Purdue, Michigan, and
> Michigan St.).  Of course, if Notre Dame jumps in, then that is would
> make for different considerations.

After reading the SI article, the Frank the Tank blog, and several
others in the last couple of days, I don't see how Notre Dame doesn't
join.  The shock to me was that they could increase their revenue from
TV by joining the Big XI; I always thought that the NBC contract was
good for them but actually, the Big XI network would be even better.
Yes, the whiny Domer fans will complain about academics and tradition
and all that, but really, they already play all other sports in the
Big East so why would this be different.

I don't see the Big XI taking Kansas; I can't for the life of me see
any reason.  Missouri maybe, but if you look at the draw to TV and
butts-in-seats, they just don't measure up.  Sure, they got this thing
going with Illinois, but you can still do that without bringing them
into the league.  I see the Big XI going east - Connecticut, Syracuse,
Rutgers, and Pitt - to fill the spots.  If they take Notre Dame, those
four compliment the rest well.  Add Nebraska, and you can drop any one
of those except Pitt.  Nebraska adds more than any of those others in
terms of butts-in-seats and TV revenues = money.  And like the
hokey-pokey - that's what its all about!!

Nick
-- 
"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake."
     Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)