Big Ten and other Conference Expansion

[Bucky32]

Actually, I view your opinion as flawed... Even if the "4 kings" were tOSU, PSU, Michigan and Nebraska, 33.3% of the time there would be 2 kings in 1 division and 2 in the other (every time the central groups with the east).

However, why no mention of Wisconsin? Since PSU has joined the B1G, what have they done to be considered a "king"? Since 2002, Wisconsin has been arguably the better program....... So, how do you evenly divide up tOSU, PSU, Michigan, Nebraska and Wisconsin?

He's probably talking in terms of revenue, exposure, etc. Penn State is far and away the bigger program in those aspects.

 

[Muck]

I would agree with this except maybe switch out Iowa for Minnesota as far as Wisconsin's locked opponent - not sure if this messes with anything. They likely wouldn't want to discontinue the Battle for the Axe.

The locked rivals needed to be from the opposing pod that will never be faced (1 & 2, 3 & 4). Unfortunately some rivalries are going to take a hit. I'm certainly not wedded to that proposal, it was just something I put together on the fly trying to maximize local rivalries. One unintended benefit that cropped up part way through was that it also roughly worked out that the two 'power' pods were primarily FB focused programs while the other two pods were primarily BB focused. Being grouped with the B1G basketball schools might actually help build rivalries for the newcomers who are similarly focused.

I could just as easily see:
Pod 1: Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Northwestern
Pod 2: TSUN, Nebraska, Sparty, Iowa
Pod 3: Indiana, Minnesota, Maryland, Rutgers
Pod 4: Illinois, Purdue, UNC, VA

The new locked opponents would be:
Northwestern - Sparty
Illinois - Rutgers

The reason I avoided that initially was so that the two IL/Chicago schools could be split up giving everyone more games in the area which is important to some for recruiting reasons.

Actually, I view your opinion as flawed... Even if the "4 kings" were tOSU, PSU, Michigan and Nebraska, 33.3% of the time there would be 2 kings in 1 division and 2 in the other (every time the central groups with the east).

You are going to have to explain yourself a little better. What are you looking at as 'the central' & 'the east'?

However, why no mention of Wisconsin? Since PSU has joined the B1G, what have they done to be considered a "king"? Since 2002, Wisconsin has been arguably the better program....... So, how do you evenly divide up tOSU, PSU, Michigan, Nebraska and Wisconsin?

Sparty + Iowa roughly balance out Wisconsin + Rutgers (or Northwestern).

He's probably talking in terms of revenue, exposure, etc. Penn State is far and away the bigger program in those aspects.

A little of both (TV value + potential ceiling). Remember I'm not just arbitrarily labeling them, that was the conclusion that the conference itself came to when working on alignment after Nebraska was accepted. You can't just take the past ten years you have to look at the programs in toto.

 

[Mike80]

Actually, I view your opinion as flawed... Even if the "4 kings" were tOSU, PSU, Michigan and Nebraska, 33.3% of the time there would be 2 kings in 1 division and 2 in the other (every time the central groups with the east).

If history has taught us anything, Delaney is going to balance out whatever set up exists after this round of expansion. He broke up Ohio State and Michigan to try to get it, he won't screw around and unbalance things now.

However, why no mention of Wisconsin? Since PSU has joined the B1G, what have they done to be considered a "king"? Since 2002, Wisconsin has been arguably the better program....... So, how do you evenly divide up tOSU, PSU, Michigan, Nebraska and Wisconsin?

Where was Wisconsin pre-Alvarez? While Ped State was mainly built by trouncing lesser programs, LOOK at their following and their school/facilities/etc/etc. Wisconsin is going through a big run of relevancy right now, but where where they in the 80s? 70s? There's a reason when they went to the Rose Bowl in 1993 it was the first time in 30 years for them.

 

[billmac91]

You won't get UNC without Duke or NC State...just won't happen. I don't see why the Big 10 doesn't push for UNC and Duke though.

It doesn't meet the acadmemic requirements, but FSU is ready to make a move as well. They voted against the buy-out clause b/c they're looking. Most think they'll join the Big 12 in time, but I'd personally love them in the Big 10. I think most FSU fans would be on board with a move to the Big 10 especially after the conference bent over backwards for Notre Dame.

 

[Bucky32]

Perspective from a Maryland fan:

Maryland's probably going to the Big Ten. But why?

A mere 48 hours ago, you and I and everyone else was happy and safe in our comfortable little ACC cocoon. Now the world has been turned upside down. And in just another 48 hours or so, the University of Maryland very well may be the newest Big Ten school.

It's a move that has a lot of fans scratching their heads. Some are downright indignant at the thought. And a few are flabbergasted when they meet a fellow fan who actually supports the move, as my Twitter mentions could tell you. Yes, I am one of those proponents, and have been for years now. Allow me to explain myself, and potentially why Maryland's administrators view this move as an attractive one.

Before that, though, two notes that deserve mentioning. First: I'm not saying this is the only proper way to view the move. Whether or not the move is "worth it" will depend on how much you value certain things, which itself depends on your perspective. I'm not claiming moral superiority here; I understand, in large part, those who disagree with me (and the University), and I begrudge no one their opinion. But the benefits of the move deserve more publicity.

 

[Muck]

If history has taught us anything, Delaney is going to balance out whatever set up exists after this round of expansion. He broke up Ohio State and Michigan to try to get it, he won't screw around and unbalance things now.

Watch for another run at fucking with The Game.

Where was Wisconsin pre-Alvarez? While Ped State was mainly built by trouncing lesser programs, LOOK at their following and their school/facilities/etc/etc. Wisconsin is going through a big run of relevancy right now, but where where they in the 80s? 70s? There's a reason when they went to the Rose Bowl in 1993 it was the first time in 30 years for them.

When I put together all the historical data a few years back to look at long term trends it was obvious that very few schools ever bootstrap themselves to the next level. They'll have a really good decade or so under a good coach, but will eventually drop back to their historical average.

I do believe however, that Wisconsin might be able to buck that trend. They've done all the things that programs that maintain long term success have done. That being primarily to reinvest large amounts of money back into the program. Wisconsin's real problem over the long run is that it isn't in the center of a recruiting hot bed so it needs to import more players to stay successful and that is always a more difficult path.

You won't get UNC without Duke or NC State...just won't happen. I don't see why the Big 10 doesn't push for UNC and Duke though.

The conventional wisdom has been that if push comes to shove UNC would be willing to leave Duke behind. The sticking point is of course NC State as they share the same Board of Governors. However if NC State isn't left in the lurch (finds a home in the SEC) that the split could possibly be finagled.

It doesn't meet the acadmemic (sic) requirements, but FSU is ready to make a move as well. They voted against the buy-out clause b/c they're looking. Most think they'll join the Big 12 in time, but I'd personally love them in the Big 10. I think most FSU fans would be on board with a move to the Big 10 especially after the conference bent over backwards for Notre Dame.

My only real beef with FSU is that you're really stretching the footprint to fit them in. It would probably require also getting Georgia Tech at the least.

 

[Bucky32]

When I put together all the historical data a few years back to look at long term trends it was obvious that very few schools ever bootstrap themselves to the next level. They'll have a really good decade or so under a good coach, but will eventually drop back to their historical average.

I do believe however, that Wisconsin might be able to buck that trend. They've done all the things that programs that maintain long term success have done. That being primarily to reinvest large amounts of money back into the program. Wisconsin's real problem over the long run is that it isn't in the center of a recruiting hot bed so it needs to import more players to stay successful and that is always a more difficult path.

Wisconsin is a very unique situation. The program was a doormat for most of its existence save for some sparse Rose Bowl appearances in the 50s and 60s. Then came Alvarez. No need to rehash his success. The program really was waiting for a winner, however. It had a large stadium in a football-crazy state, and Alvarez quickly took advantage. The program has been riding the momentum ever since.

We find ourselves at a time of change for the conference, though, both in terms of personnel (Urban) and programs (Nebraska). The Big Ten has begun to reposition itself not as the premier Midwestern conference, but as the premier northern conference. It's less about the middle of the country nowadays as about the entire northern half of the east. Grabbing Nebraska was an absolute coup.

In the past, Wisconsin has relied on classes that focus on development more than incoming talent. The success of the walk-on program at UW is well-documented. But that will not cut it anymore. The 2013 class that Bielema has assembled is easily his best (#25 nationally) and outpaces anything he has put together prior, or even anything Alvarez put together back to 2002. Wisconsin usually hovers right around #40-#50 nationally. As a fan of the program, it's an encouraging sign, especially if Wisconsin wants to stay competitive in what looks to be a changing and increasingly talented and deep Big Ten conference.

 

[Class'13]

How long until Under Armour is the official apparel sponsor of the Big Ten? And Kevin Plank is the most powerful man in the Big Ten?

 

[Mike80]

How long until Under Armour is the official apparel sponsor of the Big Ten? And Kevin Plank is the most powerful man in the Big Ten?

For the first question, it's just a matter of when the current apparel contract runs out.

For the second question, the Big Ten isn't structured in a way that any one person can influence to such an extent. That said, he's just one of many super-wealthy types that would be around Big Ten programs....he won't be a big fish in this pond at all.

However, this could kick off a Nike/Under Armor arms race so to speak.

 

[Muck]

Analysis: Will UMd. Move to Big 10?

There?s no shortage of opinion and speculation on Maryland?s potential move to the Big 10, a story first reported by InsideMDSports last week. Let?s take a look at all of the factors in play and reach a conclusion on whether this monumental transition will become reality.

.../snip/...

--- Who could join Maryland? Rutgers has been widely reported as being most likely to join Maryland in the Big 10. Sources also told IMS Georgia Tech would like to join. But we've also been told that the top remaining targets are North Carolina and Virginia.

.../cont/...

Yes please.

 

[Muck]

Interesting timing for a Swofford puff piece:
Bold, covert strikes mark ACC commissioner John Swofford's leadership

.../snip/...

Swofford's leadership of the Atlantic Coast Conference has been the antithesis of his palate. With bold and occasionally covert strikes, the ACC's fourth commissioner has guided the league of his boyhood dreams to a size, scope and strength unimaginable when he took office in 1997.

Swofford's influence has been most essential during the past two years of national realignment frenzy. As media - social, online and mainstream - insisted the ACC was poised to lose members and relevance, the conference countered dramatically.

In September 2011, the ACC added Pittsburgh and Syracuse. One year later, the league welcomed Notre Dame as a football scheduling and bowl partner and full member in other sports.

The moves enhanced the conference competitively and financially and secured its long-term inclusion in college football's impending playoff. Moreover, they affirm the vision and consensus-building of a commissioner who lost his dad too young, earned the University of North Carolina's most prestigious academic scholarship and donated bone marrow to his cancer-stricken brother.

Swofford's guidance may soon face another stern test. Several media outlets, including ESPN, reported Saturday that Maryland, a charter member of the ACC, is in serious negotiations to join the Big Ten.

The Terps would be only the second school to leave the ACC. South Carolina exited in 1971.

.../cont/...

 

[MU-Buck]

You are going to have to explain yourself a little better. What are you looking at as 'the central' & 'the east'?

Sorry... I was referencing my previously mentioned pods. I have a unique way of understanding myself even when no one else does

Pods:
North - Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Illinois
Central - Penn State, tOSU, Indiana, Purdue
East - Rutgers, Maryland, UVA, UNC
West - Neraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota

So, every 3 years you would have a division of tOSU, PSU, Indiana, Purdue, Rutgers, UNC, UVA and Maryland. Keeping the "4 Kings" evenly divided.

 

[darbypitcher22]

It would stretch the footprint greatly, but I'd rather see Georgia Tech than Rutgers if there is a second team. Probably won't happen.

 

[PlanetFrnd]

Sorry... I was referencing my previously mentioned pods. I have a unique way of understanding myself even when no one else does

Pods:
North - Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Illinois
Central - Penn State, tOSU, Indiana, Purdue
East - Rutgers, Maryland, UVA, UNC
West - Neraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota

So, every 3 years you would have a division of tOSU, PSU, Indiana, Purdue, Rutgers, UNC, UVA and Maryland. Keeping the "4 Kings" evenly divided.

I dont like being wed to the damn pedsters season after season...

 

[CleveBucks]

It would stretch the footprint greatly, but I'd rather see Georgia Tech than Rutgers if there is a second team. Probably won't happen.

Agree. MD, GT, Va, and ND is probably the best the B1G can hope for. 2nd best would be NC instead of ND.