What would the start of the work week (for some) be without more pro-Big Ten expansion talk?
Just a note here, see this is what those of you who want a 12th team in the conference need, more talk. And I mean that seriously. It’s the only way someone like Big Ten commisioner Jim Delany is ever going to crack and get the ball rolling.
Anyway, today’s piece comes from Bob Weschler of the Easton Express, and it’s the best piece I’ve seen on the matter since all this talk heated up a few weeks ago when Joe Paterno started stumping for a 12th team, a conference title game and the late season marquee that other conferences already have.
Weschler writes that Missouri would be the best fit if the conference ever decides to expand.
Would Missouri be a good fit for the Big Ten? One writer thinks so/University of Missouri photo
I’ve maintained all along the best fit is Rutgers, bringing the New York market with. A reader, Bill in Sandy Springs, asks if Rutgers would be a good fit because if they lose in the conference, casual college football fans in NYC who might otherwise jump on the bandwagon when the Scarlet Knights are good, will go about their usual Jets-Mets-Yankees-Giants-Knicks-Devils-Nets lifestyle.
I get it that college football is seemingly an after thought in NYC. I’ve walked around Manhattan during a college football Saturday, popped into bars and have seen a grand total of one game on the seven or eight televisions. And it was a Big East game featuring UConn.
I’ve been in Manhattan the same day as the Heisman ceremony and felt no buzz in and around the Downtown Athletic Club.
So those points, while they defeat my purpose are to merely point out that I understand anyone’s concerns that Rutgers wouldn’t be a good fit.
They would be and they could compete (recent Rutgers teams could) against the middle tier of the Big Ten right now. You mean to tell me that the Scarlet Knights team that has for the past few years competed for the Big Ten and outside shots at the BCS couldn’t beat the Purdues, Northwesterns, Iowas, perhaps Michigan States and Wisconsins of the last few years?
Anyway, back to Weschler’s column.
He lists best case choices, longshots and some very longshot candidates. Head over there to check his piece out, it’s worth a read.
What I am perplexed about is the talk for a Texas or Syracuse that has popped up. First, why would Texas leave the Big 12? Need I say more?
Second, the idea is to bring in a quality team. That’s not to suggest that Syracuse won’t right the ship in due time, and also that expansion is an immediate plan, but Syracuse? No thanks. What advantage, other than just being cannon fodder for the top tier teams in confernece would the addition of the Orange be?
What market does it bring in? Look at last season’s game at the Carrier Dome. It was at least 60-percent Penn State fans.
MONDAY READ AROUND
In your web travels this morning or anytime today, check out a few of these stories.
- York Dail Record beat writer and overall good guy Frank Bodani has a story on third string quarterback Paul Cianciolo’s journey through the program.
- Linebacker Anthony Ferguson has picked Iowa over Penn State.
- Meanwhile running back Marcus Lattimore has narrowed his college choices down to eight, of which PSU is one.
Follow Read Between the Lions on Twitter for constant updates. Questions, comments, e-mail me at ethomas626@yahoo.com.
