What's intrigued me most about all of the Nebraska talk this week is: what about Missouri? Since the 810 WHB report last month, it has appeared that the two Big 12 schools' fates are tied. But while most people are calling Nebraska to the Big Ten a done deal, there's been basically no news about Missouri, and if Missouri's going to be invited, they're almost certainly going to be invited "with" Nebraska. So are they not going to get an invite? Why wouldn't the Big Ten want Missouri? If the Big 12 does fall apart then someone has to take them, and they'd be a great asset in pretty much every way to the Big Ten. Assuming Notre Dame says "no" this summer, adding Missouri along with Nebraska means you only have to take one mid-major from the far East to make an even number. Does the fact that Missouri seems to be getting stiffed mean that Nebraska will be the only addition? Seems strange after many analysts claimed to be very confident that there would be 14 or 16.
Missouri?
- Thread starter iowa13
- Start date
tm3308
Well-Known Member
I've been saying for a while now that the Big Ten would invite either Nebraska or Mizzou, but not both at the same time. Taking one gets you to 12 for sure. Then, if Notre Dame says no, you're okay. If they say yes, then you bring in Mizzou to give you 14. Now, Mizzou isn't necessarily out in the cold if Notre Dame says no. But if the Big Ten hasn't made enough traction with say a Pitt or Syracuse yet, then they may not want to commit themselves to a 14-team format.
So if Notre Dame says no and Pitt is ready to join, then Pitt and Mizzou would be added. That's just my reasoning for why we've not heard a lot about Mizzou yet. Their fate is tied to Notre Dame or a Big East team-to-be-named-later. I think we're going to go to at least 14 (I hope it stops there), so expect to hear Mizzou inducted before this is all said and done.
There are several items of chatter out there that say B10 is giving Missou the cold shoulder. No real reasons why are being presented. There is also chatter that B10 could go after Pac 10 interested southern section of B12, with Missouri in that package. But it seems more speculation has Missou outnat this point.
That being said, if Missou is out, it might not be a bad thing for them in the long run. They would be an attractive choice for either the ACC or SEC if other expansion options didn't open up. Kansas by itself wouldn't happen for either of those leagues, but KU and Missou is a different thing.
However, if Baylor and TTech don't get invites to Pac 10, then ISU, KSU,KU, Missou, and the two Texas schools would be left. That is actually enough teams by NCAA standards to maintain a league. Also if they joined with the MWC, and went back to adding Boise, they would have a 14 team conference that would absolutely satisfy the requirements for a BCS automatic bid.
You could split the league into SWC and MWC splits
SWC
KU, Missou, KSU, ISU, Baylor, TCU, Tech
MWC
Boise, BYU, Utah, Air Force, SDSU, New Mex, UNLV
The MWC already has it's own network. This would expand that some, but mainly provide some more saturation in the region. But it would be likely that these schools would not have to have the same athletic budgets if other conferences. Really might not be a terrible result for any school involved.
That being said, if Missou is out, it might not be a bad thing for them in the long run. They would be an attractive choice for either the ACC or SEC if other expansion options didn't open up. Kansas by itself wouldn't happen for either of those leagues, but KU and Missou is a different thing.
However, if Baylor and TTech don't get invites to Pac 10, then ISU, KSU,KU, Missou, and the two Texas schools would be left. That is actually enough teams by NCAA standards to maintain a league. Also if they joined with the MWC, and went back to adding Boise, they would have a 14 team conference that would absolutely satisfy the requirements for a BCS automatic bid.
You could split the league into SWC and MWC splits
SWC
KU, Missou, KSU, ISU, Baylor, TCU, Tech
MWC
Boise, BYU, Utah, Air Force, SDSU, New Mex, UNLV
The MWC already has it's own network. This would expand that some, but mainly provide some more saturation in the region. But it would be likely that these schools would not have to have the same athletic budgets if other conferences. Really might not be a terrible result for any school involved.
I say screw Mizzou. I have never been comfortable with the concept of a slave state,below the mason dixon line school that is more southern than midwestern.
I know it sounds petty,but just my gut feeling.
I am ok with 12 for now. If ND wants in,fine...add Rutgers with them and call it a day. I am hoping that the effort by Tech and A & M to retain the big 12 by just adding TCU plays out...no need for ISU to be sent to college sports Gitmo.
I know it sounds petty,but just my gut feeling.
I am ok with 12 for now. If ND wants in,fine...add Rutgers with them and call it a day. I am hoping that the effort by Tech and A & M to retain the big 12 by just adding TCU plays out...no need for ISU to be sent to college sports Gitmo.
I think tm is right on. Nebraska is a great addition IMO, even with my intense hatred of them. What I have heard abotu ND is they are willing to listen but do not want to be part of a group of teams joining the league. If they had it their wasy they would have preferred to take their time and decide whether or not to join as team 12. The Big was probably willing to give them time but the Big 12 ultimatum really turned things around. SO we pick up NE but still have eyes for ND. ND may still be open to a 14 team conference, Missouri making that 14th team. So Mizzou's fate does rest in the hands of ND, in my opinion anyway.
bws258
Well-Known Member
I read somewhere that if Missouri gets into the BigTen, they have ND joining to thank ... and I think that is right. Delany knows that Missouri is an instant "yes", and so why not keep that card in your back pocket what else you can get. If ND signs up, maybe you let Missouri in.
