joeyb

June 9th, 2010 at 7:43 PM ^

This is like the tape in The Ring. I won't believe it until I see it. Unfortunately, when I see it, I will probably die.

Zone Left

June 9th, 2010 at 7:45 PM ^

USC picked a great time to end a multi-year investigation.

Talk about scooping up some TV sets, eh?  Counting DC, that's a huge number of additional cable tv sets.

Pea-Tear Gryphon

June 9th, 2010 at 7:45 PM ^

Just Wow.

I am still taking a wait-and-see approach with this all, but man it sure is interesting. I don't necessarily like a 16 team conference, but $$ rules the day.

wolverine1987

June 9th, 2010 at 7:57 PM ^

If true, IMO this would be one of the worst expansion scenarios we've seen.  3 of those teams (and remember I'm talking about football since that is really all this matters regarding expansion) are mired in mediocrity with no real signs of escaping.  The fourth, ND, is also mediocre, but with obvious brand equity and the chance with a new coach to become good again.  Much better than the other three IMO?  Nebraska, Missouri, UT (of course) A&M, Pitt, Colorado, even (yes I said it) WVA.  Either better football programs, more prestige and name value, or both.

FGB

June 9th, 2010 at 8:39 PM ^

expansion, but practically, there are 3 seasons of sports for 9 months of the year, and a conference like the Big 10 is still more profitable than and at least as powerful as the SEC (currently a better football conference) in part because it doesn't suck in basketball (like the SEC). Football is the clear lynchpin, but basketball and other sports play a complementary role. In any event, success is cyclical (see, e.g., the University of Michigan). I wouldn't bet that Missouri football will necessarily be better than Syracuse or Maryland in 5 years.

Lordfoul

June 9th, 2010 at 9:11 PM ^

Just imagine the varsity LAX team in Michigan's future though!  It would have immediate clout with a schedule including those teams.

Still, I hate it.  The thought of Rutgers makes me want to puke almost as much as watching someone else blow chunks.

noshesnot

June 9th, 2010 at 7:45 PM ^

Dude, I dunno about you guys, but I'm freaking psyched for this.  At this point, I feel like the 45 spinster who someone finally proposed to - I dont care who it is, I just want it.

noshesnot

June 9th, 2010 at 7:49 PM ^

Rutgers helped themselves out today with the #1 overall APR, in my opinion.  Beating out a bunch of private schools is pretty good.