Around the Big Ten

[entropy]

The only way Big 12 would let them keep the contract is IF they gave a portion of it to the BIG 12 and I can't see that happening.

does Texas give a portion of their network to the Big12?

[Whitley]

does Texas give a portion of their network to the Big12?

Texas runs the league and everyone acknowledges the double standard. The Domers have too many alums on both coasts to go all in with the Big 12. I can't imagine Domer fans being thrilled to be playing Kansas or Iowa State in football, but that is jsut me.

[entropy]

they'd do the ACC deal with the BIG12... the 12 would take it and ND doesn't change a thing but moving from the ACC to the big12

[Rob F]

The Big Ten would find room for Duke. They would be in without a second thought.

Oh, there'd be some "second thought" about it, alright---I am of the belief that football does matter to the B1G, and does matter to those who have a say in targeting potential new members. While Duke would no doubt qualify in academics and basketball, it is far more pathetic in football than anyone presently in the B1G or potentially being targeted.

How does 1 ACC co-championship (1989) and 2 bowl games in the last 51 seasons sound? How does an overall record of 55-183 since 1989 (in a conference that is not known for football) sound? How does a 33,000-seat stadium (that would rank in the bottom half of MAC stadiums if not in size but in quality of venue) sound?

We can debate all day about the B1G's priority list during this period of expansion and conference-raiding, but no doubt $$$ is at the top of the list. And Football is very closely related to $$$ in that athletically, the B1G still wants to identify itself as a Football Conference that pays attention to academics. Duke is not now nor is it ever likely to be anything other than a negative-net-sum member in football to the B1G.

Only way I see them included is if UNC demands it, but I would expect the B1G to counter such a demand with their own demand that Duke upgrades its program and facilities, much easier said than done.

[Whitley]

Oh, there'd be some "second thought" about it, alright---I am of the belief that football does matter to the B1G, and does matter to those who have a say in targeting potential new members. While Duke would no doubt qualify in academics and basketball, it is far more pathetic in football than anyone presently in the B1G or potentially being targeted.

How does 1 ACC co-championship (1989) and 2 bowl games in the last 51 seasons sound? How does an overall record of 55-183 since 1989 (in a conference that is not known for football) sound? How does a 33,000-seat stadium (that would rank in the bottom half of MAC stadiums if not in size but in quality of venue) sound?

We can debate all day about the B1G's priority list during this period of expansion and conference-raiding, but no doubt $$$ is at the top of the list. And Football is very closely related to $$$ in that athletically, the B1G still wants to identify itself as a Football Conference that pays attention to academics. Duke is not now nor is it ever likely to be anything other than a negative-net-sum member in football to the B1G.

Only way I see them included is if UNC demands it, but I would expect the B1G to counter such a demand with their own demand that Duke upgrades its program and facilities, much easier said than done.

Well it actually sounds a lot like Northwestern before their recent upgrade to being a decent Big Ten team. Outside of a brief spurt from 86-93, Indiana has only been to 3 bowl games. And I am pretty sure on the scales of plus and minus that Indiana football is a negative for the Big Ten.

I think you are being a bit myopic in the scope of what the Big Ten wants to be. I think they want to be the premier sports conference that also demands high quality academics from its members. That is why they are promoting Legends (look at the awesome past we have) and Leaders (look at where we are going) are the names of the divisions. Football fortunes (which ebb and flow for every university unless a king) are a small part of it.

It is also about creating inventory for the BTN, and there is a lot excellent football inventory there. Duke (a king of basketball) brings in a whole new dynamic especially if they come with UNC. Adding Duke (with UNC) would make the Big Ten the top dog as a basketball conference. It would create a lot basketball inventory because let's be honest people want to watch Duke and UNC.

Academically there is no question Duke is a fit. No one questions that. I don't think there would be a requirement in writing to upgrade the football facilities, but rather a gentleman's understanding that would happen. And with the large new revenue stream from going to ACC to BTN it would a lot easier to do.

[Dr. Strangelove]

Johns Hopkins formally announced they are seeking to join a conf for lacrosse. Hope the B1G can land them.

http://insidelacrosse.com/news/2013/03/12/notre-dame-expedites-move-acc-johns-hopkins-formally-considers-conference

[WM Wolverine]

B10 has how many lacrosse programs: Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, PSU & Rutgers. Need one more to support a league.

Best two things about a potential Johns Hopkins addition: 1. They only add as a Lacrosse member, they don't support any other Div I sports 2. They would be an enormous addition to the CIC.

BTW Johns Hopkins is college lacrosse, it would be a huge boon for the B10 to play them in lacrosse as they are far and away televised more than anyone on ESPN.

[Hannibal]

So how would revenues be split with them?

[WM Wolverine]

They wouldn't earn any money other than what they earn in lacrosse, which is a 'cheap' sport with some revenue potential. Unlike hockey, which is expensive to operate, but turns some profit (for most B10 hockey programs) which is entirely taken away once you add in the financial drains of the womens hockey programs.

[Hannibal]

Now showing on The Big Ten's Greatest Games:

Johns Hopkins vs Notre Dame, Lacrosse, 1988

[iam416]

B10 has how many lacrosse programs: Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, PSU & Rutgers. Need one more to support a league.

Don't forget Virginia. Heh.

Best two things about a potential Johns Hopkins addition: 1. They only add as a Lacrosse member, they don't support any other Div I sports 2. They would be an enormous addition to the CIC.

#2 is the driver. That's a mammoth addition to the CIC. And presumably, that's the deal -- we'll get partner with you in the CIC if you bring in lacrosse. And, oh, by the way, we'll have some real lacrosse schools for you to play, too -- wink.

This also goes to what is, IMO, part of Delaney's grand vision. He wants every B10 school -- or most -- to have a legitimate 3rd sport. Some may actually have 4. But he wants that third sport option for the BTN. Hockey. Lacrosse. And, with enough ACC schools, Baseball.

[entropy]

Lacrosse is a cheaper program to add, relative to most sports. Wouldn't surprise me to see other schools "pushed" to add it.

[Wild Hoss]

Soccer would be a better low-cost sport to push.

[Hannibal]

Interesting Stockholm Syndrome dynamic going on here with conference expansion. People excited about getting a lacrosse power, as if they or anyone they have ever known has ever given the slightest, remotest hint of a fuck about lacrosse in their entire lives.

[WM Wolverine]

Lacrosse is a relatively 'cheap' sport to field, that's part of its rising popularity at the high school level. Lacrosse programs actually can run in the black at many NCAA universities.