The Blue Board

BYU is an intriguing option I hadn't thought of, not sure if it would work though (fit, geography).

WVU, KSU, Boise aren't options because of their academics.

Cincinnati, Louisville, Iowa State, and Kansas are doubtful for the same reason. Plus ISU doesn't add anything athletically.

Rutgers is the only semi realistic option, but even then, there athletic program(s) leave a lot to be desired.

I think ND is a certainty. The rest is up in the air. Missouri might finally get their chance.

I would love UVA, but I'm not sure they are realistic either. Will be interesting to see what happens.

Except the Notre Dame asterisk, the Big 10 has made it clear that they only want AAU (Association of American Universities) members. In your list, only Kansas, Iowa State, Missouri, and Rutgers fit that criteria. The ACC just took Pitt off the board. Nebraska was voted out of the AAU shortly after the Big 10 voted them in. I'm sure they were not happy about that. I don't see BYU making sense for the Big 10. I think Notre Dame and Missouri are locks, and Rutgers is a very good possibility. Kansas would turn cartwheels if they did not have the Kansas State problem. You know who would be a smart courtship for the Big 10 if they are desperate for #16... Vanderbilt. They are an incredibly good cultural fit academically, and Nashville would fit in very well with the Big 10 crowd (Nashville is quite liberal in a conservative state, just like Austin in Texas. I live in Nashville but am a UK fan). They also make more money than Minnesota, Iowa, Northwestern, and Indiana. Nashville is a top 30 TV market and would provide a great city to be in a football championship game rotation that did not have to be played in the snow or in a dome. They also sold out the SEC basketball championship tournament in a few hours. Solid fit for the Big 10's very picky standards.

I wouldn't mind adding Vandy. I think the SEC (or at least the fans) wouldn't mind Vandy walking away.

Of course, Vanderbilt is a founding member of the SEC... they contractually cannot be kicked out unless they just totally tank on their basic responsibilities to the league. Few outside the SEC know this, but it may be interesting to those in other regions. You know how the ACC just up their exit fee to $20 million. The SEC's, last time I checked was either $50 or $250... I can't remember which. Basically the cost of the secretary typing up a letter and mailing it. It is called an administrative fee. I thought that was funny considering how nervous other conferences seem to be.

Did not know that, thanks.

I do agree.

Va. Tech, Mizzery, and ND are the top teams on my list right now. Not sure about the fourth spot though. Dont know much about Virginia, though location would make sense.

I don't want to see Vandy go. I don't know who we would replace them with but they would most likely be better football program. We need one cupcake.

I wanted PITT, but that plan went out the window.

As I mentioned earlier, I am a UK fan that lives in Nashville. I feel bad for Vandy. They are always in UT's shadow, although they are breaking out in town a bit now that they soundly defeated an SEC opponent (Ole MIss) for the first time in I don't know when. The SEC would still keep the Nashville market on CBS and ESPN because FOX/Big 10 Network does not conflict with scheduling. There are still a ton of UT fans in Nashville, but the Big 10 could do worse to add the school. Plus, you Big 10 people would LOVE visiting Nashville for away games. Not to sound like the Chamber of Commerce, but it is a great, safe, hospitable town that offers everything of a major city without the congestion and cost. If the SEC replaced Vandy with FSU or Virginia Tech, I don't think they would be missed at all. Some of you have mentioned wanting Va Tech and UVA for the Big 10... I've wanted them all along for the SEC. The ACC's $20 million exit fee means nothing... if the SEC presidents want someone, they will work something out. Being an SEC team gains you $20 million off the bat in the first year from TV alone.

Please explain.......

Saying that Nebraska is not good academically does not hold water. Yes, they are no longer a member of the AAU, but that is like saying Scarlett Johannson cannot be pretty because she is not a model. Nebraska is a great academic school by every measure that I have seen and adds a top 10 football program. Still a great add by the Big 10 that I'm sure they do not regret in the least. I feel bad for Kansas. I know they would do anything to join Nebraska and eventually Missouri. I think it is silly and a shame that the States of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas handcuff their flagship schools with the State schools. That would not go over well at all here in Tennessee. Let the State schools kill their own dinner and bring it home or they can join the Sunbelt/ Conference USA types places just like Tennessee State U.