A little history lesson and then my two cents.

First, TCU was the first school invited. In addition to its football success and presence within the existing B12 footprint, TCU was available immediately. It had already given notice to the MWC so it could move to the Big East, but the additional exit fee payable to the Big East did not limit TCU's ability to join immediately.

UL and WVU, on the other hand, were contractually bound to the Big East until the 2014 season. The B12 needed new members to begin play immediately, in 2012. UL was an early favorite to get the invite, as travel to Louisville would not present a significant issue as compared to Morgantown, WV. However, UL was not willing to shoot its way out of the Big East. WVU, recognizing that the B12 may be the last train out of town, was willing to shoot its way out. To my mind, this willingness tipped the balance to WVU. After multiple lawsuits, including one in which the Big East sought to enjoin WVU from leaving, WVU managed to negotiate an early exit from the Big East to allow it to begin play in the B12 in 2012.

Having said this, in my mind, the B12 should have invited both UL and WVU, perhaps waiting for WVU to negotiate its early departure before inviting UL. This would have provided a much needed travel partner for WVU, as well as adding another strong brand. To get back to 12, I would have invited BYU as football only. BYU had been an earlier target by the B12, but the conference and BYU were unable to reach agreement regarding various issues, including Sunday play for other sports.