(06-02-2019 06:37 PM)goofus Wrote: Missouri is a better cultural and geographic fit for the Big Ten.
Regardless of market size, most of the midwest schools in the Big Ten simply don't get the new obsession with East coast expansion and playing bowl games or tourneys in NYC. It would not bother me if I never set foot in New York City ever again. It's just not a great place to visit.
Goofus, I'll try and give you my best educated opinion I can on this topic. I'm more to the point and probably will leave things out.
First, Maryland, Rutgers and Nebraska were all grand slams for the Big 10. They were much better adds for the Big 10 than Missouri. No disrespect to, Missouri, it's just how it played out.
Do you enjoy playing in this great conference? I know I'm glad Ohio State is still here. Ok, so with an area of the country declining in population like the midwest and/or great lakes region the Big 10 had to act or this conference could have easily dissolved. Why, recruiting is the absolute main reason. That's where Rutgers comes in, so be kind and thank them. Plus, their market doesn't hurt much either, does it? And they fit well with their academics, yes that matters.
Maryland, look at that, even more recruits coming from that state. Go ahead and thank them too while you're at it. Plus, they have a pretty nice market too, am I right? Also, the All Clown Conference can spin it anyway they want, but, losing Maryland hurts them more than helps them. Hey, they are happy with the addition of Louisville, hell I dont know why but they are?
Nebraska, are you at least happy with this addition? I mean, one of the top programs out there. No market and no recruits but name alone trumps all that.
So the Big 10 acted in what would benefit the conference 20, 30, 50, 100etc...years from now. The three schools they added checked the boxes of what they wanted and that's what they got. Sure UNC, Virginia, GT and others were attractive. It just didn't happen and this is where we are. I'm am very appreciative of the three schools added. They will become woven into the conference even more with the passing years.
So as simple as I can be, be happy that Iowa is in the Big 10. It's a great conference even though it has gone east. I'm happy Ohio State is here and I hope they are forever! The midwest is thin and the new additions are balancing some of that out.