BleacherCoaches.com

7-team divisions means 6 divisional games, 2-3 inter-divisional, and 3-4 OOC. Whats different?

From what I just read, the Big Ten, because they have their own network, gets $.70 per household for anyone in a Big Ten state. Therefore the Big Ten would be foolish (since money is all that matters) to take in any team from a state where Big Ten team already exists. Because of Penn State, it will be unlikely that Pitt will be asked.

Thats where you are incorrect. If they take ONE team, Pitt wont be it. But if they take three, Pitt is a definite. The addition of ND can overcompensate the lack of market value that Pitt has. Thats why I think this ends up ND, Pitt, and Rutgers. Missouri doesnt have the academics and Nebraska is too far away.

Glad to see that Pitt does indeed have the academic standards needed for entrance in to the Big 11. It was once stated in a previous post by the guru's of bleachercoaches that Pitt's academic standards were $h!+. I see that has now changed and Missou has taken their place. :shock:

And if my geography is correct, isn't Lincoln pretty close to the Iowa border?

I think its about 300 miles from Iowa City to Lincoln.

Let's not get too carried away on Pitt's academics. They will not be the first choice, but if you take three, and that includes Rutgers and ND, then Pitt's academics are fine. They've got some problems though, and its not just football.

I've only ever mentioned Pitt's academics in comparison to Penn State, and by nearly all ratings, Penn State ranks higher. That is not to say that Pitt is horrible, or unsuitable for the Big 10. Many of Pitt's graduate programs are outstanding, and if I were going to practice law in Pennsylvania, I would consider Pitt. I have several colleagues who teach at Pitt and they are outstanding in their professions.

I want Pitt in the Big 10, always have. In a perfect world, WVU would come along also, but that will never happen.

Pitt's academics are fine, they just aren't "great". I dont think that will be the factor that could keep them out. I think an off-campus stadium (B10 brass really, really dislikes this) and a shaky athletic department are more detrimental factors. Pitt recently had some problems where they were considering dumping a few sports. If they join the B10, they will be forced to create even MORE sports programs. But if they get some crazy deal w/ Comcast, there will be no financial woes in the athletic department, so it doesnt even matter in the longrun.

But ppl thinking PSU will keep Pitt out of the B10 are simply inaccurate. Paterno has said numerous times that he wants Pitt included. The only people who don't want Pitt in the Big Ten are severe diehards at both PSU and Pitt who are not smart enough to see how much sense this makes financially. The goal here is to rack in as many millions per season as possible. The football program in Happy Valley is absolutely what funds much of the whole university, AND still can keep the athletic department self-sufficient. That's an insane statement to be able to make. It will be wonderful to see the sports series' renewed w/ Pitt, who will of course be a divisional partner and will play PSU in each sport at least once a year.

Whether or not you hate Penn State or hate Pitt, this B10 move is wonderful for Pitt and could save their athletics. I will obviously want Penn State to win in football every season, but renewing that rivalry would be wonderful for Pennsylvania. I just do not see any reason why Penn State fans and Pitt fans should not welcome this expansion with open arms. There is simply no comparison between the benefits of the BE and those of the B10.

Iowa City to Lincoln=5hrs. Columbus to psu=7 hrs. psu isn't exactly the hub of the big 11.

Is THE Ohio States stadium located "on" campus in Columbus?

As for Pitt's academics - like I said, glad to hear "the other side" finally give Pitt their due props. Even if it kills one to say they have "great" academics. We all know nothing compares to that great psu education. :lol: