Adding Nebraska a nice start, but Big Ten can do more
A nice start.
That's what the Big Ten got itself Friday when the third domino in this expansion free-for-all toppled, pushing Nebraska its way and the NCAA closer to anarchy.
The Cornhuskers are a storied program with a rabid fan base who'll do more for Big Ten football than Big Ten finances.
There’s nothing wrong with that. In the long run, it’s probably a good thing. And surely Nebraska’s addition is more significant than Colorado to the Pac-10 or Boise State to the Mountain West.
But if the Big Ten stops at one, if Nebraska is the only or even the biggest addition, then the conference comes out of this expansion mess with a blemish on its face.
Texas was the prettiest girl at the party when Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany announced he was looking to add new teams last December. Notre Dame was the old high-school flame he was hoping to woo back again.
So far, Delany hasn't danced with either, and there’s no telling if he ever will.
According to reports, Texas’ Board of Regents will meet next Tuesday to ultimately decide the fate of the Big 12.
If the Longhorns stay in the now 10-team conference, expansion likely will cease (save for a few minor moves, like balancing out the 11-team Pac-10).
If Texas bolts, with the Pac-10 being its most likely destination, and takes Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State with it, Armageddon ensues.
Maybe the suddenly formidable Mountain West scoops up the rest of the Big 12. Maybe the SEC, sensing its days as the dominant football conference are numbered, poaches Miami and Florida State from the ACC. Maybe the basketball-centric ACC responds with another raid on the Big East, this time for UConn and Syracuse.
And maybe Notre Dame, with its BCS bid in doubt and no place left for its non-revenue sports to play, casts a lonely eye back to the Big Ten and Delany gets the girl of his dreams.
Even if the mega-conference model doesn't materialize, the Big Ten still could land Notre Dame (plus Rutgers or Pitt or Missouri or some other insignificant school for bookkeeping purposes). Joining the Big Ten is in Notre Dame’s best long-term interests, something that will become abundantly clear if its BCS bid is squeezed by the Mountain West.
If that doesn’t happen, if Nebraska is it, Delany and the Big Ten hit a nice, long double off the wall when the public discussion of expansion meant they needed a home run.
Big Ten football got stronger Friday. The league’s fans and bowl partners and TV execs shouldn’t complain.
But for the Big Ten to cement its place as the nation's premier conference, more work needs to be done.
Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
Comments
D21
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 1:25 p.m.
The NCAA needs to stop their hypocrisy and inform Notre Dame that they cannot remain independent in football but play in a conference (Big East) in other sports or ND cannot be part of the BCS scene, period.
wvtroll
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 7:36 a.m.
Hey Port.. I think I said "That is not to say pride for historic accomplishments should be set aside. But to boast of past greatness while current conditions are at best only optimistic seems a little foolish when calling other schools that are performing better "insignificant"." Again, my point is overlooked. Of course, at my age, I ramble and don't always get my point across very well. So simply put: You have the right to bring up your past accomplishments all you like, and I have the right to determine whether I think they're significant or not (which, in fact, I do feel they are significant). But to slam other schools when your school is not performing well in a few areas is not playing nice. I've said many times here that due to the nature of college football being a non-professional entity, ups and downs happen all the time to every school. We have no disagreement there either. So I don't know what the rebuttal is about in that area. My only real issue is that UM is gaining a tarnished spot at this time. Realization of that should bring a little humble pie to the table and UM is now becoming unlike most other schools across the nation.
wvtroll
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 6:27 a.m.
Hey Port.. I think I said "That is not to say pride for historic accomplishments should be set aside. But to boast of past greatness while current conditions are at best only optimistic seems a little foolish when calling other schools that are performing better "insignificant"." Again, my point is overlooked. Of course, at my age, I ramble and don't always get my point across very well. So simply put: You have the right to bring up your past accomplishments all you like, and I have the right to determine whether I think they're significant or not (which, in fact, I do feel they are significant). But to slam other schools when your school is not performing well in a few areas is not playing nice. I've said many times here that due to the nature of college football being a non-professional entity, ups and downs happen all the time to every school. We have no disagreement there either. So I don't know what the rebuttal is about in that area. My only real issue is that UM is gaining a tarnished spot at this time. Realization of that should bring a little humble pie to the table and UM is now becoming unlike most other schools across the nation.
Josh Ditton
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 7:11 p.m.
@Stanley McCarty Insignificant meaning insignificant for finances, and added only to balance out the conference (say, adding a Big East team because we want 14 instead of 13 teams even if they aren't the best and won't increase revenue). Furthermore, it wasn't as if App State was some no-name FCS school. Two-time defending national champions who could've beaten a majority of FBS schools. Sure, Michigan should not have lost, but things happen in college sports and that's why its fun. Funny how MSU fans are all over Michigan losing to Appalachian State... but where then beat by U-M. So how does it feel to be beat by the team that lost to little App State?
Josh Ditton
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 7:08 p.m.
Texas will not come to the Big Ten - it makes no geographical sense. A Texas vs. Penn State conference game? What? Notre Dame, on the other hand, will.
PortageLkBlu
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 11:34 a.m.
wvtroll, I could care less if Appy State beat us in part becuase it's history and in part, that's what I love about football,"On any given day". Also, who says we shouldn't brag about our history and win record, you? Also, name me a college football team that hasn't had down cycle? A few years back the Miami Hurricanes were close to closing down that football program untill Howard got there and don't be surprised if USC doesn't go into a down cycle, it's not going to stop me from going to USC games and it's not going to stop USC fans from bragging about the great USC past and present. Actually the anticipation of Mich. getting back on track is very exciting whether it's 2010 or 2015. wvtroll why do you think Michigan has such a great tradition just becuase they have won so much hell no it's because we are tough scrappers and resilient. I grew up in a small Michigan town and now I live in Southern Ca. and I gotta tell ya I have never seen as tough a bunch of people as I did in that little town. wvtroll it's the nature of the Michigan Wolverines so don't tell us we don't have the right to brag about our tradition becuase the more you do the more it sounds like sour grapes and jealousy of a great program past and present. Also, I commend Appy State for a game well played in Michigan Stadium and anyone else that is fortunate to beat The Great Michigan Wolverines. See ya in the Rose Bowl.
wvtroll
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 9:30 a.m.
Port, I wasn't suggesting UM would never return to some form of respectability, just that until they do, bragging rights belong to the current successful teams. You can't deny Appy State their right to gloat just because you have won more than they in the past. Continue on your current course, and others will overtake that record to which you all seem to keep bringing up. Then what will you have to compare yourself to? When fall arrives, and after UM has shown true improvement, should you then bring up the past as something you currently continue, but until then, you can only say what others have done. For now, at this time you are not continuing what you had. You are allowing teams like Appy State to say they are better due to what they have done IN THE PAST. And based on how your logic is dependent on the past, Appy State is just as correct as UM. You can't have it both ways.
GoKartMozart
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 6:10 a.m.
Kent's right. Nebraska's better than our whole conference - except the numbers aren't quite right. Huskers and Wolverines split one title and they outright stole another one from Penn State's undefeated season.
kent
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 5 a.m.
Nebraska has 5 national titles in the last 40 years, our whole conference has had 2. I think they will raise the bar and add a lot of national interest to the big ten. They are a home run get in my book. I just hope we do not get them in our devision, just another loss for R.R.
PortageLkBlu
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 12:01 a.m.
Uh WVtroll, in case nobody notified you it's not even summer yet and in case nobody notified you, until the first game of the 2010 season it's an even playing field. I do agree with one thing you said, some people should hold their tongue's.
wvtroll
Sat, Jun 12, 2010 : 10:22 p.m.
I, for one, would much rather watch a game that has a competent team playing another competent team than to watch a game where one historically great team is faltering. You can't live on your laurels forever. And only fans of that faltering team will enjoy watching their team play forever dismally. That, my friends, is how true fans are defined. That is not to say pride for historic accomplishments should be set aside. But to boast of past greatness while current conditions are at best only optimistic seems a little foolish when calling other schools that are performing better "insignificant". Grade point averages are considered at all schools for admissions. Engineering and technically oriented schools usually require higher standards for potential students than other schools at any university, so to think that UM is any different is foolish. What the university provides these students is what matters, and those that take advantage of the better environment benefit. That may be where UM may have the advantage, but I doubt that it is the most elite in the nation in that respect, and perhaps even not the best in the Big Ten. If the B10 benefits from the addition of any team, only the B10 as a conference really benefits. Individual teams of that conference can still be viewed as inferior if they falter in that conference, no matter how well the conference does overall. UM, in their current state of proficiency, should hold their tongue concerning any team the B10 admits or plans to admit until they prove their superiority once again.
PortageLkBlu
Sat, Jun 12, 2010 : 7:49 p.m.
Your right on again Tater and it's nice to read your optimism among all these other comments of complainers. ND is a real kingdom for the priests and I can imagine they don't want to share it. ND has that nice money contract, oh darn that evil word money again shame on me for mentioning it. I guess the big 10 has so much money that we don't need to look to the future we can survive on tradition. Within a twenty yr. time frame the 10 has added Penn State and now Nebraska I would say that this is darn good management and marketing anyone disagree? Michigan and Nebraska already have a little thing going on for those of you that know your history and now maybe when their both at the top of their game they will butt heads so we won't have any doubt who the national champ is ala 1997. At the rate our marketing guru's are getting acquisitions we won't need to have the BCS games to see who the national champ is, it'll be settled within our big 10. I was always looking forward to the 10 season and now my anticipation has almost doubled overnight and I can tell that all the complainers are excited about Nebraska to I haven't heard you guys crying and bellyaching about RR lately. I wonder if sweater vest is happy about Nebraska? I'll bet he's on the phone with Maurice Clarett right now trying to get him back for his finale 2 years oh wait, is Maurice in prison?
Marvin Face
Sat, Jun 12, 2010 : 5:14 p.m.
To extend Birkett's metaphor and translate: "Nebraska isn't the pretiest nor sexiest but has a nice personality!"
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Jun 12, 2010 : 4:25 p.m.
"Yale and Harvard were once football greats: they are no more and haven't been for decades." Thats because they put the "student" first in "student athlete" while college football has become a billion dollar business.
81wolverine
Sat, Jun 12, 2010 : 1:43 p.m.
I agree that Nebraska is a good pick up for us. But, ND is still the "big one" the Big 10 conference doesn't want to let get away. ND has an outdated opinion of themselves that's based on the fact they are still a super power and can be independent forever. Ultimately, enough TV viewers will get tired of them winning half their games and stop watching. NBC will say, enough is enough, and ND will be out in the cold and need a conference affiliation. If they were smart, they'd forget about the old days, move into the 21 century, and sign up with the Big Ten. Hopefully, when Armageddon is over this summer and the dust settles, they'll be in this conference.
cutty240
Sat, Jun 12, 2010 : 1:07 p.m.
To FlintMazie, Like i said quit living in the 70's an 80's.Who have you beaten in the last 10 years,let alone the last 5 years.What are you going to do when the Cornhuskers come in and smashmouth you.Oh i know,your going to your Pizza Man/AD and bring out some old Bo Tapes.THOSE WHO STAY WILL BE CHAMPIONS,BS
azwolverine
Sat, Jun 12, 2010 : 1:05 p.m.
Hey Stanley, You're right, Michigan is one of those teams that cannot be forgotten because they are one of college football's alpha dogs. You remember that game because it was an upset, like Ali losing to Spinks or Tyson losing to Douglas. The other teams mentioned in this article as 'insignificant' can't be forgotten either, because no one knew them in the first place. They are, therefore, insignificant.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Jun 12, 2010 : 12:41 p.m.
"If the Longhorns stay in the now 10-team conference, expansion likely will cease (save for a few minor moves, like balancing out the 11-team Pac-10)." Absolutely balancing out the PAC 11 is a must. You can't very well have a conference with 11 teams now can you?
gatling64
Sat, Jun 12, 2010 : 11:11 a.m.
I thought we were goimg afer the big population centers.Lincoln Nebraska? Face it they were great chemists back in the steroid era.Haven't done much since.Nice womens basketball team 28-2.
InsideTheHall
Sat, Jun 12, 2010 : 10:49 a.m.
Come on Birkett! Time for you to head back to South Bend. Your style is wearing thin in Ann Arbor. Another baseless article. Interesting how you have zero contacts within the athletic department. How can you report when you cannot source? This is pure blogesque. Perhaps you can start the Drudge Report equivalent for sports.
wolverine73
Sat, Jun 12, 2010 : 10:02 a.m.
Who cares? Another team Michigan can't beat.
mcflies
Sat, Jun 12, 2010 : 9:54 a.m.
According the Forbes Nebraska would be the 2nd most valuable school in the big ten. I'd say they didn't do too bad. The only way to force Notre Dame into the big ten is to get the Big East to fold. That is the ONLY way. As long as the big east stands ND isn't going anywhere. So now the only thing left to do is sit back get Nebraska integrated and hope the right cards fall. If they don't then hey you snagged Nebraska! and thats not too shabby. Delany says its still an 18 month time frame so they are in no rush.
cutty240
Sat, Jun 12, 2010 : 9:53 a.m.
Great comment by the McCarty Family,Insignific schools.Two things,If your Pizza Man/AD doesn't quit talking all the time,and you guys start winning in Football,and Basketball.You are going to be Insignific in your own league.I agree with the MaCarty's,really who do you think are.Quit living in the 70's and 80's.
robotmonster
Sat, Jun 12, 2010 : 9:47 a.m.
Believe you me, a certain coach who just led his team to a National Championship remembers Nebraska. They put a major hurt on Saban's Spartans a couple times back in the '90's.
Stanley
Sat, Jun 12, 2010 : 8:55 a.m.
Nice comment about some of these insignificant schools being added to the Big Ten for "book keeping purposes". Who do you guys think you are. I remember a really insignificant school taking you down in your own house....Appalachian State rings a bell? Ouch.....