Posted on Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 3:08 p.m.
Notre Dame not in Big Ten's expansion mix
By AnnArbor.com Staff
The Big Ten is seriously considering adding three or five teams in its expansion scenarios. Either way, Notre Dame will not be among the schools invited to join the conference, according to the Boston Globe.
The Fighting Irish are not a serious consideration. "They haven't been in the mix for a while," a source told The Globe.
Comments
Terry Star21
Sat, Apr 24, 2010 : 12:05 p.m.
@ Fan... Cincy would be a good choice, but I would hate you to lose credibility arguing about beer and food. I had preferred Mizzo or Pitt, but only because I knew those two teams very well, followed them - of course after UM. Bringing Cincy into the picture is a wise choice, I for one would like to find more about the school, history, etc., which I will of course. If the stadium does indeed hold 35,0000 (?) that would more than likely be one red flag with B10 commissioners (+ B10 playoff). Bottom line is not notre dame and not 16 schools - Mizzo, or Pitt, or Cincy.
Fan
Sat, Apr 24, 2010 : 8:59 a.m.
@ RudeJude. Got your point about nutrition; did you have anything to say about destroying (all opposing football teams that are being discussed as Big Ten considerations. Pause.....I didn't think so! I guess hot dogs and pizza is a better "nutritional" choice? Right!
RudeJude
Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 1:11 p.m.
Maybe the Cincy chili and the very cold Cincy beer is worth several mid-game trips to the restroom and a flatulent fanbase?
Fan
Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 12:33 p.m.
The Bearcats serve Cincy chili, and very cold Cincy beer while destroying their opponents; that's got to be worth something? I wonder if the beer and Cincy food specialties revenue offsets attendance. Did I mention the great German bratwurst with sauerkraut? Hmmmm You may prefer pizza?
RudeJude
Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 10:15 a.m.
And also, Cincy's Nippert Stadium only holds approximately 35,000. I believe this would be the smallest stadium in the Big Ten if they joined. I think Cincinnati would probably have to almost double the capacity, as stadium size is important in the Big Ten.
RudeJude
Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 10:07 a.m.
@ Fan: Do you really think Cincinnati's "best-tasting chili," and other restaurants and entertainment spots are a factor in Big Ten's expansion? From what I have read, here are two major factors for the team's in the mix, in no particular order: - AAU Membership: An association of research universities. I'm guessing this brings more academic prestige to the conference and possibly more research money? Cincinnati is not a member. - A New television market: The East Coast sounds like the market the Big Ten is seeking, maybe the Great Plains market. I'm not sure of the numbers, but I'm guessing Cincinnati doesn't open up these or any other major markets. I think the only sport that really factors into expansion is football, and Bearcat football, while they have had recent success, is not a big draw to people outside of Cincinnati. (Do any people in Ohio, outside of Cincy even care about Bearcat Football?) Nothing personal against the Bearcats (I was cheering for them against Florida!), just being honest. Only way I see Cincinnati joining is if the Big Ten expands with one or two big name AAU schools in new markets and they need one more, but if they did invite Cincinnati, I would be disappointed.
Fan
Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 6:31 p.m.
Being independent (Notre Dame) has its challenges and perceived opportunities! It appears to join or not to join the Big Ten has been and will continue to be THEIR decision and so be it! A great University where Tim Brown, a Cincinnati kid, earned the Heisman Trophy. Nothing bad to say about Notre Dame! Surprisingly, there has been no discussion of the Cincinnati Bearcats in the mix; what's the deal? Concerned about game day attendance?? No problem in Cincy where they serve beer at their games (Cincy IS a beer town). The Bearcats only destroyed other teams that have been mentioned to join the Big Ten and the Bearcats finished the last regular season in the # 3 or 4 spot. Let's see, MSU Coach (X Bearcat Coach) Notre Dame Coach (X Bearcat Coach). Did I miss something? The 75 corridor could become the hottest ticket in the country; MSU, UM, OSU and Bearcats. Bearcats have had fabulous basketball teams and history (Tommy Thacker, Paul Hogue, Tony Yates, George Wilson, Ron Bonhnum sp, Big O; and etc.; back to back National NCAA championships) and a university built on academic excellence - its medical school (Saulk Vaccine) and conservatory of music are considered the best in the world (Kathleen Battle and etc). Tennis (Tony Trabert) and Kings Island for fun! Did I leave out the best tasting chili and coney islands (Skyline), ice cream (United Dairy Farmers and Graters) and bakeries (Busken), ribs (Montgomery Inn) and riverfront restaurants that are only about 10 minutes away from Nippert Stadium. Start game day with a few Little Kings ale when you arrive in town. Now tell me again, why Cincy (the city on seven hills is not in the Big Ten mix???
Kubrick66
Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 4:42 p.m.
The Big Ten should end their relationship with Notre Dame across the board starting with Michigan. I for one am tired of playing them every year. I'd rather see a home and home against a new power program every couple years. The idea is to get Michigan Football into every recruits home around the country. What better way then to consistently schedule teams nationwide. The long term relationship with ND is shortsighted, lazy... and dare I say-- way past its bedtime.
Terry Star21
Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 2:32 p.m.
Good news..bad news. Good if the story is true about Notre Dame, bad if it's true about 3-5 teams - really bad!