- Joined
- Jun 5, 2014
- Messages
- 59
- Reaction Score
- 104
Missouri, as almost everyone knows, is not bound by a GOR. Their previous interest in the Big Ten spanned decades.
1) They are in the AAU and are a public flagship.
2) They have a very credible (by Big Ten standards) football program and a sound basketball program.
3) They are a large public research university
4) They are the missing geographical base between Nebraska and Illinois and they have rivalries with both
5) Added to Nebraska, it would give a "Big 12" feel in the Western division that might encourage Kansas, Oklahoma, and/or even Texas.
6) They would clearly strengthen the Big Ten West.
I believe that the Big Ten pounced on a willing national brand Nebraska and they were "too cute by half" in not taking Missouri with willing Rutgers at that time. But with the right terms (they would have to be good), Missouri could be ripe for the taking. I do not discount a Missouri and UConn at all-before the new Big Ten TV contract.
1) They are in the AAU and are a public flagship.
2) They have a very credible (by Big Ten standards) football program and a sound basketball program.
3) They are a large public research university
4) They are the missing geographical base between Nebraska and Illinois and they have rivalries with both
5) Added to Nebraska, it would give a "Big 12" feel in the Western division that might encourage Kansas, Oklahoma, and/or even Texas.
6) They would clearly strengthen the Big Ten West.
I believe that the Big Ten pounced on a willing national brand Nebraska and they were "too cute by half" in not taking Missouri with willing Rutgers at that time. But with the right terms (they would have to be good), Missouri could be ripe for the taking. I do not discount a Missouri and UConn at all-before the new Big Ten TV contract.