Big Ten Expansion?

Big Ten Expansion?

Commissioner Jim Delany is not the only person within the Big Ten who supports expansion, Penn State coach Joe Paterno has come out in favor of adding an extra team as well. Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema has also thrown his support towards adding a 12th team.

For what it is worth, Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald has spoken out against the idea of expansion, citing wanting to stick to traditions.

If the Big Ten is looking to expand, then the question becomes, who is the lucky 12th team? Here are a few names that have floated around, and some reasoning behind these choices.

Rutgers: The Red Raiders have vastly improved in the last few seasons despite having a down year in 2009. Adding in Rutgers will expand the Big Ten to the East coast as well as give them inroads to the New York media outlets.

Syracuse: Cuse was on the wish list for the ACC a few years back, but the Big East fought hard to keep them in place. If the opportunity arises again, the Big East may not be so lucky. Syracuse has had a historical football program that has hit on hard times. However, they do add a big gain when it comes to basketball.

Pittsburgh: Bringing in Pitt brings in the possibility of creating an instate rivalry between the Panthers and Penn State. Pitt has put together a solid program over the past seasons and would help the overall strength of the Big Ten.

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