Thursday, December 17, 2009
Probably no one in the SEC, or most Big 12 members, but pretty much everyone else says hell yeah to this question. These talks are preliminary in every sense of the word, but make no mistake, it's a big deal. Joe Paterno's been stumping for another team in the Big Ten since PSU joined in the early 90's, just like he stumped for Eastern Elite athletic conference way back in the day. Will anyone ever listen to guy?
Colin Cowherd talked Big Ten the other day. A lot of people like him, a lot of people hate him, but damnit, the guy is interesting. I like him. He said the slam dunk no brainer to add to the Big Ten is Rutgers. He focused on size, academics, and location as primary factors. And they all make sense. Huge state school, great academics and research, and close to somehow still untouched New York market as it relates to college football.
The obvious downside to this that everyone would go on record as saying is, who the hell wants to make a road trip to New Jersey? Just think...Ann Arbor, Madison, State College, Piscataway? I don't think so. You don't need to be a huge school to match up academically with the rest of them (Northwestern). Athletically, I don't really see it either. For every Ray Rice and Kenny Britt there are 10 walk on guidos. Basketball, I can't even really comment because I know nothing about the program. Average across the board. Very good baseball program though, not surprising.
Time to turn to my buddy Ron Cook
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09351/1021570-87.stm
Would the Big Ten dare? I say yes for several reasons. We would be doing a great human service to all the Kenny Rayls and other shapes of Pitt fans by validating their existence. And if you had to add another stop on the Big Ten roadtrip map, why not the City of Champions? 70,000 seats, as good a tailgating as you'll get inside city limits, and a casino with table games right next door. Immeasurable improvement for Big Ten basketball as well. And while it's always enjoyable to make fun of Pitt, don't forget. Pitt's academic chops stack up against anyone and would fit right in with Big Ten standards.
It would also make Pitt/Penn State relevant again, and this time with the context of ever important conference implications at the heart of it. Outside of Notre Dame, Pitt makes the most sense to add from every standpoint, including location. Notre Dame will never happen. I don't think Pitt will happen either. Everyone loves Rutgers for some reason. Am I only one that notices that they still haven't ever done shit ever? A couple trips to the International Bowl and they are big timers? I don't get it. People are trying to get out of New Jersey, not stay there. That's why they come to Penn State. Let's make this happen. I hate to say it, but Hail to Pitt!
7 Comments:
That was pure poetry. I would love to see Pitt join. Another thing i might tack on is that Pitt has had a very respectable wrestling program. And if we can all flash back to a few years ago when Rutgers had that ONE good team and all the Jersey types at Penn State were suddenly giving all this love to the scarlet knights? Unacceptable. I say Pitt, ND, or no one.
Word up, DBreezy. Good call on Pitt wrestling.
I aggree with you guys...I dont think Rutgers is a good fit for the Big Ten, geographically and athletically. I wouldnt mind seeing Pitt in the Big Ten either but there are several reasons why it will not happen. Here is an article by David Jones of the Patriot News which lists what the Big Ten is looking for. I dont always agree with what this guy writes but this article is pretty informative and it makes sense...
http://blog.pennlive.com/davidjones/2009/12/big_ten_expansion_talk_again.html
Pitt really doesnt fit any of these criteria, the biggest of which is their lack of on-campus facilities. I dont see the city of Pittsburgh building another 70,000 seat stadium anytime soon.
I think its Notre Dame or bust. The recent changing in the college football landscape gives ND several reasons to join now as opposed to 10-15 years ago, but that can be discused in another post.
What appeared to be a seemingly accurate description of Rutgers University turned sour after you decided to libel a great state like New Jersey. All those "Jersey Types"? Listen bud, grown men rolling around on a mat isn't what generates big bucks for football programs. I agree, Pitt would be a better football fit. Rutgers (other than inventing college football) has no real history. The nj/ny sports market shouldn't be overlooked. Just sayin...
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