I think you are right that is a significant long shot, but for this to happen our Politicians and advocates need to get this issue framed – is this really all about Athletic Budgets and TV money? Money that is currently tax exempt? Do we really want to go down this road and make all of these moves with out consideration for the repercussions whether intended or not? You are right Chris that Iowa State is a school that could take the focus off the Athletic aspect of this and give the Big Ten Presidents the illusion this was not only about tv money. But for that to happen – it would require the debate to get framed and framed quickly. As far as Iowa goes, they should be praying for ISU to get in. They may thinking of themselves as a BCS Championship contender, but enter Nebraska, possibly Notre Dame and even Missouri or someone else – and their continued success is all but a sure thing. The Iowa political fall out of ISU being left out will put tremendous pressure on Iowa to continue an equitable home and home series. Like it or not I would guess at least 35%-40% of the Iowa vote is related to ISU Fans. Stop the talk of dropping ISU and what playing the game does for you, you will play us and yes it will be our super bowl if we are left out so there is a good chance you will lose some of those games (See CSU vs Colorado). If you are right that we will end up in the MAC- you can even pay to play us even when we come to your house…get over yourselves Hawk fans, you are soon to be left in the dust with major conf realignment as well by playing schools that historically would have beaten you like a drum just like Ohio State and Michigan have..

Don’t forget Architecture and Design, ISU’s very strong in that field. ISU also is one of the top two, or three universities in the field of Psychology and probably THE leading university in Child Psychology with special emphasis in research on ADD/ADHD, Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. These fields are BIG feathers in ISU’s hat.

Chris, I think you make some valid arguments. Unfortunately, I think ISU is pretty far down the list even if this becomes much more of an academics discussion. Let’s say the Big Ten gets ND, Maryland and Rutgers, schools coveted for their complete profiles and the Big Ten looks at academic reputation much more instead of revenue and increasing the Big Ten network map. The candidates that would fit for this would be Pitt, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, Missouri and Iowa State. Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt gets you new markets (Atlanta and Nashville) with sterling academics. Pitt doesn’t get you any new markets, but very good academics. Missouri gets you new markets but okay academics (remember that MIZZOU is only 1 of 6 universities with colleges of law, engineering, ag, vet, law and med) which could still make them attractive. ISU gets you good academics but no new markets. Out of this list I think GT and Vandy are 1a and 1b, Pitt and Missouri are 2a and 2b depending on the Big Ten’s emphasis and ISU is a somewhat distant 3.

Also, remember that many of these other candidates generate more money athletically to the conference than what their share from the conference would be. ISU will not, which means the Big Ten school would have to vote for a pay cut to bring ISU in. I think this would ultimately keep ISU from being invited if they are a serious candidate.