Serious Question about Big Televen expansion
I've been thinking about this a lot lately. When the ACC was raiding the Big East circa 2004, I seem to remeber something about the Virginia government leaning heavily on Virginia to get the ACC to pull Va Tech in. VT didn't bring in any new markets, but did bring superior football. My question is why isn't the state of Iowa leaning on EIU to do the same? It seems like it would make sense b/c more money would flow to Iowa State making it easier to wean it from public funds and Iowa State does have the academic standards necessary to be part of the Big Ten/Eleven/etc. I know ISU is no Va Tech in the football world, but things seem to be generally on the right track.
Not saying that I really want State to join the Big ____, but I do think it's interesting that there doesn't seem to be any pressure from the legislature when there was in a similar situation in 2004. Just my two cents. Thoughts?
Re: Serious Question about Big Televen expansion
I think it's a good question. My response, I think the legislature has much more pressing issues.
Re: Serious Question about Big Televen expansion
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Originally Posted by
RandomFan 
I think it's a good question. My response, I think the legislature has much more pressing issues.
Since when has the legislature having more pressing issues stopped them from working on other things?
Re: Serious Question about Big Televen expansion
Typically, the only time that this is successful is when another school is joining the conference as well, such as with Baylor and Texas. Since Iowa is already in the Big10, the legislature really has no bargaining chips to lean on the Big10 even if they wanted to. The conspiracy theorist in me thinks that the Iowa legislature / Regents don't want ISU in the Big10 or to become athletically viable at all, hence the recent remarks. They would prefer that ISU goes to a smaller conference and Iowa can dominate the state and have a better chance nationally as well.
Re: Serious Question about Big Televen expansion
What "power" does the Iowa legislature have with the Big Ten? None.
Re: Serious Question about Big Televen expansion
Texas had the same issue when UT, TAM and TTU were joining the Big Eight a bunch of Baylor alums with political influence basically said the big three can only leave if Baylor goes with them.
Re: Serious Question about Big Televen expansion
I think if the politicians realized it meant more money for the state then they would go along but I don't think they have any say.
Re: Serious Question about Big Televen expansion
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Originally Posted by
Clonehomer Typically, the only time that this is successful is when another school is joining the conference as well, such as with Baylor and Texas. Since Iowa is already in the Big10, the legislature really has no bargaining chips to lean on the Big10 even if they wanted to. The conspiracy theorist in me thinks that the Iowa legislature / Regents don't want ISU in the Big10 or to become athletically viable at all, hence the recent remarks. They would prefer that ISU goes to a smaller conference and Iowa can dominate the state and have a better chance nationally as well.
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Originally Posted by
Tornado man What "power" does the Iowa legislature have with the Big Ten? None.
I would agree with these but how did it work out with Virginia? What was the legislatures power there?
Re: Serious Question about Big Televen expansion
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Originally Posted by
cygrads Texas had the same issue when UT, TAM and TTU were joining the Big Eight a bunch of Baylor alums with political influence basically said the big three can only leave if Baylor goes with them.
If true, that would be easily understandable since Texas, A&M, and Tech were highly coveted for the new conference.
What "pressure" could Iowa apply: "If you don't admit ISU, we're leaving?" First, the U of I would never threaten that, and second, the Big Ten would say bye-bye...
Re: Serious Question about Big Televen expansion
Iowa isn't going to make ANY waves with the Big 10. If Iowa wasn't in the Big 10 right now, they wouldn't be getting in. They should be happier than a ******* clam they fell in with the right crowd 100 years ago.
Re: Serious Question about Big Televen expansion
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Originally Posted by
LutherClone I would agree with these but how did it work out with Virginia? What was the legislatures power there?
As I remember it, the Virginia governor made it know to UVa's president that he would like Virginia Tech to be part of the ACC's expansion (along with Miami at the time, and BC the next year). Virginia had a critical swing vote in the matter.
I don't know that Iowa's viewpoint has any comparable importance in the Big 10's expansion talks, and more importantly, haven't heard anything about Governor Culver getting involved...
Re: Serious Question about Big Televen expansion
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Originally Posted by
Al_4_State Iowa isn't going to make ANY waves with the Big 10. If Iowa wasn't in the Big 10 right now, they wouldn't be getting in. They should be happier than a ******* clam they fell in with the right crowd 100 years ago.
Along with Indiana, NW, Purdue, you're right - Iowa is very lucky.
Re: Serious Question about Big Televen expansion
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Originally Posted by
Tornado man Along with Indiana, NW, Purdue, you're right - Iowa is very lucky.
As bad as NW's fan support is, they'd be in by virtue of Chicago. Indiana and Purdue have Indianapolis. I guarantee Iowa would be the odd man out before any of them, even though they have a better program. This is all about TV. Period.
And it's a god damn mother ******* shame. The Big 10 is going to put us out on our *** playing Tulsa and Rice. ****.
