Who is in the (BIG) Cyclone Camp?

[CentexCyclone]

Iowa State makes a lot of sense to the Big10, but only if the Big10 grows to 20-24 teams

The Big10 has to match the bold move by the SEC on 2 fronts.

First, the Big10 needs to add schools that can grow the Big10's regular season media rights deal at a per school level. I have seen estimates that Texas and OU's value to the Big12 TV contract was 50%. By the end of the current contract that means Texas and OU's media right value to the Big12 was going to be around $225M or $112.5M each. The other 8 Big12 schools value would only be $28M each. The Big10 schools will each earn in excess of $60M at the end of their current contract.

The ONLY way the Big10 can keep up with the SEC is by adding the media rights equivalents of OU & Texas from the ACC and possibly Pac12. The ACC has a contract through 2036 with ESPN, but the value is already viewed as antiquated. Clemson could make $30-$50M less annually than it's Big10/SEC competitors when new agreements are finalized in a couple years. The Big10 MUST go after Clemson, Notre Dame, North Carolina, Florida State, etc.

Second, the Big10 has to keep up the SEC when it comes to putting teams in the upcoming 12 team playoff. Media consultants are projecting a 12 team/11 game playoff will generate $2 BILLION in media rights fees annually! Currently, the 4 team plus New Years Bowl games distributes around $600M. Currently, 80% of the rights fees go to the Power 5 conferences and 20% goes to Group 5 conferences. Currently, the 4 semi-final games schools each get around $6M plus $2.4M for expenses. Notre Dame gets around $4M automatically.

Think about it, the current media rights contracts for the P5 conferences pays around $3B for about 404 games a season. The proposed playoff will pay $2B for 11 games.

IMO the SEC adding UT&OU is all about SEC schools getting the biggest share of the playoff pie. First by reducing the number of P5 schools that share in the $2B AND maximizing the number of SEC schools selected to the 12 team playoff.

Excellent, quant analysis. If your conclusions are correct, then college football could be heading for a “Power 2” format of two, 20+ team super conferences. While a CMC-led ISU could help the B1G with getting teams in the playoffs (the 2nd goal above), Cyclone fans may first have to wait for the blue blood musical chairs to work itself out in the B1G (the first goal above). Of course, this assumes the B1G would work through the goals above sequentially, not in parallel.

Given the Gordian knot of TV contracts already in place w/the ACC and PAC 12, it might take a few years to work out the placement of teams in the new, college football world order.

 

[Cyclonepride]

I honestly think that a move to the Big 10 advances our program more than staying in an intact Big 12.

 

[OPButtrey]

I honestly think that a move to the Big 10 advances our program more than staying in an intact Big 12.

Agree. Ending up in the Big10 is a net gain.

 

[cymonw1980]

View attachment 87380

Only comment on ISU, Kan is that I still see this as a long shot... we will see.

In terms of divisions...

In a 16 team league you actually would divide up into 4 divisions and have rotating "partner" divisions in order to play every school home and away over a 4 year span. This is one reason I like 16 team leagues more than 14.

Example (based on ISU and Kan joining... but could be any 16 teams):

kan/ia/neb/ISU = West
mich/msu/osu/rut = East
Wis/nw/ill/min = North
psu/mary/ind/pur = South

Year 1: N&S, E&W (N&S, E&W are partner divisions, each N/S team would play other 7 teams from N&S and 2 teams from E&W - North vs. East, South vs. West)

Year 2: N&S, E&W (Same partner divisions and cross over games from Year 1, Home/Road games flip from prior year)

Year 3: N&W, S&E (New partner divisions, N still plays E but now you would play the two teams from the East that you did not play in Year 1&2, same for South vs. West)

Year 4: N&W, S&E (Same partner divisions and cross over games as Year 3, but Home / Away flips)

So, over 4 yrs, every team plays every other team Home and away. You can pair rivals within the 4 divisions so they play every year and teams like ind/Pur, MSU/Mich/OSU, Wis/Min, etc. could be grouped to keep traditional rivalries.

 

[Die4Cy]

I honestly think that a move to the Big 10 advances our program more than staying in an intact Big 12.

How a move to the Big 10 benefits ISU under the current set of circumstances is obvious at this point. It's the posts about how and why adding ISU right now benefits the Big 10 that matters most and those arguments have been pretty thin IMO.

 

[Remo Gaggi]

 

[cycloneshort]

The B1G is granted ~$11 Billion annually in research.... Football is not a primary driver with the B1G. This is why AAU accreditation is so important for joining this conference. I would expect Wendy Wintersteen is playing this angle.

 

[Aclone]

Kansas would be in the west too…

Shhh.

 

[cysmiley]

How a move to the Big 10 benefits ISU under the current set of circumstances is obvious at this point. It's the posts about how and why adding ISU right now benefits the Big 10 that matters most and those arguments have been pretty thin IMO.

While I agree arguments have been thin for a specific ISU invite, Alvarez wasn't hired to sit tight if and when situations like the current happen. Think there are many dynamics in play and one would be if the BIG does not at least investigate a move, the perception could be that the BIG is ceding football dominance to the SEC. Which could have dire consequences in the future to its "brand" schools. Should the BIG allow the SEC to have a more influential position on the final playoff structure (sure ESPN would love that)? But Barry probably doesn't desire that, and it will come down to P4/5 University presidents' votes. Without the 8 orphan schools left, that would be 8 less votes in the system.

I do think the BIG will investigate the West Coast, but with a lot of strategic interests in play, most of which will START BY NOT ceding anymore control to the SEC/ESPN of major college football. Fox I would think would be on board with that position. Money talks, but Institutions currently, like NFL owners (LOL), are still ultimately in control. But how many votes will be in play?

 

[Urbandale2013]

How a move to the Big 10 benefits ISU under the current set of circumstances is obvious at this point. It's the posts about how and why adding ISU right now benefits the Big 10 that matters most and those arguments have been pretty thin IMO.

The argument is really more about whether they need to make a move or not. If they make a move we are their best option. None of the ACC schools are going to make a move. The arguments about pulling in the Pac12 schools are not very likely as far as I’m concerned. I just don’t see a coast to coast conference working. So that leaves the Big 12 schools and we are the best one.

The other argument is that they should just stay steady where they are at but that is a weak move for them as far as I’m concerned. It likely means the SEC and PAC 12 are at 16 at least. I just think that’s a bad message to send to Ohio State and the others while losing out on solid choices.

 

[OPButtrey]

The argument is really more about whether they need to make a move or not. If they make a move we are their best option. None of the ACC schools are going to make a move. The arguments about pulling in the Pac12 schools are not very likely as far as I’m concerned. I just don’t see a coast to coast conference working. So that leaves the Big 12 schools and we are the best one.

The other argument is that they should just stay steady where they are at but that is a weak move for them as far as I’m concerned. It likely means the SEC and PAC 12 are at 16 at least. I just think that’s a bad message to send to Ohio State and the others while losing out on solid choices.

My hope is that this is similar to when Utah went to the PAC. The PAC didn't really need Utah but they felt they needed to expand to an even number and Utah was the best option.

 

[Mesaclone1]

How a move to the Big 10 benefits ISU under the current set of circumstances is obvious at this point. It's the posts about how and why adding ISU right now benefits the Big 10 that matters most and those arguments have been pretty thin IMO.

"how and why adding ISU right now benefits the Big 10":

1. Adds a great deal more of quality football and basketball inventory to their slate.
2. Adds a 60,000 plust stadium with a very "woke" friendly tradition in Jack Trice...larger than 7 or 8 current B1G stadiums.
3. Adds an avid fan base that is more participatory and willing to purchase subscriptions/watch games/add fan value than ANY Pac 12 school...in a future pay per view world this matters more than a population base that has little interest in football.
4. Adds a great range of "rivalry" inventory in the conference slate...NU, Minnesota, and Iowa are already natural rivals with an interesting history of games against ISU (Jack Trice at Minnesota ring a bell for anyone).
5. Bring an exciting and popular brand of football, almost a new style paradigm on the field, with a surging football program under one of the best football coaches in the nation.
6. Brings AAU status, which is tremendously important to conference Presidents and leaders.
7. Brings very strong basketball and wrestling histories to a league that needs both.
8. Brings a program with a very clean reputation.
9. Secures the "other half" of the fanbases in Iowa and creates some easy travel road games for NU, Minny, Illinois, Northwestern and of course Iowa.
10. Already has great academic and athletic relationships with numerous schools in the conference (see Wiscy and Ohio State).

Now, all that said. I'm not wearing blinders and proclaim ISU to B1G is a no brainer. We're not the sexy ad that a USC or UCLA would be...though we likely bring more fan subscriptions and interest. Nor are we a big brand that has instant national appeal...though we are something of a rising brand that is gaining in perception and interest. Its a high bar to get an invite, but its far from true to argue that ISU does NOT bring a lot of benefit to to the B1G schools looking at a potential invite.

 

[Neptune78]

The B1G is granted ~$11 Billion annually in research.... Football is not a primary driver with the B1G. This is why AAU accreditation is so important for joining this conference. I would expect Wendy Wintersteen is playing this angle.

Agree, that's our trump card.
Until we hear from Warren on any plans to expand, and how important AAU membership really is, it's just more CF click bonanza.

 

[Mississippi Clone]

"how and why adding ISU right now benefits the Big 10":

1. Adds a great deal more of quality football and basketball inventory to their slate.
2. Adds a 60,000 plust stadium with a very "woke" friendly tradition in Jack Trice...larger than 7 or 8 current B1G stadiums.
3. Adds an avid fan base that is more participatory and willing to purchase subscriptions/watch games/add fan value than ANY Pac 12 school...in a future pay per view world this matters more than a population base that has little interest in football.
4. Adds a great range of "rivalry" inventory in the conference slate...NU, Minnesota, and Iowa are already natural rivals with an interesting history of games against ISU (Jack Trice at Minnesota ring a bell for anyone).
5. Bring an exciting and popular brand of football, almost a new style paradigm on the field, with a surging football program under one of the best football coaches in the nation.
6. Brings AAU status, which is tremendously important to conference Presidents and leaders.
7. Brings very strong basketball and wrestling histories to a league that needs both.
8. Brings a program with a very clean reputation.
9. Secures the "other half" of the fanbases in Iowa and creates some easy travel road games for NU, Minny, Illinois, Northwestern and of course Iowa.
10. Already has great academic and athletic relationships with numerous schools in the conference (see Wiscy and Ohio State).

Now, all that said. I'm not wearing blinders and proclaim ISU to B1G is a no brainer. We're not the sexy ad that a USC or UCLA would be...though we likely bring more fan subscriptions and interest. Nor are we a big brand that has instant national appeal...though we are something of a rising brand that is gaining in perception and interest. Its a high bar to get an invite, but its far from true to argue that ISU does NOT bring a lot of benefit to to the B1G schools looking at a potential invite.

Nice to see you posting here Jamie!

 

[DarkStar]

"how and why adding ISU right now benefits the Big 10":

1. Adds a great deal more of quality football and basketball inventory to their slate.
2. Adds a 60,000 plust stadium with a very "woke" friendly tradition in Jack Trice...larger than 7 or 8 current B1G stadiums.
3. Adds an avid fan base that is more participatory and willing to purchase subscriptions/watch games/add fan value than ANY Pac 12 school...in a future pay per view world this matters more than a population base that has little interest in football.
4. Adds a great range of "rivalry" inventory in the conference slate...NU, Minnesota, and Iowa are already natural rivals with an interesting history of games against ISU (Jack Trice at Minnesota ring a bell for anyone).
5. Bring an exciting and popular brand of football, almost a new style paradigm on the field, with a surging football program under one of the best football coaches in the nation.
6. Brings AAU status, which is tremendously important to conference Presidents and leaders.
7. Brings very strong basketball and wrestling histories to a league that needs both.
8. Brings a program with a very clean reputation.
9. Secures the "other half" of the fanbases in Iowa and creates some easy travel road games for NU, Minny, Illinois, Northwestern and of course Iowa.
10. Already has great academic and athletic relationships with numerous schools in the conference (see Wiscy and Ohio State).

Now, all that said. I'm not wearing blinders and proclaim ISU to B1G is a no brainer. We're not the sexy ad that a USC or UCLA would be...though we likely bring more fan subscriptions and interest. Nor are we a big brand that has instant national appeal...though we are something of a rising brand that is gaining in perception and interest. Its a high bar to get an invite, but its far from true to argue that ISU does NOT bring a lot of benefit to to the B1G schools looking at a potential invite.

You forgot to mention all the facility upgrades.

Gene Smith, the current AD at Ohio State, was the AD at ISU from '93 to '00. Those were some really rough times to be a Cyclone.

I bet he would be speechless if he got a personal tour of our current facilities.

I seem to remember JP talking about finding Gene's old plans to bowl in the South End Zone. That was back in the day when it was still just a pipe dream.

I wonder if JP hung onto those plans.

 

[theshadow]

I seem to remember JP talking about finding Gene's old plans to bowl in the South End Zone. That was back in the day when it was still just a pipe dream.

$14M of private money for 7,400 seats (one level), ADA seating, concessions/restrooms, a concourse connecting E/W stands, and practice facilities underneath for MBB, WBB and VB.

ISU already had identified $10M for the project before they took it to the Regents for approval.

 

[Dirt Boy 2]

Not sure Iowa Wisky Minny would enjoy their annual trophy games moving to every other year.

That is why it is hilarious.

 

[Cychl82]

Wow. Rutgers/NJ writers have a high opinion of themselves..........

Would the Big Ten want the Big 12 leftovers? Iowa State and Kansas are AAU members and fit the Big Ten’s footprint. The Cyclones would fit into the league just fine, but they would not move the needle much from a big-picture standpoint. It would feel like an act of charity more than a strategic pickup.

Conference expansion: What should Big Ten do if SEC adds Oklahoma, Texas?

Oklahoma and Texas are reportedly looking to bolt the Big 12 and leap to the SEC. If it happens, how should the Big Ten respond?

www.nj.com

Considering the source here lol

 

[cyclone1209]

Ohio State Football: Which schools should Big Ten pursue for expansion?

The Ohio State football team hasn't had to deal with any new members in the Big Ten since Nebraska joined back in 2011. That could change here soon.

scarletandgame.com

"...In my opinion, Iowa State is a perfect fit for the Big Ten."

"If you add a team more suited to the West, it makes sense to add one suited to the East. WVU. ''

A great scenario is we are added to the Big Ten West with Kansas.

A dream scenario is the B10 gets aggressive in expansion - ISU and KU go to the West, and Notre Dame and Pitt go to the East.

That would be incredible. The big ten adding ISU, KU, ND and Pitt would be strong for the big ten for hoops, and really solid for football additions in ISU and ND.

 

[cytor]

Switching gears here for a sec: If ISU lands in the B1G... what are the chances they will rotate the men's basketball tournament location to KC for a 2 year "on and off" with Indy? Would you be up for that?