Same thread, every year. I've been reading that thread for 20 years now.
I suspect it's more than just a few cranks on that message board or I wouldn't bring it up. What about alums and boosters? If they detect enough sentiment to change conferences then they'd be wise to get behind it even if it is just to keep their current relationships at Penn State.
Also, I didn't say that Pitt "belongs" but I did say it would be a face-saving move. Isn't the BTN model predicated on having a school in the state? So even a school in a moderately-sized city would be enough. Pitt fans and Penn State fans are very unlikely to change allegiances but Pitt in the Big Ten may attract people who like Big Ten sports and who wouldn't necessarily switch to Rutgers or Maryland.
Granted, it was a long time ago but Pitt was considered, along with other schools, when they were trying to replace the U. of Chicago. Michigan State got that spot. However, it is proof that Pitt is not some sort of weird fit for them.
I know what the opinions of the B1G fans would be but why would UConn fans reject the possibility to move to a major conference that has Pitt in it?
Take a look:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zY9YlltZu0-0.kybrtQi2hmxo
Pitt, Rutgers, UConn, Maryland
Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Indiana
Purdue, Northwestern, Illinois, Iowa
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Kansas
Now what would the ACC look like?
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zY9YlltZu0-0.k5wfmXhFOCXs
ND, PSU, BC, Syracuse
UL, UC, WF, NCSU
UVA, VT, UNC, Duke
GT, FSU, CU, Miami
Granted, these are hypotheticals. One can switch teams around to get a more balanced strength of schedule.
As for why no ACC network so far, I put that on Swofford and his short-sighted deal, that I think had a role in chasing away Maryland. However, ESPN has a chance to help rectify that situation. I think offering Pitt for PSU in a straight-up deal would benefit both sides. No extra cash needed. Ohio State and Meecheegan get a more perfect setup for them without schools that would pose a major challenge in football other than Nebraska. The Big Ten finally get the coastal states they need to future-proof their conference.
I don't see much wrong in this proposal.