dayooper
It's what I do. I drink and I know things.
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2013
- Messages
- 1,677
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B1G has a history of going after Flagship / AAU schools. Neb, PSU, MD and Rutgers. Believe we should be informed by this ‘recent’ activity and ask why would future B1G moves deviate significantly from the past? Not many schools fit this B1G ‘profile.’ Would imagine those few who do are targets. Those who do not, well, you know...
Is AAU a requirement? If it is, than Nebraska should have never been asked. Michigan and Wisconsin led the charge to get Nebraska removed from the Big10. I highly doubt that the Big10 presidents didn't know they were about to be voted out (a vote was planned the year before and was scrapped because there wasn't enough support). I know there are people who say ". . . but they were AAU when they were invited and accepted." Why would that matter? It's not an NCAA rule or even a Big10 rule as far as we know. So UConn, with their research upgrades (their candidacy has been discussed here) and Oklahoma (not an academic powerhouse, but is a Tier 1 Carnegie school). Both have been vetted by the Big10. Couldn't tell you if their findings support entry, but they have been scrutinized.
As far as VT, they are a very respected school, especially in the STEM fields (#61 according to USNWR) with a great grad research program. Some say that, along with Arizona St and Georgia,they are close to being next in line to be offered a spot in the AAU. They already have great academic relationships with PSU and Maryland. That fits the Big10 profile pretty well. Throw in that hey are bigger, have more students and close to, if not more alumni than UVA with great fan support, they act like a flagship school.
The Big10 wants an East Coast/Mid-Atlantic presence, It seems that, barring a total collapse from the ACC, UVA and UNC are staying put. VT may be willing consider a move. I think that The Big10 would welcome them if UVA said (and like would) say no.