Not sure if this is posted somewhere else but it uses "objective" criteria to look at the candidates.
Ranking 8 candidates for Big 12 expansion by what the conference says it wants
IMHO the bottom line is when metrics are applied objectively, UConn is a very, very strong candidate. In order to "disqualify" UConn, posters and haters need to change the narrative to justify their conclusions. (see the comments on the above article.)
If there is one positive to this painful process it is UConn's objective value is finally being recognized. The old argument that "if UConn had value the ACC would have taken them" is not supported by the metrics. It also assumes the ACC expanded purely on "value" whereas all UConn fans know there were a compilation of personality and power struggles which lead to not entirely value based ACC decisions.
If the Big12 goes to 14 its seems difficult to justify not taking UConn. UConn is likely in the top 2 and is certainly in the top 4 in almost every category. UConn is the top academic school, most decorated overall athletic program (BYU has an argument as well), the solitary state flagship of the likely candidates, and probably has the most potential room for growth (at least in football.)
It is truly amazing to watch the pundits try to contort the data to justify their teams. The "total value of the program is football with 75% based on the football record last year" just seems ridiculous. Couple that with the "UConn is too far away" but Utah and Florida are commuter distance and "no one cares about about college sports in Connecticut" and we have a trifecta of the ridiculous.
At the end of the day UConn may not be the perfect fit for the Big12 but we are arguably the top available brand and we are a program which will get looks from the ACC and BIG if they ever expand. No, I am not saying the BIG or ACC is taking UConn now but instead the market drives the value of the program. UConn is arguably the most market demanded G5 team so the Big12 would be making a financial mistake to not grab "the best player at the position" even if it is not the perfect position.
UConn just needs the Big12 expansion evaluation criteria to stay objective and defined. If that happens UConn will be invited if B12 expansion occurs. B12 emotions and politics should be UConn's biggest fears. There is a reason all the B12 sports writers suddenly changing their tunes once metrics came out....UConn is a much better program than its outside of Connecticut public perception.
