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Message: [QUOTE="pj, post: 653741, member: 2524"] I wasn't stating a value in the sense most here may be thinking of it. Agreed, Oklahoma football is worth a great deal. But how much of B1G expansion decisions are driven by the monetary value of football, and how much by other criteria (contiguity for cultural and geographic stability and rivalries; AAU - collaboration for mutual research support; year-round content for the BTN; large markets to bring increased exposure and value of Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, etc)? The relative weights are not completely clear, but the B1G has made it clear that all of the other factors matter. While other conferences like the ACC, SEC, and B12 seem to value football above all else, the B1G has taken a broader view due to its significant BTN revenues and its emphasis on cultural compatibility and cooperation above and beyond athletics. Using the stated B1G criteria, Oklahoma as a lone entrant, without Missouri or Kansas to provide geographic continuity, is not a fit for stated B1G criteria. Nebraska is not a good model because it was contiguous to B1G states and also is a stronger research (near-AAU) institution. Moreover, Nebraska has not set the world on fire since joining the B1G. I think you have to wonder if that national football brand may decline with a move from a southern/regional conference with great recruiting grounds to a northern conference with weaker recruiting grounds. Loss of geographical contiguous opponents would certainly diminish rivalries and diminish local Oklahoma fan interest. The B1G has been very cautious about expansion that might jeopardize its culture. I think to take Oklahoma, they would need Kansas or Texas, maybe Missouri, but that's doubtful. Whereas to take UConn, they only need a good #16 from anywhere in the country. AAU is the only major hurdle for us, and even that would probably not be necessary if our football program were stronger. Yes, Oklahoma is an attractive school no doubt, in the right mix of additions. But Oklahoma + Oklahoma State - Kansas/Texas/Missouri is not a good add for the B1G. Oklahoma alone without Kansas Texas or Missouri is not a good add according to the B1G's stated criteria. [/QUOTE]

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