Sportsbook handicappers would definitely be interested if the Big 10 expands. The schools reportedly being evaluated are Notre Dame, Missouri, Nebraska and Rutgers. The Big 10 has yet to make their official comments but reports are spreading that some schools are considering a move. Missouri is the one that makes the most sense. The Tigers would earn noticeably more money in the Big 10 and the travel would not be an issue. It has been said that Missouri athletics director Mike Alden, Missouri system president Gary Forsee and Columbia campus chancellor Brady Deaton met to discuss a possible move. “You’ve got every major conference looking at how they should reposition, or if they should reposition,” Deaton said. “I don’t think all the benefits and costs are known.” The Big 10 is not the only conference that is contemplating the changing college football landscape. The Big 12, Pac-10 and ACC realize that things will not stay the same. Pac-10 comissioner Larry Scott said the league is considering a partnership with the ACC.
Missouri is most likely the school that is going to move into the Big 10 eventually. Sportsbook information hinted that they would stand to gain about $13 million dollars because the Big 10 pays its schools far more than the Big 12. Missouri has been in the Big 12 since day one but the school is not content with the conference. They are upset they have been passed over for the bigger bowl games. It is the Big 12 conference selection process that has withheld the Tigers out of bigger bowl games. Missouri’s governor Jay Nixon has been very vocal about wanting Missouri totransfer to the Big 10.
If the Big 10 develops to 12 teams it would allow them to go to divisional play and have a conference playoff game that would be highly anticipated at the internet sportsbook. If they go to 14 or 16 teams it would mean even more money. It is not a matter of if the Big 10 evolves; it is a matter of when.
