Expansion

So according to ESPN four schools would be contacted about Big Ten expansion, Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame and Rutgers. I don't really care about the first two schools, but the last two are worth talking about.

Do I think Notre Dame would join the Big Ten? No not really because I think they like being an independent. Although if other teams leave to join the Big Ten like Missouri and Nebraska they might want to take a second look at it. I think if Notre Dame can still play USC and Boston College and a few other rivals that it would make sense for them.

If they leave the Big East in all sports than the Big East would have a real problem. Notre Dame does add a lot to the conference in sports such as Women's Basketball and Women's Soccer. As a matter of fact I'd say that if the Big East lost Notre Dame that Women's Soccer as a whole in the conference would lose a lot of prestige. If Notre Dame and Rutgers left UConn Women's Basketball would be without a rival. The strength of UConn however does not damage the reputation of the Big East in Women's Basketball. Men's Basketball would be relatively unaffected by the move. If Notre Dame loses than every Big East Women's Soccer school would push for Central Florida to be added to the conference. On top of that Central Florida football is decent and would do better by being in Big East Football. Central Florida would add a natural rival for South Florida too.

Rutgers leaving hurts Women's Basketball and Football. Once again if just Rutgers were to leave the first school I'd try to add would be Central Florida. If Notre Dame left too than Memphis or East Carolina would make sense. Memphis makes the most sense because it could become a natural rival of Louisville. It would also possibly add something in terms of Men's Basketball.