Sportsbook handicappers should be interested if the Big 10 expands. The schools reportedly being evaluated are Notre Dame, Missouri, Nebraska and Rutgers. The Big 10 has made no official comments but reports are rumored that some schools are considering a move. Missouri is the one that makes a lot of sense. The Tigers would earn quite a bit more money in the Big 10 and the travel would not be a concern. It has been reported that Missouri athletics director Mike Alden, Missouri system president Gary Forsee and Columbia campus chancellor Brady Deaton gathered to discuss a possible move. “You’ve got every major conference looking at how they should reposition, or if they should reposition,” said Brady. “I don’t think all the benefits and costs are known.” The Big 10 is not the only conference that is analyzing 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 may team up with the ACC.
Missouri will probably be the school that is going to move into the Big 10 sooner than later. Sportsbook information indicated 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 inception but the school is not happy 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 kept 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 expands to 12 teams it would allow them to go to divisional play and have a conference playoff game that would be popular at the internet sportsbook. If they go to 14 or 16 teams it would mean additional money. It is not a matter of if the Big 10 grows; it is a matter of when.
