Big Ten playing the big bully

There is no way the 'Eye would be happy if Tony Barnhart's outlandish speculation comes true. I'm in no position to question Barnhart's sources or his own instincts when it comes to seeing into the Big Ten's future.

The scribe is one of the best college football guys around.

But does it make sense for the Big Ten to make the leap from 11 to 16 teams? Barnhart seems to think so. It would play well into B10 commish Jim Delany's ego as it has been rumored that this is his way to put a final stamp on his legacy.

Of course Barnhart's fact/fiction has the B10 raiding the Big East of Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Connecticut and Rutgers. The fifth and final addition would potentially be Notre Dame. This would all but doom the football sect of the Big East, and relegate West Virginia, Louisville, Cincinnati and South Florida will either be left for dead or hope the ACC or SEC scoops them up in an effort to not fall too far behind Delany's dream conference.

More realistically, the four remaining Big East teams would find a home in lesser conferences or try their best to salvage what's left by seeking new members from Conference USA and elsewhere. But maintaining BCS status will not happen.

The SEC doesn't need to overreact, but instead of taking what's left of the Big East it could look at adding Miami, Florida State, Clemson or even Texas.

All of this seems a little crazy, but remember what WVU's Bill Stewart said not too long ago, and Tony Barnhart wouldn't just throw out this crazy plan without some solid information. Right?

Not so fast Pac-10

So all that expansion talk by the Pac-10 may be losing some steam. According to a recent article by Dennis Dodd at CBSsports.com, Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott says they may petition the NCAA to change the conference championship rule from 12 to 10 teams.

If this happens the Pac-10 wouldn't need to expand, nor share money with two other institutions. While a Pac-10 championship game means more money it's appeal is limited at best. Still, if this happens it would open the door for the Big Ten and Big East to have a conference championship without adding teams. This could also save the current conference alignments.

Scott also tells Dodd he has spoken with Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany and Big East commish John Marinatto about holding championship games without expanding to 12 or more.

This would definitely be of interest to the Big East and its eight football members, and possible to an extent the Big Ten and its 11 members. If Delany can't land, say, Notre Dame or Texas, maybe passing on expansion is a possibility.

However, the Big Ten's expansion is more about growing its TV network through large markets and cashing in on all of those homes paying a $1 or more to have the Big Ten Network, so Big Ten expansion is going to happen. It's also interesting to see the Pac-10 is still discussing a similar TV network with the ACC and Big 12.

This story is far from over. Too bad Marinatto remains (OK, he spoke with the Pac-10 from his luxury office in Providence, R.I.) on the sidelines as his conference is in a death roll.

How will the Big Ten grow?

Everyone just assumes whoever the Big Ten invites to join the cash-rich conference will just jump. But that may not be accurate.

Notre Dame is still a longshot and probably out of reach. It was also a stretch to consider Texas and the Longhorns are in a pretty strong position and will more than likely remain put (or maybe consider a jump to the SEC one day).

So of course the most likely choices are Nebraska and Missouri from the Big 12 or Syracuse, Pitt and Rutgers from the Big East. Look, Rutgers jumps right now. Missouri probably does the same. But is Rutgers or Missouri really the splash Jim Delany is looking for by moving the Big Ten to 12 teams?

Nebraska is better and possible. But Syracuse and Pitt aren't necessarily guaranteed to bolt the Big East for the bigger dollars of the Big Ten.

After recently speaking with a Syracuse source, he said Orange coach Doug Marrone does not support a move and would consider it a big mistake. And a recent article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review makes some valid points as to why Pitt should stay put as well. One key reason is the increasing intensity of the Backyard Brawl.

Now is the time for the Big East to seek new members. What are you waiting for Commissioner Marinatto?