Didn't we just talk about this? It's the offseason so we can hash it out again. I don't think you'll ever see NU end up in the little 11. We have no reason to leave the Big XII now, so what would be the benefit? I don't ever see ND going to a conference until their deal changes that they have right now. I guess I will agree that the little 11 seems to get more television time than the Big XII, but it helps when they have their own channel.
Huge things would have to change for ND to go to the "Little 11". Their TV deal being first and formost.
It doesn't make a lot of sense for NU to go, because we'd have to start a new poll about who our rivals going to be (just kidding). I wouldn't want to go to the Little 11. One of the big reasons may sound dumb, but, I like the fact that our conference has a title game. Perfect example, this year. If we'd have been in the little 11, we'd have not had a chance to play for a conference title, and really "shock" the world, so to speak.
If UCONN or Rutgers would go, they'd be going to a conference where they'd have a better chance to get railed on a more regular basis for more money.
The teams that make the most sense to me...
Mizzou - Natural rival in Illinois, wouldn't hurt their recruiting (may end up improving it), and we wouldn't have their moronic fans bombarding our board
Pitt - Them making the jump would improve the competition, they'd be going to a more legit conference and that would be welcome news to the teams in the big east.
A couple "dark horses" I just thought of...
Cincy - I know they just had it handed to them in their bowl game, but would they take the chance moving to the Little 11??
ISU - (mainly I did this, to hopefully get a reaction from Cy) They improved greatly this year, but would they take the chance, a la Cincy?