Big 10 becomes Big 12?

ESPN.com released a story that the Big 10 might be considering expansion - to 12. They link this primarily to the Big 10 tv network and the idea that 12 teams would be better for the network, especially if you could split it into 2 divisions with a playoff at the end of the year. It all sounds nice, but I'm a little skeptical. I'm not saying it won't happen, because BC, VT and UM going from Big East to ACC happened, but I'm just not sure who it would be this time. Anyway, here are some schools I would see as schools the Big 10 might try to lure, and why I think they might or might not be good choices in no particular order:

1. Pitt - Like Penn St., Pitt is in Western PA so maybe because it's close enough to the Midwest, is a big public uni, and has a solid football program and a high class basketball program, it seems like it would be a logical choice to be poached.

2. WVU - Morgantown is roughly as far west as Pittsburgh, and would really benefit I think from a move to the big 10. Lately they've dominated the somewhat weak Big East in football, and it seems like there would be a $$ incentive to move to the big 10. Less chance of the automatic BCS bid I suppose, but matchups like WVU - Michigan, WVU - OSU etc. would be sure to bring money in the form of TV and ticket sales.

3. Louisville - Sort of the same case as WVU here, Louisville is virtually in the Mid-west and as a top football program in the Big East would really see increased competition and the likelihood of primetime games by moving to the big 10.

4. Iowa St. - I'm less zealous on this one, because (correct me if I'm wrong) I feel like Big XII football is pretty big time, maybe a slight step below the big 10, but not much - so I don't know what they would have to gain. They're not gaining and in-state rivalry because they already play Iowa anyway.

5. Missouri - Again, makes sense geographically but I think they'd feel about the same way as Iowa St. feels. There would have to be a significant monetary incentive it seems like.

6. Other SEC and Big XII - Of course it would be a major coup to be able to poach a team like Oklahoma, Tennesee, Arkansas or Kentucky and I doubt it would happen, but they should be considered.

Anyway, like I said I'm skeptical that this would happen, but the idea of WVU and UL or WVU and Pitt joining the Big 10 is pretty spectacular. The Big 10 would really benefit in football but in basketball too, and fringe teams like Northwestern and IU in football would be less of a factor because every season you'd have something like 7 current powerhouses competing: OSU, Mich, Wisc, Penn St., Iowa, WVU/Lousiville and then you'd always have the good years where MSU, Minnesota, Illinois, NW, IU and Purdue would be competitive.