Re: next round of expansion already getting underway
I don't think Missouri was the best possible addition. North Carolina would be better, Notre Dame as unrealistic would be better (if they were an equal partner in a conference), and I think A&M was an absolute home run. However, Missouri has a lot more to offer than I think most people realize. They delivered two major markets, they are the only D1 school in their state, so they pretty much bring the entire state with them, they actually earn more in athletic revenue than VT does. And, if you want the kicker, Missouri had more fans at their Kentucky game this year than VT had at their FSU game. I just think VT is overrated because of recent football success, which they (hopefully) couldn't keep up in the SEC.
You're dead on about recruiting. Virginia is better than Missouri. I'm just not sure what makes Virginia Tech more valuable than Virginia for instance. VT is a football power, during the tenure of one coach. Historically they are so insignificant that they might as well not have had a program before Beamer came along. I think they could turn into Miss. State at an alarming rate should they join the SEC. Virginia already earns more in athletic revenue, what would things look like once VT isn't winning at football on a regular basis?Virginia is a descent hotbed for recruiting believe it or not(as is Missouri)..Pretty good high school football in that part of the country..And yes Virgina Tech is more of a football power than Missouri..Sorry if ya disagree..We all have our opinions..I respect yours..I just think VTech is a better addition than Missouri....
I don't think Missouri was the best possible addition. North Carolina would be better, Notre Dame as unrealistic would be better (if they were an equal partner in a conference), and I think A&M was an absolute home run. However, Missouri has a lot more to offer than I think most people realize. They delivered two major markets, they are the only D1 school in their state, so they pretty much bring the entire state with them, they actually earn more in athletic revenue than VT does. And, if you want the kicker, Missouri had more fans at their Kentucky game this year than VT had at their FSU game. I just think VT is overrated because of recent football success, which they (hopefully) couldn't keep up in the SEC.