Last week I wrote a story - an opinion column - that UCF and USF could become expansion candidates in a restructured Big 12 that may be losing as many as three programs to other conferences. While there is still a lack of tangible conference news, the rumor mill continues to churn. ‘Sports Radio 810’ in Kansas City “broke” a story earlier this week with a claim the Big Ten had issued ‘initial offers’ to Missouri, Nebraska, Rutgers and Notre Dame. The report stated that Missouri, Nebraska and Rutgers were likely to accept and if Notre Dame rejects the offer the Big Ten’s expansion efforts would likely stop at 14 schools. However, if Notre Dame accepted (which is certainly not a given considering the Irish staunchly treasure their independent status), the Big Ten would then issue another invitation to a 16th school. Nebraska and Missouri were quick to shoot down the report, though the Kansas City Star reported Mizzou has internally been discussing the ramifications of moving to the Big Ten. In any case, many believe the Big Ten expansion train is rolling. http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=rivals-375404
