Is Big 10 Expansion Over?

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith is quoted as saying that he believes the Big Ten's expansion efforts essentially are over.

A snippet from the Lantern, OSU's student paper:

"We're finished (with expansion)," Smith said. "The only thing that would cause us to look at it further is if someone contacted us."

Smith acknowledged that few Big Ten representatives have closed the door to further expansion.

"The reason most of us say it's not done is because we think there are some schools that are going to try to talk to some conferences. But we're not actively out looking at expansion," Smith said. "After our October meetings, that's going to be the last we talk about it."

The Big Ten, of course, added Nebraska to its stable in June, bringing conference membership to 12. After adding the Cornhuskers, commissioner Jim Delany said the league would return to its scheduled timetable for examining further expansion, which is scheduled to wrap up between this December and June 2011.

Sounds like the league has gauged the interest of its top targets (Notre Dame, Texas, etc.) and is just waiting to see whether any of them will change their mind.

Move to Big 10 will cost NU $9 Million

The price tag for Nebraska leaving the Big 12 will amount to almost $9 million. The Big 12 announced it was withholding $9.255 million in revenue from the school as part of its decision to join the Big Ten in time for next season.

Nebraska can lower the financial hit because it will receive $500,000 if the Cornhuskers reach a BCS bowl game.

"The University of Nebraska believes this is a fair settlement of our disagreement regarding the appropriateness in this instance of imposing any monetary fee on the university for withdrawing from the conference," said chancellor Harvey Perlman. "We continue to value our ongoing relationships with the institutions of the Big 12 and have great respect for their leadership and the leadership of the conference."

Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe issued the following statement:

"This agreement was accomplished through a collegial, respectful process among the conference, its institutions, and the University of Nebraska that led to a resolution that all parties believe is fair. I appreciate the cooperation of chancellor Harvey Perlman and Nebraska staff. The Big 12 has enjoyed its relationship with Nebraska and wishes it well in the future."