HERSHEY, Pa. (AP) — A clue as to how the Big Ten may proceed with expansion might be found at the last school to enter the conference.
Twenty years after taking in Penn State, the Big Ten is once again considering growing its ranks. In Penn State, the conference admitted a football powerhouse with an influential coach in Joe Paterno.
The large public institution offered a solid academic reputation, much like the other members of the Big Ten. Plus it gave the Midwest-centric Big Ten a foothold in Eastern television markets.
TV dollars may play an even bigger role in any current potential expansion, especially with the Big Ten owning its own network.
Penn State athletic director Tim Curley says TV will play a key role, but will be one of several factors.
