Population could play large factor in expansion plans

Population could play large factor in expansion plans

Population is a relative thing. For the third consecutive year, Big Ten schools finished in the top three in attendance (Michigan, Penn State, Ohio State). The league as a whole finished second to the SEC.

Those attendance figures begin to define, not quite a rivalry, but uneasiness between the SEC and Big Ten. While the Rust Belt is losing population, the South, home of the SEC, is booming.

One league (SEC) has four consecutive national championships; the other just won its first Rose Bowl in 10 years. One has the best football (SEC); the other has the best network.

The Big Ten “footprint” counts for approximately 26 percent of the nation’s population — the SEC is at 23 percent. The SEC produces $5 million less in revenue per year for its teams compared to the Big Ten ($22 million-$17 million). But even a slight shift in population could tip the scales the other way. That’s when recruiting, media coverage and sponsorships come into play.

CBSSports.com
5/24/10