|
I think it is probably about 80% academic profile and 20% market size for WVU. While Morgantown itself isn't a big population center (it is actually considered part of Pittsburgh's market), I would think that their inclusion would guarantee the entire state state would demand the Big Ten Network. WVU has also been involved in a number of the highest rated ESPN games.
If you factor in the travelling fan base, attendance, facilities, geographic location, and the current and traditional strength of the football and basketball programs, it is hard to think that they wouldn't be near the top of the list of the academics were not Tier 3. Unfortunately, with the population (and its traditionally substandard education system) of the state and the fact that WVU is a land grant/state university, it would be nearly impossible for WVU to improve its academic profile to the point that it would come close to fitting in with the Big Ten schools.
|