Why did the Big 12 take TCU over Louisville?

I would say geography but they let WVU in.

The round robin schedule is killing the Big 12. They need a 12th team to pad their records a bit. It's statistically impossible for them to have six 10 win teams like the SEC did. Conference perception is what got Bama to two straight title games and cost consecutive Big 12 champions a national title shot. So its not insignificant.

A 12-team Big 12 probably sends Okie St to the title game last year and maybe KSU this year. Add Louisville and someone like Pitt. ASAP.

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Both football programs are comparable but Louisville has a much bigger athletic budget, a significantly better basketball program, and they would have added TVs and a new market to the Big 12. What were the advantages to bringing in TCU over Louisville?

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I've said it before, but I really think Louisville has been the most underrated prize of this whole expansion drama.

I know people like to talk about TV markets and all that garbage, but first and foremost it should be about the product you put on the field and your commitment to success.

Louisville has one of the best ADs in the nation. Their facilities are SEC-esque, especially when you factor in their insane basketball arena and baseball stadium. They've proven with the contract they've given Strong that they're committed to winning.

I fully expect them to continue their success in the ACC and possibly thrive with the increased resources/exposure.

Having said all this, I'm glad they both went where they did. I'm a huge proponent of maintaining regional conferences when at all possible. Louisville in the Big 12 or TCU in the ACC would have been fvcking stupid. They both fit perfectly where they're going to be.

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What were the advantages to bringing in TCU over Louisville?

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The same advantages that WVU brought, they were willing to move immediately. UL jumped to the ACC because they thought that was their last chance, and the ACC was looking to sure up roster.

Because it's in Texas

FACT: TCU beat Louisville 3 out of 4 times when they were in CUSA together

FACT: Amon G. Carter Stadium is a better football facility than Papa John's Stadium

FACT: TCU has a more elite baseball program.

FACT: TCU beat Rick Pitino 2 times when they were in Conference USA

FACT: TCU is a better recruiting ground

FACT: TCU has more football success in their history

FACT: While TCU's win over Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl was equal to Louisville's win over Florida, the Rose Bowl is more prestigious and TCU went undefeated in their BCS seasons.

FACT: Louisville never won the Big East outright while TCU won the MWC outright 3 times.

FACT: Gary Patterson is a better coach than Charlie Strong

FACT: TCU has a bigger endowment

FACT: TCU is more prestigious academically

FACT: Fort Worth is a better city than Louisville