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Ohio State Football: Surprise teams the Big Ten should target

By Alex Austin

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JULY 22: The Big Ten Conference logo is seen on the field during the Big Ten Football Media Days at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 22, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JULY 22: The Big Ten Conference logo is seen on the field during the Big Ten Football Media Days at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 22, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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The Big Ten conference should look at TCU if they want a big TV market to join the conference. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The Big Ten conference should look at TCU if they want a big TV market to join the conference. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Go after a huge TV market with decent teams

I have no problem with the Big Ten being concerned about TV contracts. The issue with Rutgers and Maryland is that the overall talent of the conference lessened when they were added. Instead, the Big Ten should go after a different massive city with teams that have been competitive recently.

I’m talking about Dallas. Within the Dallas/Ft. Worth area are two teams that have both been competitive in the Big 12 within the last few years. As recently as 2019 Baylor was in the hunt to win the Big 12 and TCU was close in 2017.

Adding Baylor and TCU would bring an interesting dynamic to the Big Ten. The geographic location does not make as much sense, however, if conferences start dissolving teams will be looking to join anywhere. Dallas is a huge recruiting hotspot which could give young men from that area more incentive to play for a Big Ten school, knowing that will be back to play in their hometown a few times.

In this scenario, Baylor would also double as a good basketball addition for the conference. With the two biggest schools in the area, the Big Ten could continue their TV market expansion but add teams that would push the conference to new heights.

These are teams that could have good matchups with the Ohio State football or basketball programs too. Next are a few other teams who aren’t quite as big of brands, but would still benefit the conference.

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