MONROE - University of Wisconsin Athletics Director Barry Alvarez isn't convinced that the Big 10 is done with expansion after adding Nebraska, which will join the league in 2011.
Alvarez gave an update on Nebraska joining the Big Ten at the 57th annual Monroe Badger Days Tuesday night at the Ludlow Mansion.
Alvarez said Big 10 commissioner Jim Delany has promised to study expansion for the next year.
"Personally, I don't think it's the end of expansion," Alvarez said, who is the only Big 10 coach to win back-to-back Rose Bowl games and will be inducted into the College Football Coaches Hall of Fame this year. "I could see us doing something in the east and adding a 13th team."
Alvarez, who played linebacker at Nebraska in the 1960s, is excited the Huskers are joining the Big Ten.
"I'm really excited with that being my alma mater," Alvarez said. "I think it's a natural fit. I know the tradition there. It brings a whole new brand to the Big 10."
According to an Associated Press report, the Big Ten schools received $20 million each in 2009, which some attribute to a larger television contract and the Big Ten Network. Nebraska received about $10 million from the Big 12 in 2009.
Alvarez stresses it's not all about money. The Big Ten market will grow in the west with the addition of Nebraska.
"I don't know if that is the only factor," Alvarez said of money driving more college football expansion. "Money always play a factor. I don't think it's the only factor."
Nebraska is the Big Ten's first addition since 1990, when Penn State joined.
Wisconsin football coach Bret Bielema said he wanted to set up a rivalry game with Nebraska before the announcement was made that the Huskers would join the Big Ten. Bielema, a Prophetstown, Ill., native, has compiled a 38-14 record since 2006 when Alvarez stepped down.
"I think it will be great for all sports not just for football," Bielema said.
Alvarez said geographic boundaries should not be the only factor in splitting the Big Ten into divisions. He said Big Ten schools will have meetings in August to discuss the expansion and how the league should be split.
"I don't think it should be done just strictly on an east-west divide," he said. "I think you need to look at the quality and balance."
Bielema didn't want to speculate on how he wanted the divisions split.
"I have an opinion, but I think I will keep it to myself," he said. "I think whatever the Big Ten decides will be good for everyone."
Bielema said he's sure part of the meetings will include protecting rivalry games.
If the Big 10 expands, the additional revenue and an expanded media market are benefits for Big Ten schools.
"Money is a byproduct of that," Bielema said.
Alvarez gave an update on Nebraska joining the Big Ten at the 57th annual Monroe Badger Days Tuesday night at the Ludlow Mansion.
Alvarez said Big 10 commissioner Jim Delany has promised to study expansion for the next year.
"Personally, I don't think it's the end of expansion," Alvarez said, who is the only Big 10 coach to win back-to-back Rose Bowl games and will be inducted into the College Football Coaches Hall of Fame this year. "I could see us doing something in the east and adding a 13th team."
Alvarez, who played linebacker at Nebraska in the 1960s, is excited the Huskers are joining the Big Ten.
"I'm really excited with that being my alma mater," Alvarez said. "I think it's a natural fit. I know the tradition there. It brings a whole new brand to the Big 10."
According to an Associated Press report, the Big Ten schools received $20 million each in 2009, which some attribute to a larger television contract and the Big Ten Network. Nebraska received about $10 million from the Big 12 in 2009.
Alvarez stresses it's not all about money. The Big Ten market will grow in the west with the addition of Nebraska.
"I don't know if that is the only factor," Alvarez said of money driving more college football expansion. "Money always play a factor. I don't think it's the only factor."
Nebraska is the Big Ten's first addition since 1990, when Penn State joined.
Wisconsin football coach Bret Bielema said he wanted to set up a rivalry game with Nebraska before the announcement was made that the Huskers would join the Big Ten. Bielema, a Prophetstown, Ill., native, has compiled a 38-14 record since 2006 when Alvarez stepped down.
"I think it will be great for all sports not just for football," Bielema said.
Alvarez said geographic boundaries should not be the only factor in splitting the Big Ten into divisions. He said Big Ten schools will have meetings in August to discuss the expansion and how the league should be split.
"I don't think it should be done just strictly on an east-west divide," he said. "I think you need to look at the quality and balance."
Bielema didn't want to speculate on how he wanted the divisions split.
"I have an opinion, but I think I will keep it to myself," he said. "I think whatever the Big Ten decides will be good for everyone."
Bielema said he's sure part of the meetings will include protecting rivalry games.
If the Big 10 expands, the additional revenue and an expanded media market are benefits for Big Ten schools.
"Money is a byproduct of that," Bielema said.
