This is exactly on. Missouri is the fallback option for the Big Ten if they can't get Notre Dame. Once the Big East is decimated and are at 15 schools, they can go to Notre Dame and say "Hey, last chance. You can join or we're taking Missouri." That way they have some leverage and if Notre Dame stays stubborn they can still go to 16. In the end I say the Big Ten gets Nebraska, Syracuse, Rutgers, Maryland and Notre Dame. Edit: Also, let's not pretend you need to be competitive in football or basketball. It's a bonus but it's not even a top 2 priority. Every move needs to add more TV markets for the Big Ten network and/or put pressure on Notre Dame (and be a part of the AAU).