West Virginia is the Top Big XII Expansion Target

BYU fans won't like this: "two high-level" Big XII officials told the Austin American-Statesman that West Virginia is the top candidate to replace Missouri. Louisville is the second candidate. West Virginia is seen as an upgrade over Missouri anyway.

West Virginia has better football than Missouri, better basketball than Missouri, a better budget than Missouri and more passion among its fans than Missouri. They’re better, anyway you turn ‘em. The travel’s not good (to Morgantown, W. Va) but that’s it.

Louisville is the second candidate because of their football team. Missouri is expected to be in the Big XII next season.

After we posted on the 32-team conference idea that was reported on, Pete Thamel said the Big East hadn't even seen it. If the plan is still for the Big East to go to 12, they will need to pull out one of their backup invite schools if West Virginia is really gone, or Louisville if somehow they get bumped up in the Big XII's selection process.