Sources: West Virginia top target to replace Missouri

By Kirk Bohls

AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Two high-level Big 12 school administrators said on Sunday that the conference expects Missouri to leave and will act quickly to replace the Tigers, focusing primarily on West Virginia, with Louisville as a strong second candidate.

"I think that's accurate," one school official told the American-Statesman. "I'd say West Virginia is the leader in the clubhouse. I think we'll come out better than before. I'd rather be with someone who wants to be with our conference than anybody who doesn't."

Asked why the Big 12 would be upgraded, the official said, "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."

He added there is support for Louisville, but said a lagging football program hurts its appeal.

LINK:

http://www.statesman.com/sports/collegefootball/sources-west-virginia-top-target-to-replace-missouri-1930161.html