in its PSU and Happy Valley is located somewhat in the center part of the state, it may be accurate to say that all roads in PA lead to Happy Valley. WRT Illinois, the Champaign–Urbana metropolitan area has a population of approximately 230K-300K depending on if you are using MSA or CSA statistical data. Champaign-Urbana is about 2 hours south of Chicago and 2 hours west of Indianapolis. That part of the country may not give the same "rural vibe" that people may associate with the Appalachian Region. Plus, Illinois was a founding member of the Western Conference (original name of the Big Ten) in 1896. While Bloomington, IN is only 1 hour South by Southwest of Indianapolis. FWIW Iowa and Indiana are "founding members" of the Big Nine, which is what the Western Conference rebranded as when they joined the conference in 1899. For the record, I am not saying I agree with that logic or think the Big Ten or any of the schools is right for having that mindset. All I am trying to do is show potential extra obstacles VT may have to overcome if it wants to fulfill its goal of joining the Big Ten. Whereas, VT may not have those obstacles with the SEC assuming VT has not burned that bridge during informal or formal conversations with the conference or any representatives (i.e. President, AD, BOV, etc.) from SEC schools. If the Big Ten truly doesn't want VT as a member for whatever reason, then VT would be foolish to join a conference where it doesn't feel welcomed. VT's already experienced that with the Big East, kind of with the Metro, and you probably could even say the ACC.