Expanding the Big 12 conference to include Washington State University (WSU) and Oregon State University (OSU) would indeed present a set of challenges for West Virginia University (WVU). Here's an examination of how such an expansion could potentially make things difficult for WVU:

Geographic Isolation: One of the most significant challenges for WVU would be the substantial geographic distance between West Virginia and the two potential new members. While West Virginia is located in the eastern part of the United States, WSU and OSU are situated in the Pacific Northwest, thousands of miles away. This vast separation would necessitate long and expensive travel for both athletic teams and fans.

Time Zone Differences: The time zone difference between West Virginia (Eastern Time Zone) and Washington State/Oregon State (Pacific Time Zone) would complicate scheduling and broadcasting of games. Game times would have to accommodate the time difference, which could impact viewership and attendance for both home and away games.

Increased Travel Costs: Extensive travel across the country for athletic events can result in significantly increased travel costs. WVU, as well as WSU and OSU, would need to allocate substantial resources to cover travel expenses for their athletic teams, including charter flights, accommodations, and meals.

Academic Impact: Student-athletes' academic responsibilities and schedules would be affected by the considerable travel distances and time zone changes. Balancing sports and academics could become even more challenging, potentially impacting student-athlete well-being and performance in the classroom.

Fan Engagement: Long-distance travel for fans to attend away games could lead to decreased fan engagement and attendance at Big 12 events. The inconvenience and cost of traveling across the country to support their teams might discourage WVU fans from attending games on the West Coast.

Scheduling and Logistics: Coordinating schedules for WVU, WSU, and OSU, as well as the other Big 12 members, would become more complex due to the vast distance between these universities. This could result in irregular game schedules, extended road trips, and logistical challenges for all parties involved.

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