Before the Pac-10/16 stuff started, there was a theory among many writers and bloggers that Notre Dame was the key to expansion. Now, this has been ebbing and flowing for months. At times there were theories that the Big 11 expansion was as much an elaborate ploy to finally force the Irish into the Big Something.

In recent weeks, the theory went that if the Irish were sufficiently concerned about the changing landscape of college athletics, they would not want to be left behind and thus would join the Big 11/12/14/16. The Big Whatever would stop at 12 without any further expansion.

They would have no need because they got one of the big prizes and no other expansion candidate could deliver the return anywhere close to what ND offered. Then all would be settled down, and most of the conferences would remain unchanged. That theory is still out there. If anything, it seems to be picking up steam once more. Even if nothing is happening.

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Had to be done.

New linebacker commit for Pitt. Ben Kline out of Dallastown, PA. He’s a 3-star, but had a lot of suitors — Michigan, WVU, Rutgers, Maryland, BC and more.

Like Pitt’s other verbal from the weekend, Kline is better right now against the run than the pass (insider subs).

Has the ability to play downhill and stack the inside run; moves through traffic well, taking good angles to the ball. We like this guy’s pursuit habits and motor; can make big plays and create havoc in the backfield. Flashes pass rushing skills off the edge; comes from the flat to contain and pressure the QB off the edge; can apply pressure with a good closing burst. All areas of pass coverage will need refinement and although we like his athleticism he appears to have some lower body stiffness which may affect his coverage ability in man situations.

At 6-3, he has good size. His weight is around 215 at this point, but that obviously will be improved after he gets into a collegiate training program.

There’s lots. I mean lots going on. Not a lot of solid info, but everyone knows that things are in motion. This doesn’t mean, this week or even before July 4. It does, however, mean before the end of summer in my view. For something this chaotic and political this is moving fast. It involves various state politics, conference politics, individual schools and their politics. Then there are donors, boosters and lots of money. The more you try to look at this the bigger and messier this gets

The pace will likely pick-up for Big Something expansion. Especially with Pac-10/16 planning to move with some aggressiveness.

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I guess it should just be expected that I’m not going to do much (if any) posting on the weekends this summer. The weekend days are packed with house or yard projects. It’s all part of the plan for me to do absolutely nothing but drink and watch sports from the end of August to April. So, I have to do all the work now.

Over the weekend, there was a nice commit by Quinton Alston — a linebacker out of New Jersey. Oddly, Rutgers was not listed as offering, but a ton of others like WVU, Iowa, Virginia and NC State did. At 6-1 and between 215 and 220 pounds, he’s a bit undersized. Obviously adding the muscle mass won’t be too difficult once in the program.

He had been considered something of a sleeper (link also includes a video of Alston’s offseason workout) early in the year, but as indicated by the number of offers that has changed. His strength is in run coverage (big surprise with Coach Wannstedt), but still has the potential to handle passing downs in time (Insider subs).

We like his pass rush potential; flashes the ability to get inside push against offensive linemen forcing the QB out of the pocket while hurrying throws. This is a very active and instinctive player vs. the run; is a strong tackler; can punish and knock’em back. His great motor and pursuit habits make him a force to deal with from any spot on the field; should be a very productive special team’s player. Alston may not be an immediate starter and will need some time to polish his coverage skills however once this is accomplished he should have a long and productive career at the major level of competition.

Check out Pitt Script for a little more including video highlights from Alston’s junior year.