But then the exact problem they identified in the first post (Nebraska and Rutgers being ~1200 miles apart) basically is repeated with Wisconsin and Texas. Yeah, it becomes better for Nebraska (you could argue that Rutgers not being the Big 10 punching bag is better for them as well), but it makes things worse for Wisconsin. I'd argue the inclusion of Montana, North Dakota State and South Dakota State shouldn't be done, as the jump in competition from D1-FCS and D1-FBS is huge. Look at the initial struggles a very good Utah team had going from MVC to Pac-12. Especially when you can geographically keep those conferences the same with teams like Washington State or Oregon State instead of Montana, and Kansas State, Iowa State or Colorado State instead of the Dakotas.
On the flip side, I've always felt there was too much overlap with the ACC and SEC, so giving them a clear border is nice.