2350 replies to this topic

[Kremlin Watcher]

Gene Stallings is really killing A&M here if he succeeds in getting them into the SEC. They can't even crack the top echelon of the Big XII South, their athletic program operates at a deficit, they haven't won anything meaningful in years, and they're supposed to compete in the SEC? I for one have no love for aggy, but A&M's regents are blind if they don't see that this is a path that relegates them to Mississippi State-status for the rest of time. Dumb move.

[Joe D Reid]

Gene Stallings is really killing A&M here if he succeeds in getting them into the SEC. They can't even crack the top echelon of the Big XII South, their athletic program operates at a deficit, they haven't won anything meaningful in years, and they're supposed to compete in the SEC? I for one have no love for aggy, but A&M's regents are blind if they don't see that this is a path that relegates them to Mississippi State-status for the rest of time. Dumb move.

Plus, that would rob us of the spectacle of seeing how A&M's traveling fans would handle the occasional weekend in Berkeley. That would be a cultural-exchange program, not a football game.

[bsj]

The Big East supposedly had officials on KU's campus today. Adding the Big 12 North leftovers would help the Big East gain some piece of mind should the ACC or Big Ten cause a defection or two. It could even discourage teams from looking elsewhere, knowing it would have enough teams to host a conference championship game.

East Division
Connecticut
Pittsburgh
Rutgers
South Florida
Syracuse
West Virginia

West Division
Cincinnati
Iowa State
Kansas
Kansas State
Louisville
Missouri

And for basketball, the Big East would be a 20-team juggernaut. Imagine what the Big East quarterfinals at MSG might look like. As for the travel, KU and K-State are both closer to Syracuse than USF, so when you look at it like that, it's not completely crazy. Should there be any defections from this football group, maybe UCF gives USF some company, or maybe Memphis adds a new market.

I think if something like this happened, which would be an intriguing fallback option for the schools above, the Big East would cut loose some of the hoops onlies...

Marquette and DePaul are no brainers...beyond that, I would imagine Providence would be the next to go....the 4th would be tricky...ideally it would be Notre Dame, but I could see them also cutting away Seton Hall...

[Dan Murfman]

I think if something like this happened, which would be an intriguing fallback option for the schools above, the Big East would cut loose some of the hoops onlies...

Marquette and DePaul are no brainers...beyond that, I would imagine Providence would be the next to go....the 4th would be tricky...ideally it would be Notre Dame, but I could see them also cutting away Seton Hall...

If it came to this I would think it would be the football schools would breakaway totally or somehow they keep all 20 teams. The Big East where the football conference is too small and the basketball conference is too big.

[Domer]

I think if something like this happened, which would be an intriguing fallback option for the schools above, the Big East would cut loose some of the hoops onlies...

Marquette and DePaul are no brainers...beyond that, I would imagine Providence would be the next to go....the 4th would be tricky...ideally it would be Notre Dame, but I could see them also cutting away Seton Hall...

Providence and Seton Hall would have to the be first ones to go. They add little value to television contracts and are very weak in non-revenue sports. Seton Hall is expendable because Rutgers and St. John's already play in the New York DMA. Providence's market is sizable, but draws low local interest. Both athletic departments are in tough financial shape and have been forced to cut varsity teams. Marquette and DePaul still add value to the league with their television markets. Marquette and Notre Dame have also demonstrated their value to the conference in television, as ESPN has often selected them for Big Monday and other prime television slots.

[URI]

There is 0 chance Providence would get the boot. The Big East was founded by a Providence guy, the league is headquartered in Providence, and the current commissioner is a PC guy.

Plus, Providence is a market of a million people. The Big East isn't just going to surrender that market to the ACC/A10 considering they already have the toe-hold on it.

[Zososoxfan]

Plus, that would rob us of the spectacle of seeing how A&M's traveling fans would handle the occasional weekend in Berkeley. That would be a cultural-exchange program, not a football game.

This is fucking funny.

It also reminds me of an idea I had for Jersey Shore this season - throw them into a fish-out-of-water situation. Domestically, I think a city like San Francisco, Des Moines, Portland, or Salt Lake would do. But, for full affect, I'd like to see this crew pound out the beat on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.

To add some substance to this post, I've got to thinking about how the 2 divisions of the Big X would look like with an East-West divide, and 12 and 16 team leagues. For the 16 team league, I'll add ND, Cuse, and Rutgers, because I think that's what's most likely.

12 Team

West
Nebraska
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Iowa
Illinois
Northwestern

East
MSU
Michigan
Indiana
Purdue
OSU
PSU

16 team

West
Nebraska
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Iowa
Illinois
Northwestern
ND

East
Cuse
Rutgers
PSU
OSU
MSU
UM
Indiana

[bsj]

There is 0 chance Providence would get the boot. The Big East was founded by a Providence guy, the league is headquartered in Providence, and the current commissioner is a PC guy.

Plus, Providence is a market of a million people. The Big East isn't just going to surrender that market to the ACC/A10.

Id like to keep the Friars, as I have always liked what they bring to the conference...but I just think a conference of 20 teams would be a joke. After Marquette and DePaul, who goes (if choosing from the hoops onlies)... They aren't trimming St Johns (NYC) or Nova (Philly, and probably football school soon anyway)...Not trimming G Town (DC) obviously...I'll concede SHU as one (losing Rutgers makes NJ a loser prop anyway)...if they did get back to 16, who else would they cut? I'd much prefer trimming ND over Providence...I guess that could be #4.

[URI]

It doesn't matter conference size. You'll see Georgetown go before the PC...PC basically created the Big East, and the league has never had a non-Providence College commissioner.

It would be like the Big 10 cutting Michigan (in shock, not scope). A 20 team league isn't likely anyway, since a couple of those teams would get peeled off by the ACC/Big 10, Kansas or no.

[Kremlin Watcher]

Plus, that would rob us of the spectacle of seeing how A&M's traveling fans would handle the occasional weekend in Berkeley. That would be a cultural-exchange program, not a football game.

One of the funnier insights into life in College Station I've read in years. I would go to an A&M/Cal game just to see that.

Another point about the Big XII falling apart is Tom Osborne's role in this. Ever since the Big 8 and SWC merged, Nebraska has completely lost its primacy in conference football, the OU rivalry gamed went by the boards, and NU football fell dramatically in profile and importance. I think Osborne has been pushing for this from behind the scenes for some time now, because if he gets the alignment of the expanded Big 10 the way he wants it, then Nebraska only really has to compete against Iowa and perhaps Wisconsin for their half of the conference title and a place in the championship game. Not that the Big XII North was a particularly tough conference, but Nebraska couldn't even manage to win that consistently. In a reconstituted Big 10, Nebraska will probably be with Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Northwestern. If they can't win that every other year, then Tom Osborne needs a new coach. Osborne was tired of playing third or fourth fiddle in the Big XII - I think he sees this as NU's ticket back to conference championships. Not that he's right, but this is my take on his actions.

[Greg29fan]

Right now Nebraska only has to compete against Missouri to win the Big 12 North. The rest of that division is awful. This decision is all about money and exposure and getting out a league that Osborne never wanted to be in - he warned everyone before he left they would be sorry they got into the same conference with Texas and he was absolutely right.

Bo Pelini has that program on the right track, and they were one second away from playing in a BCS game last year. I don't think it has anything to do with "fear" of the Big 12 or that the Big Ten will be any easier.

[Awesome Fossum]

Boise State to the Mountain West

Boise State will be announced as the next member of the Mountain West Conference on Friday, a source with direct knowledge of the pending move told ESPN's Joe Schad.

MWC commissioner Craig Thompson hinted at an expansion announcement on Thursday amid news of Colorado's move from the Big 12 to the Pac-10.

The WAC is keeping its options open, too, scouring for schools. Benson said there are five or six candidates from the Football Championship Series the conference is keeping an eye on.

Montana?

[Zososoxfan]

Boise State goes from WAC to MWC

Can anyone share some analysis on this? This seems like a lateral move for BSU to me.

[Dan Murfman]

Boise State goes from WAC to MWC

Can anyone share some analysis on this? This seems like a lateral move for BSU to me.

Before all this stared there was talk of the MWC possibly getting an auto bid for the BCS so the MWC is a better conference than the WAC.

[Joe D Reid]

Boise State goes from WAC to MWC

Can anyone share some analysis on this? This seems like a lateral move for BSU to me.

I've read somewhere (that I unfortunately can't find right now) that the BSU/TCU/Utah combo in the MWC could edge it past the Big East to become the last automatic BCS conference in a couple of years. There's apparently some sort of formula used to determine the top 6, and with the recent success of those schools in BCS games, the math might work out. Of course, with all the uncertainty around everything right now, who knows what will happen in a couple years' time.

[roundegotrip]

Joe Posnanski has a nice entry up on the history of the Big 8 and Big 12 for those interested.

link

[mascho]

In case you're really curious, via Twitter:

In ~20 minutes, HUSKERS.COM will provide live video coverage of #Nebraska Board Of Regents meeting. Link here: http://bit.ly/9pssyr #Huskers

(They are also going to vote on re-naming the weight room after Suh. Exciting stuff!)

[URI]

I've read somewhere (that I unfortunately can't find right now) that the BSU/TCU/Utah combo in the MWC could edge it past the Big East to become the last automatic BCS conference in a couple of years. There's apparently some sort of formula used to determine the top 6, and with the recent success of those schools in BCS games, the math might work out. Of course, with all the uncertainty around everything right now, who knows what will happen in a couple years' time.

Well, considering the Big XII is just about dead, I'm guessing the MWC is going to slot right in.

[Sea Dog]

I've read somewhere (that I unfortunately can't find right now) that the BSU/TCU/Utah combo in the MWC could edge it past the Big East to become the last automatic BCS conference in a couple of years. There's apparently some sort of formula used to determine the top 6, and with the recent success of those schools in BCS games, the math might work out. Of course, with all the uncertainty around everything right now, who knows what will happen in a couple years' time.

Yep. Adding Boise State before the end of the month -- or is it next month? -- was important, too, because now the Mountain West can count the Broncos' success from the past four years as its own. Same would apply should KU, with its Orange Bowl victory in January 2008, Mizzou and K-State go west.

[Butch Hobsons elbo chips]

It doesn't matter conference size. You'll see Georgetown go before the PC...PC basically created the Big East, and the league has never had a non-Providence College commissioner.

It would be like the Big 10 cutting Michigan (in shock, not scope). A 20 team league isn't likely anyway, since a couple of those teams would get peeled off by the ACC/Big 10, Kansas or no.

Exactly URI.
It's amazing that most people don't get it that the non-FBS schools of the Big East have no reason not to stick together and especially the 5 Catholic schools of the northeast corridor. They are all small private schools without Division I-A Football and NONE of the Schools (including Villanova) are EVER getting a program at that level so the BCS realignment is outside their reach. They are not in the football discusions and the football money is pushing this agenda. Providence is not going anywhere just as other original BIG EAST members Georgetown, Seton Hall & St John are not going to pushed out.

The "16 team" Big East that currently exists was never built on solid ground so it's no surprise the sands are eroding beneath it.

[TomRicardo]

Id like to keep the Friars, as I have always liked what they bring to the conference...but I just think a conference of 20 teams would be a joke. After Marquette and DePaul, who goes (if choosing from the hoops onlies)... They aren't trimming St Johns (NYC) or Nova (Philly, and probably football school soon anyway)...Not trimming G Town (DC) obviously...I'll concede SHU as one (losing Rutgers makes NJ a loser prop anyway)...if they did get back to 16, who else would they cut? I'd much prefer trimming ND over Providence...I guess that could be #4.

Why? Especially if the Big East wanted to start their own network, the more basketball games they have the better. It would be one thing if they only had four or five basketball teams get in the tournament every year but they are getting at least 8. It is going to move to nine or ten.

Zero chance they cut Notre Dame. If end of times scenario for Notre Dame (4 super conferences) happens, Notre Dame much rather be in the East Superconference than the Midwest one. Big East will have a strangle hold on the major East Coast Markets.

[Domer]

Well, considering the Big XII is just about dead, I'm guessing the MWC is going to slot right in.

The new Pac-16 is going to lobby hard to take over the Big XII's automatic bid.

[RingoOSU]

If there are 16 team conferences I wouldnt be surprised to see conferences be allowed an extra at large bid for a total of 3 possible BCS bowl bids. And frankly, as a BCS conference fan, I'd prefer to see that.

[barbed wire Bob]

Boise State to the Mountain West





Montana?

The only way I could see Montana moving to the WAC would be if Montana State went with them and I don't think the state board of regents will allow both of them to move due to the additional costs. The regents probably won't allow Montana to move on its own because they do not want to disrupt the rivalry between the two schools. The Bozeman Daily Chronicle had an article about a potential move earlier this month.

[pdaj]

http://www.washingto...m-96137294.html

Big 12 stragglers to the Big East?

[wibi]

I've read somewhere (that I unfortunately can't find right now) that the BSU/TCU/Utah combo in the MWC could edge it past the Big East to become the last automatic BCS conference in a couple of years. There's apparently some sort of formula used to determine the top 6, and with the recent success of those schools in BCS games, the math might work out. Of course, with all the uncertainty around everything right now, who knows what will happen in a couple years' time.

This is the article I remember on the automatic bid subject
http://rivals.yahoo....=ap-bcsmeetings


And as a Utah fan I am happy as hell that Boise State is moving to the MWC. The MWC might get screwed if the PAC-10 (or 16) were to get two bids since that would require a revamping of the bid formula system and the old boys (ie current 6 BCS automatic bid conferences) would ensure that they retained their automatic bid for the next cycle.

[Sea Dog]

The new Pac-16 is going to lobby hard to take over the Big XII's automatic bid.

If that happens, expect a lot more Capital Hill hearings and further scrutiny into whether the BCS acts as a cartel, should tax-exempt status be revoked for schools, etc.

[roundegotrip]

It's official:

Park Ridge, Ill.-- The Big Ten Council of Presidents/Chancellors (COP/C) announced unanimous approval today for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) to join the Big Ten Conference effective July 1, 2011, with competition to begin in all sports for the 2011-12 academic year. UNL will also seek admission into the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC), which can occur on or before July 1, 2011.

"We are pleased that the Presidents/Chancellors of the Big Ten universities agree that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a proper partner from both an academics standpoint and athletics perspective," Perlman said. "This makes sense for the future of our University. We are honored to be included in the Big Ten."

"The Big Ten Conference has much to offer," Osborne said. "This is a tribute to our athletic program, our academic programs and our fans. This is the right move at the right time. This is a rare opportunity that may not have been an option for us in the future."

link

Edited by roundegotrip, 11 June 2010 - 05:06 PM.

[zeraza]

So the next big announcement is due Tuesday? That's when people are expecting Texas, Tech, OU and OSU to make their move...

I would love to see A&M stick with the group and go to the Pac-10... just about every place for them to go west would be an amazing spectacle to see... and frankly, going to the SEC would just plain be stupid for A&M.

However, if they don't go, and the Pac-10 picks up Utah or Kansas for the last slot, it would be great as well

[Greg29fan]

As a Nebraska fan, this day goes right behind the 3 National Championships I've seen as the best day in the athletic department's history. Beating UT twice on the way out would be the cherry on top.

[WestMassExpat]

As a Nebraska fan, this day goes right behind the 3 National Championships I've seen as the best day in the athletic department's history. Beating UT twice on the way out would be the cherry on top.

It's a win for the school's academic status way more than athletics. In the short- to mid-term the Big 10 will only be harder than the Big 12 for UNL. At least in the Big 12 all you had to worry about was beating Missouri and you're in the championship game. The program's still on the way up, but I think things just got harder football wise for you guys.

Can't argue against the move though. The research consortium is a big, big deal. Looks like it sucks the way it happens, but we're far from knowing everything that has gone on.

[StuckOnYouk]

Well ESPN is reporting that the 4 will join the Pac10 and Texas A&M is the one who is still deciding bet. the Pac16 and the SEC.

Texas, Texas Tech, OK and OK State are all supposed to be joining the Pac16 next week after meetings are held and official invites are extended.

[Sea Dog]

I would love to see A&M stick with the group and go to the Pac-10... just about every place for them to go west would be an amazing spectacle to see... and frankly, going to the SEC would just plain be stupid for A&M.

However, if they don't go, and the Pac-10 picks up Utah or Kansas for the last slot, it would be great as well

To me, A&M going to the SEC would be smart. For starters, the Aggies would actually make more money than the Longhorns would from the Pac-16 per season. They can sell recruits on playing in the SEC, where the long trips are Florida and South Carolina as opposed to Seattle and Eugene, Ore. Given how being on equal footing in the Big 12 with the Longhorns obviously hasn't worked, maybe this is how the Aggies can rejuvenate that program.

Utah or KU would be a nice fit as the 16th team in the Aggies pass. I think the Pac-10 would go with Utah -- if it was good enough to be considered the 12th team with Colorado if it expanded by only two, I don't see how the Pac-10 would pass on Utah there, especially when they could add the Salt Lake City market (No. 31) and help ease some of Colorado, Arizona and Arizona State's travel.

EDIT -- Maybe not. The Oregonian is reporting that KU would receive the invite to be the 16th team.

http://blog.oregonli...al_team_in.html

Edited by Sea Dog, 12 June 2010 - 12:34 AM.

[WestMassExpat]

To me, A&M going to the SEC would be smart. For starters, the Aggies would actually make more money than the Longhorns would from the Pac-16 per season. They can sell recruits on playing in the SEC, where the long trips are Florida and South Carolina as opposed to Seattle and Eugene, Ore. Given how being on equal footing in the Big 12 with the Longhorns obviously hasn't worked, maybe this is how the Aggies can rejuvenate that program.

It makes sense financially and maybe even from a recruiting standpoint, especially tapping Louisiana and Gulf Coast kids. But if A&M does go to the SEC, they would either 1) have to commit to adding UT as a non-conference game each year, which would be near-insane from a strength-of-schedule perspective considering they'd still have a regular SEC sked, or 2) sever ties with UT.

It it's the latter, it would be huge. The first line of the school's fight song mention's UT. Hell, the best part of A&M home games comes when the entire stadium sings the Aggie War Hymn and everyone locks arms and sways midway through screaming "saw varsity's horns off." I suppose a semi-annual matchup would mitigate the hard schedule for them, but it wouldn't be the same.

[wibi]

ESPN is reporting that MWC is going after KU, K State and Mizzou to join the conference along with Boise State.

http://sports.espn.g...tory?id=5279018

I expect K State and Mizzou to give a serious look but KU not to even give it a second thought unless the Pac-10 says no

[roundegotrip]

The MWC was a good, if top heavy, football conference even before adding Boise. Grabbing the remnants of the Big 12 North on top of that has to make them a BCS conference doesn't it? Especially with the Big 12 gone.

Edited by roundegotrip, 12 June 2010 - 01:26 PM.

[StuckOnYouk]

Where's the Big East in this? SHouldn't they be the aggressors in going after the remnants? Unless they're doing everything under the radar it looks like they're content to be non-existant in the next few years. That's what happens when the leadership is a basketball guy from Providence.

[AgentOrange]

To me, A&M going to the SEC would be smart. For starters, the Aggies would actually make more money than the Longhorns would from the Pac-16 per season. They can sell recruits on playing in the SEC, where the long trips are Florida and South Carolina as opposed to Seattle and Eugene, Ore. Given how being on equal footing in the Big 12 with the Longhorns obviously hasn't worked, maybe this is how the Aggies can rejuvenate that program.

I'm sure that's Aggy's thinking, but I don't think it would quite work out that way. Firstly, the Pac-16 will almost certainly make more money from its first television contract than the SEC makes from its current deal. Secondly, with the Pac-16 breaking into eastern and western divisions, it will mean 1-2 west coast trips per year at most for the Texas schools. Thirdly, The SEC doesn't appear to have tremendous appeal to Texas recruits at this time. LSU recruits east Texas pretty heavily, and Baton Rouge is actually closer to Houston than Austin is. Yet LSU is basically reduced to fighting for Texas' leftovers most of the time. The SEC is a prestigious conference in the eyes of recruits, but that ultimately doesn't count for much when they make their final decision.

Then there's the issue of the SEC "culture". Tommy Tuberville has coached in the SEC, and warns the Aggies that the grass isn't always greener in the southeast.:

“Well, they’d better really, really think about it before they cross those borders, and cross the Mississippi River, because it’s a totally different type of football, different brand of football, a different type of recruiting. You gotta really be careful as to what you are getting into.”

[AgentOrange]

Orangebloods.com now reporting that A&M could announce for the SEC next week. SEC after OU as well, but not interested in OSU. Gov. Rick Perry no longer working to keep A&M and Texas together, which he had previously been in favor of.

"There also appears to be wild, last-second maneuvering taking place to hold the 10 remaining Big 12 schools together."

[axx]

I think the whole point of A&M going to the SEC is so that both Conferences can expand their TV reach into Texas. For that, it makes sense. Would the SEC be interested in Mizzou as the partner if they can't get OU?

[TomRicardo]

Where's the Big East in this? SHouldn't they be the aggressors in going after the remnants? Unless they're doing everything under the radar it looks like they're content to be non-existant in the next few years. That's what happens when the leadership is a basketball guy from Providence.

They have sent people out to Kansas and Missouri.

[bosockboy]

I think the whole point of A&M going to the SEC is so that both Conferences can expand their TV reach into Texas. For that, it makes sense. Would the SEC be interested in Mizzou as the partner if they can't get OU?

Missouri, and not only because I am an alum and fan, is the most interesting thing in all of this because geographically, they border 8 states (more than any state). The northern half of the state, bordering Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, etc....is a great geographic fit for the Big Ten...while the southern half borders Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky. They would be a really good for the SEC if Texas A&M needs a partner.

They really fit in basketball-wise with Mike Anderson and his system....football they would take some hard beatings for sure and their spread offense wouldn't be as novel there as other conferences.

I'm really pulling for the SEC at this point.

[RedOctober3829]

Missouri, and not only because I am an alum and fan, is the most interesting thing in all of this because geographically, they border 8 states (more than any state). The northern half of the state, bordering Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, etc....is a great geographic fit for the Big Ten...while the southern half borders Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky. They would be a really good for the SEC if Texas A&M needs a partner.

They really fit in basketball-wise with Mike Anderson and his system....football they would take some hard beatings for sure and their spread offense wouldn't be as novel there as other conferences.

I'm really pulling for the SEC at this point.

If Missouri wants to be in a BCS conference the SEC is about the only option left. The Big Ten doesn't want them and they aren't going to the ACC or Big East. It is a logical fit for the SEC for the reasons you gave and also pulls in the St. Louis/KC markets. If we hold the SEC to their word and believe that they don't want Clemson, Miami, Georgia Tech, or FSU then A&M and Mizzou is the only option but having 14 teams doesn't make sense. I'd think you'd want to stay at 12 or go all the way to 16. Would you try to pry VTech and Maryland as well to pull in the DC market?

[SumnerH]

Missouri, and not only because I am an alum and fan, is the most interesting thing in all of this because geographically, they border 8 states (more than any state).

...Tennessee...

...is tied with MO with 8 bordering states.

[Sea Dog]

Slow day, but some movement behind the scenes. For starters, the Houston Chronicle reports that Texas A&M will go the SEC and that the board of regents could meet Thursday.

"In taking all things into consideration, A&M’s leadership is intrigued by playing in the nation’s premier football conference, drawing big crowds to Kyle Field from SEC fan bases that tend to travel well, and a much bigger annual payout from the league, the insider said."

http://www.chron.com...am/7051484.html

Which means the Pac-10 needs a new 16th team to complete its expansion, rumored to be Utah or Kansas. While Utah would've been paired with Colorado had the Pac-10 expanded by only two teams, KU might have the inside track. The Lawrence Journal-World reported that Pac-10 commish Larry Scott's plane was schedule to leave Austin at 8:10 p.m. Central time, heading to KC, where Scott would meet with Kansas AD Lew Perkins. The LJW even had a link where you would follow the plane's whereabouts, which might be the first time I've seen a link like this used, save for Christmas Eve when websites and local TV report on where Santa Claus is throughout the night.

http://flightaware.c...e/flight/N228PK

No word on whether Scott would simply fly into KC tomorrow. Some pretty severe storms swept across the state tonight.

[BigMike]

If Missouri wants to be in a BCS conference the SEC is about the only option left. The Big Ten doesn't want them and they aren't going to the ACC or Big East. It is a logical fit for the SEC for the reasons you gave and also pulls in the St. Louis/KC markets. If we hold the SEC to their word and believe that they don't want Clemson, Miami, Georgia Tech, or FSU then A&M and Mizzou is the only option but having 14 teams doesn't make sense. I'd think you'd want to stay at 12 or go all the way to 16. Would you try to pry VTech and Maryland as well to pull in the DC market?

Why does 16 makes sense and 14 doesn't? To me, I see 16 as an almost unmanageable number. 14 is somewhat less unmanageable.

[zeraza]

It'll be interesting to see what the new contract for the potential new PAC-whatever would be, if all that's been rumored does go through. People forget the Pac-10 has been stuck with a 10-year old contract, while college football has exploded in popularity.

The potential Pac-16 or whatever would have these media markets:

2. Los Angeles
5. Dallas-Fort Worth
6. San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose
10. Houston
12. Phoenix
14. Seattle-Tacoma
18. Denver

I know UT isn't located in DFW/Houston but they're no doubt the big attraction in the state. And Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto (#20) doesn't have the California schools located there, but the CA schools are the ones people talk about in terms of college sports in state

You've also got Portland, Ore. at 22, and San Diego at 28 (and as a CA resident, I can tell you that in terms of college sports, the Pac-10 teams are the ones the vast majority care about if you're talking about teams in the state). That's a pretty damn big market the Pac-whatever would cover

Edited by zeraza, 14 June 2010 - 03:54 AM.

[RingoOSU]

Beebe trying like hell to keep his job as Big 12 (Ten?) pres.

http://newsok.com/bi...ead_story_title

Promising a TV deal for the 10 remaining schools as big as the SEC's. You couldn't do shit before Beebe, how are you going to do it now without Nebraska and Colorado?

[JMDurron]

Why does 16 makes sense and 14 doesn't? To me, I see 16 as an almost unmanageable number. 14 is somewhat less unmanageable.

At least in the SEC, 14 teams makes for an awkward divisional alignment. 7 teams in each East/West division does not work very well, and one division having 6 teams while the other has 8 would be awkward as well. Texas A&M would obviously go into the SEC West, and Missouri, if added, would do so as well. That would make the SEC West as follows:

Alabama
Auburn
LSU
Arkansas
Ole Miss
Mississippi State
A&M
Missouri

with the East

Florida
Georgia
Tennessee
Vandy
Kentucky
South Carolina

The SEC West teams that make the most geographic sense to move to the SEC East are Auburn and Alabama, but they are a natural geographic rivalry pairing, so the conference is not going to be particularly inclined to divide them up for the sake of having 7 teams in each division. So you're stuck with 8/6 one way or the other unless ACC schools are brought on board, or either Kentucky or Vandy get moved West with both Alabama and Auburn going east. Both schools would most likely scream bloody murder at the prospect of being moved into a division with Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee if it came to that. So that is part of the reason that there is an assumption among many SEC fans that an addition of 1 or 2 Big 12 teams would have to be matched by some additions from the ACC.

[jk333]

A&M will make a nice doormat along with Vanderbilt, Kentucky and Mississippi State for the SEC powerhouses.