Big 10 Expansion Thread -Big Ten ready for a playoff .. finally?

[BishopMVP]

Originally Posted by Logan

Even if Rutgers turned into a dynasty, NY/NJ will always be a pro sports town. You would need to overcome literal generations of people being interested, but not obsessed, with college football in order to become the big thing. That being said, the benefit of the area is that even having a portion of such a large area being fans results in being a pretty big fanbase compared to a lot of areas.

The B1G affiliation helps a lot there. If we didn't get in, stayed in the AAC and made some kind of ridiculous run as a G5 school to the playoff, I don't think that would go as far in sustaining and building a large fanbase. Every Rutgers fan in the NYC area knows plenty of Penn State, Michigan, Wisconsin fans and playing these schools so often will help build up college football here. Again, please note I said "help"...I'm talking incremental in the grand scheme of things.

As for the timing, there's definitely a dedicated core group of fans who are dying for success going back to the 70s. If we popped now, it would be a pretty big thing. Just not "Giants Super Bowl run" like.

FWIW, I think Bishop meant more of a giant based on the fertile recruiting ground than a giant fanbase waiting to explode, akin to an SEC territory, but obviously that goes partially hand in hand.

Mostly, but like you guys are saying, NYC will never be a B1G city like Chicago is but I'd still say the B1G holds the most sway there from a viewing percentage since BE basketball dissolved. There are Michigan bars, and Ohio State bars, and Minnesota bars, and there really aren't those in Boston (ok, Mich and PSU have some pull). There certainly aren't a large percentage of alumni from FSU or Clemson up here in Boston, and even in NYC only Duke really has a decent alumni base from the ACC schools. I also don't even think people from other parts of the country understand that Boston is not only a pro sports town, it's a very, very, fractured fanbase because there are so many private colleges. BU, Northeastern, Harvard, Tufts, etc students are never going to support BC in anything, unlike other parts of the country where the students at smaller schools will at least cheer for Big State in football/basketball. Even less academically rigorous schools like UMass-Lowell and Merrimack compete in Hockey East with BC, in what's the marquee sport for all 3 schools.

Rutgers alone probably wasn't enough to get the B1G on NY cable packages, but combined with those hardcore and vocal fanbases of the other big state schools it was the tipping point. Atlanta will clearly be SEC country, so unless you really want GT's academics, no reason to add them. I'm not sure how DC works, I always got the feeling too many people there looked down on sports. Maryland isn't sexy, but was a fairly obvious add though if things go to 16, and I think the B1G may have gotten a little skittish when Missouri/Colorado were taken off the table as potential options. ND and Texas are clearly their pipe dreams, but now they've always got UConn and maybe UMass* and a play for all of New England as a fallback (or just seeing what happens with the ACC/B12 since one of those conferences will be decimated if the move to 16 happens - UConn/Kansas or UConn/Cuse as a basketball play would make sense.)

* even I doubt it, and don't love the affiliation although an East split with UConn/PSU/Maryland/Rutgers would be the ideal scenario, but I have to assume we're in line ahead of the Dakota's or the SUNY's if every other B1G plan falls through and they NEED a 16th. I think our more likely dream scenario is some merge between the Big 12 & southern ACC schools (a.k.a. FSU/Clemson), where UMass and UConn could come into an ACC as a package deal if the ACC wanted to make an NYC play. For now though we'd just be ecstatic with an AAC invite!

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by BishopMVP

I'm not sure how DC works

How DC works:

Washington Redskins >>>>>>>>>>>> everything else

But from a college standpoint, it's a basketball town. Maryland, Georgetown. John Thompson had a show in the market for years, and Gary Williams is a semi-regular on 980. Talk used to include the ACC and the Big East, but...yeah.

Really though, during football season it's all Redskins, with a sprinkle of Nats and a dash of how much Maryland and Virginia football suck.

Edit: ok, fine - there are probably more VT grads in the DC area than you'd expect. But that only moves the needle so much.

[SirFozzie]

So, the ACC is set for the next 20 years. They extended the grant of rights to 20 years, and ESPN will start a ACC network, to start web broadcasting soon, and be a formal channel by 2019.

ACC, ESPN agree to 20-year rights deal that will lead to 2019 launch of ACC Network

So, the only way the ACC gets raided is if they agree to dissolve the league, don't think that's going to happen.. And Notre Dame has joined the ACC in everything but football, and MUST join them if they join a conference. So, looks like things are set on the east coast.

[Breeze]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

So, the ACC is set for the next 20 years. They extended the grant of rights to 20 years, and ESPN will start a ACC network, to start web broadcasting soon, and be a formal channel by 2019.

ACC, ESPN agree to 20-year rights deal that will lead to 2019 launch of ACC Network

So, the only way the ACC gets raided is if they agree to dissolve the league, don't think that's going to happen.. And Notre Dame has joined the ACC in everything but football, and MUST join them if they join a conference. So, looks like things are set on the east coast.

I think CU stated you can't dissolve the league (at least not without a long protracted and expensive legal battle) because they incorporated...

[cuervo72]

RIP Raycom Sports?

[CU Tiger]

Originally Posted by Breeze

I think CU stated you can't dissolve the league (at least not without a long protracted and expensive legal battle) because they incorporated...

As long as 1 team is still standing the league exists. It takes a consensus, not a majority, to dissolve.

I dont understand why it will take ~3 years to get the network up and running when everyone else did it in 15 months. Unless you believe the theory that they never intend to get it up and running with the current cord cutting trend.

20 years is a long dang time to be anchored to anyone...I hope the contract has look ins.

[MacroGuru]

Rumor has it the Big 12 vote for expansion is today. My sources from within the BYU program has stated the offer has been extended and accepted pending the vote.

Basically, straw poll = expansion phone calls were made to say this is the offer, would you accept if approved, said yes and they said they would let us know today after the meeting.

It is the Big 12, so I take it all with a grain of salt.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by MacroGuru

Rumor has it the Big 12 vote for expansion is today. My sources from within the BYU program has stated the offer has been extended and accepted pending the vote.

Basically, straw poll = expansion phone calls were made to say this is the offer, would you accept if approved, said yes and they said they would let us know today after the meeting.

It is the Big 12, so I take it all with a grain of salt.

Wouldn't be shocked to see West Virginia start shopping for other options if that's the case. They were already lamenting the travel difficulties and campaigning for places like Memphis and Cinci. They'd be a better B10 fit anyway.

[CU Tiger]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Wouldn't be shocked to see West Virginia start shopping for other options if that's the case. They were already lamenting the travel difficulties and campaigning for places like Memphis and Cinci. They'd be a better B10 fit anyway.

The B10 wouldnt touch WVU with a 10 foot pole.
Their academics would preclude them.

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

The B10 wouldnt touch WVU with a 10 foot pole.
Their academics would preclude them.

My son brought up WV as a potential visit a while ago. I kind of looked at him funny; in the rankings for Aero Eng. programs, the B10 is pretty sell represented. Michigan, Illinois, Purdue, Maryland (in-state). WVU by USNews' calculations is 42nd (T). There's "safety," then there's "if everything possible that could go wrong goes wrong."

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by cuervo72

My son brought up WV as a potential visit a while ago. I kind of looked at him funny; in the rankings for Aero Eng. programs, the B10 is pretty sell represented. Michigan, Illinois, Purdue, Maryland (in-state). WVU by USNews' calculations is 42nd (T). There's "safety," then there's "if everything possible that could go wrong goes wrong."

Eh, I'd say probably don't worry about his outlier there too much. There were a couple of schools on my son's list that were "umm ... WTF?" too, nothing more than idle curiosity when push came to shove.

[MacroGuru]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Wouldn't be shocked to see West Virginia start shopping for other options if that's the case. They were already lamenting the travel difficulties and campaigning for places like Memphis and Cinci. They'd be a better B10 fit anyway.

Well, the 2nd school would be UC from what my sources said. Holgerson interviewed today said he is for expansion as is his President.

With the ACC locking stuff down, I don't see much out there for WVU to go too.

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

Eh, I'd say probably don't worry about his outlier there too much. There were a couple of schools on my son's list that were "umm ... WTF?" too, nothing more than idle curiosity when push came to shove.

I'm not really worried, but it was a WTF moment. I think he was probably thinking more proximity and setting, without really accounting for academics. Which was weird given that his #1 for a long time was MIT which was basically the opposite (he's not quite so firm on that now, though were he to get in it would be really tough to turn down).

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Logan

I'll keep going with my evergreen prediction of "we're done with expansion, until these schools eventually break from the NCAA".

.

[CU Tiger]

Originally Posted by Logan

.

The Big12 HAS to grow.
Has to.

Or they will crumble.

The Championship game is so huge. If they dont announce expansion before the end of this year I expect the CFP committee to announce a new requirement that the final 4 have to win their conference championship game.

[cartman]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

The Big12 HAS to grow.
Has to.

Or they will crumble.

The Championship game is so huge. If they dont announce expansion before the end of this year I expect the CFP committee to announce a new requirement that the final 4 have to win their conference championship game.

They have already added a conference championship game.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

The Big12 HAS to grow.
Has to.

Or they will crumble.

The Championship game is so huge. If they dont announce expansion before the end of this year I expect the CFP committee to announce a new requirement that the final 4 have to win their conference championship game.

The expansion isn't as important as the network. The conference will survive at some level for awhile until the big conferences look to go to 16 teams. At that point, Texas decides if they're going to stick it out with the B12. In order for the conference to remain at that point, they'd have to give up their network. If they switch it to a conference network, everyone's happy and you likely have five 16-team conferences. If they don't, the remaining schools scramble to get out and some are going to get left behind, resulting in a significantly watered-down B12 mid-major conference. Honestly, that might not be a bad thing for some of those schools.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

The Big12 HAS to grow.
Has to.

Or they will crumble.

The Championship game is so huge. If they dont announce expansion before the end of this year I expect the CFP committee to announce a new requirement that the final 4 have to win their conference championship game.

Absent the correct championship game stuff, I'm talking about meaningful expansion like what got this thread started in the first place...raiding one conference to bolster another type. "UNC and Virginia to the B1G" type. The stuff that gets all the clicks and leads to people coming up with wild scenarios to get all the clicks.

[CU Tiger]

ah..
yeah we agree there.

I Dont think we will see anyone leave a P5 conference anytime soon.

[cartman]

No expansion announcements for the Big 12 today. They have given the commissioner marching orders to evaluate schools that have expressed interest.

[Buccaneer]

News report out of Denver CSU Survives ‘First Cut’ For Big 12 Conference « CBS Denver says the Big 12 has narrowed their choices from 18 down to 6-8, and those making the cut includes Colorado State and Air Force.

[tarcone]

Big 12 should flood the West and take Air Force, CSU and BYU. And one West Virginia partner.

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by Buccaneer

News report out of Denver CSU Survives ‘First Cut’ For Big 12 Conference « CBS Denver says the Big 12 has narrowed their choices from 18 down to 6-8, and those making the cut includes Colorado State and Air Force.

@McMurphyESPN: Big 12 cuts expansion list to at least 12: AF, BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, CSU, UConn, UH, Rice, USF, SMU, Temple & Tulane sources told @ESPN


I thought only 17 year old kids conducted themselves in such a douchey, attention-seeking manner. The next time an adult chides a kid for coming out with a top 12 list, just
Remember the big 12.

[sooner333]

The whole process is pretty embarrassing for the Big 12, IMO. I'm not really sure what the end game is for any of the decision-makers. Of course, decision-makers in this conference doesn't really mean anything. Texas and Oklahoma could be outvoted in expansion, but they are probably the only ones who can control their own Power 5 conference destinies.

[MacroGuru]

So this is about one of the only expansion I do get inside information on. Not only from the BYU side, but on the B12 side.

Every piece of information I have received from both sides have been "Remember, this is the B12, they can change their mind at anytime"

But the information I have is as follows

ESPN / FOX are willing to pay out for expansion, but only if BYU was included. ESPN doesn't want to double dip and by bringing BYU into the fold, it frees up a ton of money for the year (This came from my B12 source)

BYU has been told they are #11 and have the votes, again (The LGBT thing threw a wrench in a little, but BYU's response was accepted by the B12...this came from my BYU Source)

As for #12, UT has dug their heels in for UH while OU has dug theirs in for Cinci and it is why we have a stalemate, the facade that is going on right now is all about hiding the behind the scenes battle, and will allow UT to save face with politics if they cave. (B12 Source)

Anyways, it's interesting to hear this, then see the media reports, and hear stuff from media guys that are close to other schools in the B12.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by MacroGuru

As for #12, UT has dug their heels in for UH while OU has dug theirs in for Cinci and it is why we have a stalemate, the facade that is going on right now is all about hiding the behind the scenes battle, and will allow UT to save face with politics if they cave. (B12 Source)

This should come as a surprise to no one. The rest of the B12 outside of Texas is all on board with OU (and has been since the other teams left) about making sure future schools do not come from within the state of Texas. The rest of the schools see that as just one more vote that Texas can control.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Interesting. This is pretty timely given my previous comment. Looks like OU may walk instead of bothering to fight.

Report: Nebraska wants to rejoin Big 12 | Yardbarker.com

[Kodos]

No way Nebraska is leaving the Big Ten.

[tarcone]

I read that. I doubt it is serious. Why would Nebby rejoin when they left because of Texas. They make more money in the B1G. And they can blam the B1G causing a lack of prestige building, when it is really crappy football that is doing it.

But I would trade Nebby for Oklahoma.

[murrayyyyy]

So the Big 12 is going to die now, isn't it?

JUST IN: The Big 12 will not expand and stay with 10 members for the time being, per @Jake_Trotter.

— ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) October 17, 2016

[HomerSimpson98]

hahahha. The big 12-4+2+0 just writes its own jokes. What a shit show

[CrescentMoonie]

That is an astonishingly stupid decision.

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by CrescentMoonie

That is an astonishingly stupid decision.

I think it's pretty clear that Texas and Oklahoma don't want to be locked-in to a long-term relationship, and forgoing expansion right now is akin to a player declining an extension so he can test free-agency. With all due respect to the schools being mentioned, it's unlikely that the options for the Big-12 would be any less appealing down the road.

This allows Oklahoma to play footsie with the SEC and Texas to play the Big Ten and Pac-12 against each other for the best deal they can get.

[cartman]

I heard some rumblings that ESPN and/or Fox were looking to get the conference to re-work and extend the TV deals to better support expansion. Maybe that is why they are emphasizing the "not at this time" language, instead of a blanket rejection.

[bronconick]

Steven Godfrey
‏@38Godfrey
You know, it’s kind of funny – the Big 12 was pinned down by a room full of media on Baylor questions, yelled "expansion" and we chased it.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by murrayyyyy

So the Big 12 is going to die now, isn't it?

JUST IN: The Big 12 will not expand and stay with 10 members for the time being, per @Jake_Trotter.

— ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) October 17, 2016

Absolute hot mess. You can't make this shit up.

[CrescentMoonie]

If Texas and Oklahoma bail, does the Big 12 pick up replacement teams and retain its status as a power 5 conference, or does either the AAC or Mountain West replace it?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by CrescentMoonie

If Texas and Oklahoma bail, does the Big 12 pick up replacement teams and retain its status as a power 5 conference, or does either the AAC or Mountain West replace it?

I'm thinking it maybe ends up a power 4 in that scenario.

[murrayyyyy]

Originally Posted by CrescentMoonie

If Texas and Oklahoma bail, does the Big 12 pick up replacement teams and retain its status as a power 5 conference, or does either the AAC or Mountain West replace it?

Power 4 with each of the 4 moving to 16 teams. It's always been the end game scenario since teams moved a few years ago. This sets up the TV scenario that Broyles dreamed of when Arkansas was first talking about moving to the SEC(the major 4 station back then). ABC/ESPN gets one conference, CBS another, NBC one and Fox/FS1 get the other. The rest of the conferences get divided up with either teams being bid on individually or used to fill Sat morning spots.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by murrayyyyy

Power 4 with each of the 4 moving to 16 teams. It's always been the end game scenario since teams moved a few years ago. This sets up the TV scenario that Broyles dreamed of when Arkansas was first talking about moving to the SEC(the major 4 station back then). ABC/ESPN gets one conference, CBS another, NBC one and Fox/FS1 get the other. The rest of the conferences get divided up with either teams being bid on individually or used to fill Sat morning spots.

It continues to be the most likely scenario and has been for a few years now. The more we move towards it, the more your going to see some of the smaller teams in the B12 scramble for other conferences to avoid being one of the odd-men-out. I wouldn't be shocked at all if a couple schools like KU, ISU, OSU, KSU end up scrambling and that's what triggers OU or UT to make a move. More and more, I'm not sure the power players are going to be the one that triggers the avalanche otherwise known as the B12's death.

[murrayyyyy]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

It continues to be the most likely scenario and has been for a few years now. The more we move towards it, the more your going to see some of the smaller teams in the B12 scramble for other conferences to avoid being one of the odd-men-out. I wouldn't be shocked at all if a couple schools like KU, ISU, OSU, KSU end up scrambling and that's what triggers OU or UT to make a move. More and more, I'm not sure the power players are going to be the one that triggers the avalanche otherwise known as the B12's death.

I think the opposite. OU holds all the cards right now. Football makes money and OU is the only team with a stadium over 61k minus Texas. If OU runs to another conference then where do the others go? MAC? MW? Too far away from the ACC and PAC. Not sure the Big 10 wants any of them (but who knows, they took Rutgers and Maryland). Supposedly Texas was the first to leave the meeting yesterday before anyone else left so it's no OU's turn to either find a new home or be a lap dog to Texas still.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by murrayyyyy

I think the opposite. OU holds all the cards right now. Football makes money and OU is the only team with a stadium over 61k minus Texas. If OU runs to another conference then where do the others go? MAC? MW? Too far away from the ACC and PAC. Not sure the Big 10 wants any of them (but who knows, they took Rutgers and Maryland). Supposedly Texas was the first to leave the meeting yesterday before anyone else left so it's no OU's turn to either find a new home or be a lap dog to Texas still.

Big Ten would look at ISU (creates a great rivalry in their footprint). KU would land somewhere despite their HS football program. KSU is in a pinch. OSU needs some help. WVU could do ACC. Who knows what the Texas schools would do.

[Breeze]

ACC had no interest in West Virginia previously. That may have changed now with Louisville in the conference, but it is worth noting.

[CU Tiger]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

It continues to be the most likely scenario and has been for a few years now. The more we move towards it, the more your going to see some of the smaller teams in the B12 scramble for other conferences to avoid being one of the odd-men-out. I wouldn't be shocked at all if a couple schools like KU, ISU, OSU, KSU end up scrambling and that's what triggers OU or UT to make a move. More and more, I'm not sure the power players are going to be the one that triggers the avalanche otherwise known as the B12's death.

Possibly but who takes ISU/KSU with OU and UT still at play.

The ACC is looking to add 1 maybe 2. (Depending on the Notre Dame fallout. Which I still think belongs in the B1G but appears contractually destined for the ACC)
B1G and SEC both looking for 2
Pac 12 need 4

From the Big 12 you have
Baylor - Fairly toxic currently but once this "blows over" moderately desirable
Iowa State - Fledgling Interest
Kansas State - See Iowa State
Kansas - Basketball makes them desirable
Oklahoma - Major Want for all
OSU - Probably tops along with Iowa among Tier 2 (after OU/UT)
UT - The unprohibited A player here
TCU - A lot like Baylor. Huge Regional attraction. Close to Big TV markets. $$$
Texas Tech - More desireable than ISU or KSU but below everyone else
WVU - Wildcard. Strong following. Only D1 player in entire state. Interest spills into PA and OH. Academics hurt them. Current acceptance of Partial Qualifiers limits the ACC and B1G interest.

So who moves. I'd suggest that Houston, USF, UCF, Memphis and Cincinnati all hold higher appeal to some conferences than ISU/KSU.

For the PAC 12 specifically - Is Boise More attractive?

The ACC is convinced they will land Notre Dame in the next shuffle. But regardless it is safe to say that ND will be part of the 4 x 16 meaning at a minimum there is 1 current P5 school thats getting left out. Which makes perfect sense why all of the C and below players in the Big 12 dont want expansion. Id disolution is inevitable you dont have to be attractive if you are KSU, you just have to be better than ISU. If you add 4 teams to the mix, then those are 4 additional competitors for that sacred last spot. With the assumption being that in that scenario the former P5s would be picked up before a GO5 by the other Big 4...Im not sure that is a good asumption but it is the assumption I presume.

[CU Tiger]

Originally Posted by Breeze

ACC had no interest in West Virginia previously. That may have changed now with Louisville in the conference, but it is worth noting.

Correct.
And also, there are folks in Greensboro who think Texas was a strong ACC possibility a few years ago. I dont buy it mind you. But I've been told by 2 different ACC ADs that Swofford had Texas "ready to sign if Notre Dame signed full membership"

[HomerSimpson98]

Lets not forget about Texas and that lovely LHN. Will they give that cash cow up to join another conference? Will other conferences allow them to have their own network? Will E!SPN finally pull the plug on that money drain? Stay tuned! Riveting B12-4+2+0 drama!!

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by HomerSimpson98

Lets not forget about Texas and that lovely LHN. Will they give that cash cow up to join another conference? Will other conferences allow them to have their own network? Will E!SPN finally pull the plug on that money drain? Stay tuned! Riveting B12-4+2+0 drama!!

No conference will allow them to have their own network. Out of all the uncertainty, that's a pretty big certainty. ESPN would love for UT to move just so they can get out of that mess.

[CrescentMoonie]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

Possibly but who takes ISU/KSU with OU and UT still at play.

The ACC is looking to add 1 maybe 2. (Depending on the Notre Dame fallout. Which I still think belongs in the B1G but appears contractually destined for the ACC)
B1G and SEC both looking for 2
Pac 12 need 4

From the Big 12 you have
Baylor - Fairly toxic currently but once this "blows over" moderately desirable
Iowa State - Fledgling Interest
Kansas State - See Iowa State
Kansas - Basketball makes them desirable
Oklahoma - Major Want for all
OSU - Probably tops along with Iowa among Tier 2 (after OU/UT)
UT - The unprohibited A player here
TCU - A lot like Baylor. Huge Regional attraction. Close to Big TV markets. $$$
Texas Tech - More desireable than ISU or KSU but below everyone else
WVU - Wildcard. Strong following. Only D1 player in entire state. Interest spills into PA and OH. Academics hurt them. Current acceptance of Partial Qualifiers limits the ACC and B1G interest.

So who moves. I'd suggest that Houston, USF, UCF, Memphis and Cincinnati all hold higher appeal to some conferences than ISU/KSU.

For the PAC 12 specifically - Is Boise More attractive?

The ACC is convinced they will land Notre Dame in the next shuffle. But regardless it is safe to say that ND will be part of the 4 x 16 meaning at a minimum there is 1 current P5 school thats getting left out. Which makes perfect sense why all of the C and below players in the Big 12 dont want expansion. Id disolution is inevitable you dont have to be attractive if you are KSU, you just have to be better than ISU. If you add 4 teams to the mix, then those are 4 additional competitors for that sacred last spot. With the assumption being that in that scenario the former P5s would be picked up before a GO5 by the other Big 4...Im not sure that is a good asumption but it is the assumption I presume.

Does UConn have an appeal to the ACC now, to pair them with Syracuse and Boston College potentially? If Notre Dame were to bail on their ACC agreement somehow, I would think UConn plus either WVU or Cincinnati would make the most sense.

Let's say something like this:

ACC: UConn, Cincinnati
SEC: Oklahoma, West Virginia
B1G: Notre Dame, Texas
Pac-12: TCU, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Kansas

Does Houston hold more appeal than TCU or Baylor? Is UConn too much of a stretch in that scenario? I feel like they could have a Kansas type appeal for basketball, and they do have a decent football stadium.

[bronconick]

The football schools screamed to high heaven about UConn over Louisville and if UConn had won that vote, said football schools would have put feelers out to the Big XII and what not. I don't see UConn being admitted anytime soon.

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

For the PAC 12 specifically - Is Boise More attractive?

No. As much as the money is driving things now, the Pac-12 still has a mindset similar to the B1G that they are not just an athletics conference but a union of similar universities, and they maintain a high standard - the member schools must all be significant research universities.

I don't think the Broncos have enough TV viewership pull to get past their academic limitations.

The big prize for the Pac-12 would be Texas, but (obviously) the big sticking point would be TV revenue and what to do with the Longhorn Network. How to structure a mega-conference, who plays who and how often and which other schools come along would be the other main issues.