Could the Big12 and PAC10 Combine?

[DFWJC]

We would need schools like LSU and Arkansas to join but I do not imagine that would happen.

:laugh2: That is for sure.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Salvaging the Big XII is just about out of the question now. We have already lost the Denver market and are likely to lose the Nebraska fanbase. Bringing in more Texas schools will not compensate our losses. We would need schools like LSU and Arkansas to join but I do not imagine that would happen.

As far as Market Share, Nebraska is not that big a deal. They are a great program but they don't have access to huge TV markets, per say. Denver area is a problem. They represent about 1.5 Million but, if you could get Utah, that would help a great deal because that would bring in about 1 Million viewers. Houston would probably be the best bet to add but then you have the question of academics and if they meet what Texas wants to see happen. The answer here is Notre Dame. If the Big 12 could add Notre Dame, that would solve a great many problems. Most believe this would be impossible but I'm not so sure. It would be very tough but a lot depends on what the BCS decides to do and if the Big East gets raided, which I think they will.

Most people believe that if Notre Dame ever decided to jump to a conference it would be the Big 10. It's possible but the problem with that is that the Big 10 forces all schools to share equally in revenue. The Big 12 doesn't. What does that mean? It means that Notre Dame could negotiate a more favorable agreement with the Big 12 then with the Big 10. This is a lot of pie in the sky but I don't think it's impossible. There are reasons why the Big 12 could be a better deal for a team like Notre Dame then the Big 10 would be.

 

[Dawgs0916]

If the six Big 12 schools leave for the Pac 10 then a MWC merger with the remaining Big 12 pieces (plus Boise) seems like it would add up to a BCS worthy conference.

If Texas Tech actually gets in the Pac 10, they seem like the biggest winner of all out these musical chairs. I bet they would be ecstatic to end up with a better deal than schools like Missouri, Kansas, etc. I like Tech, so good for them...but they are really benefiting with the UT coattails. They also benefit from Cal-Berkley not wanting a conservative (and religious afflilated) school like Baylor getting into the Pac 10.

Sigh. This whole "Tech Problem" has really been a slap in the face. I'm not sure why we're looked so down upon but it's whatever I suppose. Two years ago we were ranked number 2 in the country at one point. Tuberville is highly respected. The University is growing by leaps and bounds academically. But whatever.

 

[Dawgs0916]

And lol at the Judson Rocket fan who thinks UTSA could be a D-1 school. Talk about ridiculous.

 

[DFWJC]

Sigh. This whole "Tech Problem" has really been a slap in the face. I'm not sure why we're looked so down upon but it's whatever I suppose. Two years ago we were ranked number 2 in the country at one point. Tuberville is highly respected. The University is growing by leaps and bounds academically. But whatever.

I like Tech and can relate to their fanbase. My undergrad school (East Carolina) is kind of like Tech was before the Leach era. Football crazy, growing school and academics, nice facilites, etc. But my grad shcool (North Carolina) is more like UT...and they look down on ECU in a similar manner even though, like Tech, ECU has a ton of political clout in the state capital. At least Tech is already in a BCS conference with it's huge advantages.

I think the issue is more that Tech is not a tier one or two academic university...and some conferences' (Big 10 and ACC and maybe the Pac 10) draw the line on acceptance with that. Tech may be the exception in the Pac 10--and it's not like the Arisozona schools are Tier one anyway. No doubt, TT is on the rise....so I feel your pain.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

I lke Tech and can relate to their fanbase.
I think the issue is more that Tech is not a tier one or two academic university...and some conferences' (Big 10 and ACC and maybe the Pac 10) draw the line on acceptance with that. No doubt, TT is on the rise....so I feel your pain.

I agree. We know that the Big 10 is not offering anybody who can't "Fit" their academic profile. It's because they get so much money from the NCAA and other sources for Academic Studies etc. Several Millions of dollars go to the Big 10 conference to support Academic Research and Study.

 

[Dawgs0916]

I like Tech and can relate to their fanbase. My undergrad school (East Carolina) is kind of like Tech was before the Leach era. Football crazy, growing school and academics, nice facilites, etc. But my grad shcool (North Carolina) is more like UT...and they look down on ECU in a similar manner even though, like Tech, ECU has a ton of political clout in the state capital. At least Tech is already in a BCS conference with it's huge advantages.

I think the issue is more that Tech is not a tier one or two academic university...and some conferences' (Big 10 and ACC and maybe the Pac 10) draw the line on acceptance with that. Tech may be the exception in the Pac 10--and it's not like the Arisozona schools are Tier one anyway. No doubt, TT is on the rise....so I feel your pain.

We're actually very much on the cusp of becoming tier one...it was an extreme point of emphasis all year, so I hope that comes through.

Enjoy Papa Bear Ruffin. He's a likeable guy for sure.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=5276551

According to ESPN, Nebraska has made it official. They are now a part of the Big 10 Conference.

That's probably it for the Big 12.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=5276668

Per ESPN: Big 12 future said to hinge on Texas

ESPN.com news services

AUSTIN, Texas -- University of Texas regents will meet next week to decide whether the Longhorns will remain in the Big 12 or switch to another conference, setting the table for an unprecedented realignment of power conferences in college sports.

Texas holds significant sway amid a changing landscape that has seen Colorado move to the Pac-10 and Nebraska reportedly bolting to the Big Ten in successive days.

The athletic director of Texas' longtime interstate rival, Oklahoma said if the Longhorns were to announce they were committed to staying in the Big 12, the other 10 teams left would likely remain, too.

Big 12 blog

Ubben ESPN.com's David Ubben writes about all things Big 12 in his conference blog.

• Blog network:
College Football Nation

"Behind the scenes, we're talking about all the different kinds of strategies and plans that would prove that point," Joe Castiglione told The Oklahoman on Thursday.

One source within the Big 12 told ESPN's Joe Schad on Friday that Baylor, Kansas and Oklahoma have been gathering information about the fiscal viability of keeping the conference alive with 10 teams. In that scenario the conference would sacrifice a conference title game. They are exploring the television ramifications as well.

"We have a very, very strong sense from our television partners that the revenue stream would be very, very good going forward," Castiglione told The Oklahoman. "Better than where we are today."

Another source familiar with the Pac-10's plans told ESPN that the SEC's interests in Texas A&M and Oklahoma are "real." Another source within the Big 12 said Texas A&M does not necessarily feel it should be required to be attached to the Longhorns.

The Texas regents announced Friday that they will hold a meeting by telephone Tuesday for "discussion and appropriate action regarding athletic conference membership."

"There's still proof that 11 or 10 teams together can create some significant value. Even more than where we are with 12," Castiglione told the Oklahoma City newspaper.

"Whether we can convince people that staying together is a good option, I don't know."

Castiglione said he continued to work toward a solution to save the Big 12, which he said can still thrive -- in competition and on the balance sheet.

"I understand people are writing this like the ship has sailed and there really isn't any way the Big 12 could stay together," Castiglione told the Oklahoma City newspaper. "I just don't think this is true. I think there's still a way for us to stick together and be viable. Whether we do or not, I don't know."

In addition to Colorado's move, the Pac-10 is also reportedly interested in inviting Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech to form a 16-team league.

Missouri was reported to be on the trading block, too, even reportedly prompting the Big 12 to issue an ultimatum that also included Nebraska, requiring the schools to commit to the Big 12 by Friday, with an extension possible through Tuesday.

But the president of the University of Missouri system, Gary Forsee, told reporters Thursday he doesn't feel compelled to "justify our loyalty"

"I don't think we need to justify our history in that regard," Forsee said.

Forsee, speaking for the first time on the conference shuffling, said he decided to speak on the subject after Colorado announced its move to the Pac-10.

"Our curators are very interested in those developments, very interested in these facts as they appear. As you might imagine we won't participate in feeding continued speculation of what else might happen around conference realignment or in the Big 12 for that matter.

"But rest assured that our Board of Curators, all our administrators, are on top of these issues."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

 

[DFWJC]

We're actually very much on the cusp of becoming tier one...it was an extreme point of emphasis all year, so I hope that comes through.

Enjoy Papa Bear Ruffin. He's a likeable guy for sure.

Well in the latest ratings, Tech advanced to tier 3. They tend to lump tier 1 and 2 together so I'm not sure where they cut it off but Kentucky was rated #128 in national universities (public and private) and then it goes to tier 3. A&M was 61st and TCU was 110th. UT and Rice were the highest in Texas.

Top Public Schools (National University category) are Cal, Michigan, UVa, UNC, and UCLA.
Oh yeah...those ratings can be weird so it's not the be-all, end-all.

Hopefully Ruffin and your previous OC will do a good job of replacing Skip Holz at ECU. Good luck with Tuberville!

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Sigh. This whole "Tech Problem" has really been a slap in the face. I'm not sure why we're looked so down upon but it's whatever I suppose. Two years ago we were ranked number 2 in the country at one point. Tuberville is highly respected. The University is growing by leaps and bounds academically. But whatever.

Don't take it personally... UT looks down their nose at everyone.

Anyway, Gene Stallings was on GAC for a few minutes yesterday, and it was crystal clear that he is very much against this Pac-16 idea. He wants the SEC, and understandably so. They'll probably have to follow Texas in the end, but it's good to see that there's some resistance from some influential people.

BTW, Tuberville was on GAC also and I loved it when he said he couldn't see the Big Ten as a destination because football isn't everything there like it is in the SEC or Big 12. Without saying in so many words, it was obvious he didn't think that much of Big Ten football. (Which I agree with.)

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Don't take it personally... UT looks down their nose at everyone.

Anyway, Gene Stallings was on GAC for a few minutes yesterday, and it was crystal clear that he is very much against this Pac-16 idea. He wants the SEC, and understandably so. They'll probably have to follow Texas in the end, but it's good to see that there's some resistance from some influential people.

BTW, Tuberville was on GAC also and I loved it when he said he couldn't see the Big Ten as a destination because football isn't everything there like it is in the SEC or Big 12. Without saying in so many words, it was obvious he didn't think that much of Big Ten football. (Which I agree with.)

Yeah, Stallings ties to Bama, I'm sure are driving a great deal of this. Truth be told, maybe it's just time to A&M go. I guess if OU and A&M left, that would open up the door for Texas to go Independent.

Here's what I wonder. If Texas and the rest were to joing the Pac 10, would the Conference Championship game be at the Rose Bowl or Texas Stadium? Might rotate I guess. Rose Bowl is pretty run down thou.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Well, I know there were a couple of reports that OU was talking to the SEC, but I get OKC sports radio where I am, and they all seem to be very excited about moving to the Pac 16. And besides, OU's AD Castiglione already said they were staying with UT.

Personally, I think it would be a GREAT move for A&M to go to the SEC if possible. I don't care for the Pac10 at all and IMO it's inferior football. (No offense to the west coasters out there.)

Seriously, I would love to hear from others like me who aren't a UT or an A&M fan. As an impartial fan of good football, I would turn on an A&M-SEC game way before I would a UT-Pac10 game.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Well, I know there were a couple of reports that OU was talking to the SEC, but I get OKC sports radio where I am, and they all seem to be very excited about moving to the Pac 16. And besides, OU's AD Castiglione already said they were staying with UT.

Personally, I think it would be a GREAT move for A&M to go to the SEC if possible. I don't care for the Pac10 at all and IMO it's inferior football. (No offense to the west coasters out there.)

Seriously, I would love to hear from others like me who aren't a UT or an A&M fan. As an impartial fan of good football, I would turn on an A&M-SEC game way before I would a UT-Pac10 game.

Travel would be brutal for TAM if they went to the SEC.

 

[joseephuss]

Travel would be brutal for TAM if they went to the SEC.

Not as brutal as being in the Pac-10. Gainesville, Florida is closer to College Station than all of the Pac 10 schools, especially the schools in Washington and Oregon.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Not as brutal as being in the Pac-10. Gainesville, Florida is closer to College Station than all of the Pac 10 schools, especially the schools in Washington and Oregon.

I don't know about that. If they go to the Pac 10, chances are, they are in the Eastern Division, which would include Texas (Austin), Tech (Lubback), OU (Norman), OKSt. (Stillwter), ASU (Tempe), Az (Tucson) or Colorado (Boulder), with probably two Western Division Games on the Pacific Coast and two games they schedule themselves for open dates.

If they jump to the SEC, they would probably play in the West, which would be Bama (Tuscaloosa) Arkansas (Fayetteville), Auburn (Auburn), LSU (Baton Rouge), Miss St. (Starksville) and Ole Miss (Oxford), plus to Eastern Divsion games and two open games.

They would no longer be playing the old SWC teams and the the travel would be longer. I'd guess that LSU is probably closest. In the Pac 10, you have Texas, Tech, OU and OKSt. all pretty close.

 

[Doomsday101]

I don't know about that. If they go to the Pac 10, chances are, they are in the Eastern Division, which would include Texas (Austin), Tech (Lubback), OU (Norman), OKSt. (Stillwter), ASU (Tempe), Az (Tucson) or Colorado (Boulder), with probably two Western Division Games on the Pacific Coast and two games they schedule themselves for open dates.

If they jump to the SEC, they would probably play in the West, which would be Bama (Tuscaloosa) Arkansas (Fayetteville), Auburn (Auburn), LSU (Baton Rouge), Miss St. (Starksville) and Ole Miss (Oxford), plus to Eastern Divsion games and two open games.

They would no longer be playing the old SWC teams and the the travel would be longer. I'd guess that LSU is probably closest. In the Pac 10, you have Texas, Tech, OU and OKSt. all pretty close.

True Oklahoma is not that far if you don't mind driving through hell to get there. :laugh2:

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

True Oklahoma is not that far if you don't mind driving through hell to get there. :laugh2:

Well, you got me there.

 

[peplaw06]

Geographically, the ACC would not work IMO. The Big East is about to be Raided itself and if that happens, Kansas would only be moving to a like situation IMO. Big 12 will be gone, Big 10 does not want Kansas, SEC does not want Kansas and the Pac 10, apparently, doesn't either. I would love to see Kansas hang in with the rest of the Big 12 schools but they were not offered. WWC is completely out of the question. First of all, you only have 8 teams and all of them are located in the Pacific West. They area all also religious affiliated Universities. The travel needed to support Kansas, which is D1 in all mens and womens sports would be unrealistic and that league doesn't make money, which is the major motivation for selecting a conference to jump to these days. Logically, the MWC is the best destination for Kansas, as things stand today. Of course, that's only my opinion.

You misunderstood my post. I wasn't saying who they should go to. I was simply ranking the conferences and the MWC is way down there. It's not good for KU basketball to go to the MWC no matter how you slice it. They would be better served staying where they were.

Now if you're talking about conferences they could go to, they're just as close geographically to the ACC as Texas is to the Pac-10. It's really not about geographic location anymore. Traveling from Austin or College Station to Seattle is halfway across the country. So basically, they COULD go anywhere. Who knows what the names of the new conferences would be. They may not have anything to do with geographic location.

The key in my earlier post was, "No Conference that they could go to is in their class." Even of the conferences you mentioned, only the ACC, Pac 10 and SEC have programs who rank with Kansas. UNC, Duke, Kentucky and UCLA. Realistically, unless the Pac 10 expands it's offer to include Kansas, which it won't because UCLA wants no part of Kansas Basketball, the Jayhawks are SOL because they don't have a great football program, which is what is pushing conference expansion right now. Big 10 might make sense but they don't need more Basketball programs. They are looking for universities who can fit academically and can improve their BCS standing.

I'm not arguing any of this... I'm simply arguing that KU basketball in the MWC is gonna be a joke. I don't see what's so hard to understand about that.

 

[peplaw06]

Well, I know there were a couple of reports that OU was talking to the SEC, but I get OKC sports radio where I am, and they all seem to be very excited about moving to the Pac 16. And besides, OU's AD Castiglione already said they were staying with UT.

Personally, I think it would be a GREAT move for A&M to go to the SEC if possible. I don't care for the Pac10 at all and IMO it's inferior football. (No offense to the west coasters out there.)

Seriously, I would love to hear from others like me who aren't a UT or an A&M fan. As an impartial fan of good football, I would turn on an A&M-SEC game way before I would a UT-Pac10 game.

I'm not impartial, but I don't think A&M would EVER not be attached to Texas at the hip wherever Texas goes. They'd have to change their fight song's lyrics.