We've had discussion about small changes for years, namely Notre Dame picking a conference, but lately things have been blowing up. The conference at the heart of it all is the Big 12, with Nebraska and Mizzou possibly moving to Pac 10 and Texas going somewhere else. Earlier today, I heard the Pac 10 is considering inviting TX, OU, OSU, CO, TTU, and TX A&M, which would leave Kansas, Kanasa State, Iowa State, and Baylor out in the open.
I'm all for Notre Dame picking a conference, which should've been done years ago, but the possible major shift of the Big 12 is not sitting well with me at all. I am completely against it and think things are fine as is. Plus, this would be would affect much more than football, all sports would move and what would this do with the BCS and such?
In addition, the Mountain West is proposing to invite Boise State to their conference, which would be a wise move and probably boost the MWC to get an automatic BCS berth, unless playoffs come soon.
What do others think of all this mess?
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=5251329
Moving very rapidly toward 4 major conferences, each with their own championship game, winners playing for the right at the national title. Big12 and Bigeast's days are numbered.
I'd rather see 8 conferences, each with their own championship (bowl game). Then we can enjoy a descent post season battle for the Title.
St. Auggie, I'd say the Big 12 and ACC are done, not the Big East.
The SEC would logically go for FSU, Miami, Clemson, and possibly North Carolina, Wake Forest, or NC State.
I still prefer as is, with Notre Dame being forced to make up their damn mind.
Big10 will take from the Big12 and BigEast. Pac10 from the Big12. I agree about the ACC being picked over, but then it fills its spots from the BigEast. So essentially the Big10 and ACC eat the BigEast. That is why I say the BigEast is gone, and this forces Notre Dame's hand. I know the BigEast is good at basketball, but in the end these conferences are being aligned by football and academics.
A big problem with all of this is that it has the chance to ruin several rivalry games. However, all of this may not happen if Mizzou and Nebraska confirm their backing of the Big 12.
Even if this does happen, both the Pac 10 has to have unanimous approval from all universities, and the Big 10 has to have 8 of 11 schools approve of adding a new school.
The conferences with the best TV contracts will win SEC, ACC, Big Ten and Pac 10.
The main reason why the Big 12 is getting all the attention is that you have only 3 true teams that constantly show up, Texas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska.
This isn't even mentioning the cash that Texas brings every year and it's over $16 billion endowment.
To the best of my knowlege, which is limited, Missouri might as well start painting the Big10+ logo on everything, same could be said for Rutgers. The Big10 TV deals CRUSHES every other conferences right now. If you add the state of Missouri (Kansas City and St. Louis) to New York, it will run circles around everyone else, regardless of Texas. But obviously Texas is the big prize out there followed by ND.
Texas' athletic department was #1 in revenue again, for the whatever year in a row. That and the # of people who donate money to the school by supporting it's program and watch them is the biggest gold mine.
However, they're interested in starting their own TV network and staying with the Big 12 is their stance right now, they don't want it to change.
Texas and Georgia are respectively the best well run Athletic departments in the country. Who is to say they could just leave and become independents? UGA maybe less because they have yet to win a MNC, but Texas, if they continue domination, could leave or be bribed with a billion to leave the Big 12.
Money is the main factor, because conferences are weak, and so are the leaders, its the TV people who hold the cards. Look for 16-20 game seasons coming soon to a Saturday near you. Its all about the money, forget playoffs, the only way you get a playoff is if the TV leaders see it as financially rewarding.
Multiple reports today of Nebraska being invited to the Big 10, and Colorado to the Pac 10. These of course have all been rumored in the recent weeks, but this is coming out of both Lincoln and Denver/Boulder as well as other Big 10 cities. These are just offers at this time but sounds like both will accept.
The Big 10 hasn't even extended an invitation, and probably won't. If they don't, then they'll be left out in the cold with one pissed off group of schools calling for blood.
This is by far no set in stone thing and nothing may even happen. Yes, in football it can be done, but what about the other sports? The logistics for most of the other sports involves buses and not airplanes and having a team go from TX of OK to Seattle and then back could prove too much to make sense for the athletes' education.
The Pac-10 will get nobody unless they use Baylor instead of Colorado. Even then, TX is comfortable where it is at and will likely say no to begin with.
I highly doubt that the Nebraska AD wants to be known as the guy that pulled trigger that lead to the collapse of a major conference. That adn the fact the Big 10 obviously has made it clear that they're not ready to act may not leave them a choice but to stay.
Reed, I am saying that newstations in those various locations are reporting that invitations have been extended. ESPN was reporting last night that Colorado had called a press conference for today. This again does not mean that they will accept, but rather that invites are going out. Sorry but the Big12 will soon be a distant memory as you have 3 teams (Nebraska, Colorado and Missouri) that WANT to leave. 3/12 is too much to overcome if you are replacing them with the likes of Boise, TCU and I dont know Utah/BYU.
If only Notre Dame would get into the Big 10, this would all be over with.
I'm not even sure that anything will even happen because you ahve to consider that football amy be the cash cow, but this could seriously hurt the other sports that can't travel on a dime and it could ahve adverse consequences on their academics.
There is a lot more to this than just football, and having a team in TX or OK having to travel to Seattle for a football game and then get back in time is kind of a hard thing to do.
My understanding, if you follow the rumors, is that the Texas schools would not be flying to Washington. They would have the 6 big 12 schools and then the two Arizona schools in their portion of the conference, those would be the "Western" teams, and that would represent their full confernce schedule, and than any possible confernce championship game. So they would not be going really any further than they are right now.
Quote from: reednavy on June 09, 2010, 12:24:33 PM
There is a lot more to this than just football, and having a team in TX or OK having to travel to Seattle for a football game and then get back in time is kind of a hard thing to do.
Right now Boston College is in the same conference with Miami, Florida State, Clemson and Georgia Tech. In the Big East for basketball, Marquette has to travel from Milwaukee and play schools in DC and Philly. They will make it work.
Ha, the ACC is a hickup away from falling apart because outside of VaTech, the ACC's power is in the south with Miami, FSU, and Clemson. BC was somewhat elgit when Matt Ryan was there, but that's about it. I've never understood why they're in that conference, they're better suited for the Big East.
I just don't see such a major shift happening. Reports are now that Nebraska won't commit to the Big Ten unless they get a invite by Saturday. Unfortunately for them, the Big 10 has no obvious intentions to do such.
How are they close to falling apart? They just got a brand new TV deal worth millions and you're acting like they're the next Circuit City.
http://www.foxsportsohio.com/06/09/10/Reports-Nebraska-to-Join-Big-Ten/landing.html?blockID=250141&feedID=3724 (http://www.foxsportsohio.com/06/09/10/Reports-Nebraska-to-Join-Big-Ten/landing.html?blockID=250141&feedID=3724)
Nebraska invited to the Big10 according to this.
Look for UConn to the ACC in the near(relatively speaking) future as well.
What I just saw on ESPN completely contradicts what that link you just posted says. All speculation right now, with little backing. All of them are saying sources this, and sources that. Well, wtf are your sources?
Quote from: copperfiend on June 09, 2010, 12:57:56 PM
They just got a brand new TV deal worth millions
This part is what is making pissed the most. All these people care about is the money now, and not about how it could affect their athletes and their educations. Hell, a number probably picked the school they go to becuase of the teams the regularly play against, and suddenly that is all f'd up because Notre Dame doesn't want to join a conference.
The NCAA is becoming a sad organization where money is the thing and the athletes take the back seat now.
ESPN.com does not contradict it, but rather states no offer has been extended. My Father and Brother both played football for Ohio State, and I did quite a bit of work at the hospital there. My family is very involved with the university and as such we have met some "higher ups". Its more than just internet fodder from which I speak, but not much more.
Quote from: reednavy on June 09, 2010, 01:10:45 PM
Quote from: copperfiend on June 09, 2010, 12:57:56 PM
They just got a brand new TV deal worth millions
This part is what is making pissed the most. All these people care about is the money now, and not about how it could affect their athletes and their educations. Hell, a number probably picked the school they go to becuase of the teams the regularly play against, and suddenly that is all f'd up because Notre Dame doesn't want to join a conference.
The NCAA is becoming a sad organization where money is the thing and the athletes take the back seat now.
I can assure that at least the Big 10 is concerned about the academic side of all of this. If the proposed Big10 expansion plan plays out they way they want it to, the Big 10 will control about 40% of all the research dollars spent in this country at universities. That is an amazing statistic. For the big 10 it is not JUST about sports. Yes at the end of the day it IS about money, but not just for sports.
Here is a scenario to ponder, if NU and Mizzou go to the Big 10 and Colorado to Pac 10, the Big 12 can still survive and add TCU, Houston, and Tulsa.
The way TCU has been going the past number of years, they'd be an excellent addition. Houston would be as well, and Tulsa is Conference USA, and would do well because they regularly play either OU or OK State.
I just don't see any TX or OK school going to the Pac 10, why would they want to do that and kill rivalry games and tradition.
There is no reason why the Big 12 shouldn't go after other schools as well, just be a whole dog-eat-dog competition.
Looks like it's official and Nebraska has gone to the Big 10 and the Big 12 is dead. Wow, I thought this would happen but not this fast. Looks like the Pac10 will send out invites soon. The SEC can't be far behind.
They're announcing they're leaving, but it will not be a done deal until summer 2012 at the earliest. It will take at least a year or two to move around the schedules and such.
The Big 12 isn't dead yet, because rumors are flying that they're targeting TCU, which makes sense because they're in Fort Worth.
If 7 teams leave the Big 12, they are dead....if only a few leave, they can backfill with old SWC members TCU, SMU, and Rice
Well that is a no shitter, if 7 leave, why bother even trying?
Here goes Colorado, no shocker really.
http://www.sportingnews.com/college-football/article/2010-06-10/colorado-set-announce-move-pac-10
What are the chances of TX / OK joining the SEC?
Quote from: Shwaz on June 10, 2010, 11:27:01 AM
What are the chances of TX / OK joining the SEC?
In the state things are now, it is possible. Them along with OK State and A&M would be good fits, IMO.
Quote from: tufsu1 on June 09, 2010, 10:29:38 PM
If 7 teams leave the Big 12, they are dead....if only a few leave, they can backfill with old SWC members TCU, SMU, and Rice
TCU would make sense but I doubt SMU and Rice would be considered. I think it is more likely to be a combination of the Mountain West and the remaining Big 12 teams.
How about FSU Miami to SEC east and OK Texas SEC west.
Quote from: reednavy on June 10, 2010, 12:04:37 PM
Quote from: Shwaz on June 10, 2010, 11:27:01 AM
What are the chances of TX / OK joining the SEC?
In the state things are now, it is possible. Them along with OK State and A&M would be good fits, IMO.
Personally I don't like the way this is shaping up... but it is going to be interesting to see how these teams rebuild to play in their new divisions. A powerhouse like TX that's used to playing in a pass happy conference and playing against weak defenses would not hold up well against most teams in the SEC.
TMZ is reporting sources at OK state stating they have a deal with the Pac 10.
Quote from: JeffreyS on June 10, 2010, 12:11:29 PM
How about FSU Miami to SEC east and OK Texas SEC west.
don't count on either one...for now the SEC seems content w/ 12 teams....and they already have the entire state covered by TV for UF
Quote from: JeffreyS on June 10, 2010, 02:05:22 PM
TMZ is reporting sources at OK state stating they have a deal with the Pac 10.
TMZ? Oh yeah, that's really reliable.
I just heard that on the radio. They are adding a sports division after all the money they made on Tiger Woods.
Quote from: JeffreyS on June 10, 2010, 02:14:12 PM
I just heard that on the radio. They are adding a sports division after all the money they made on Tiger Woods.
lmao
Just found the story.
http://www.tmz.com/category/tmzsports/ (http://www.tmz.com/category/tmzsports/)
I am not suggesting TMZ become anyone's news source. This is just a fun story to follow all the rumors.
Quote from: Shwaz on June 10, 2010, 12:15:57 PM
A powerhouse like TX that's used to playing in a pass happy conference and playing against weak defenses would not hold up well against most teams in the SEC.
They'd be fine in the SEC. Texas is strong on offense and defense. They kept up with Bama in the title game even without Colt McCoy.
and don't forget they ae the richest athletic program in the country...I'm sure that could hol up in the SEC too
http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/06/10/pac-10-officially-announces-addition-of-colorado/
Pac-10 officially announces addition of Colorado
Posted by John Taylor on June 10, 2010 12:27 PM ET
There it is. It is indeed a done deal.
According to a press release on their official website, the Pac-10 has announced the addition of Colorado as the 11th -- and probably not last -- member of their conference.
"This is an historic moment for the Conference, as the Pac-10 is poised for tremendous growth. The University of Colorado is a great fit for the Conference both academically and athletically and we are incredibly excited to welcome Colorado to the Pac-10," said Commissioner Larry Scott in a statement.
"On behalf of The University of Colorado students, faculty, alumni and fans, we are proud to accept this invitation from the Pac-10 and join the most prestigious academic and athletic conference in the nation, " said Philip P. DiStefano, chancellor of CU-Boulder.
"The University of Colorado is a perfect match - academically and athletically - with the Pac-10," said University of Colorado President Bruce D. Benson, "our achievements and aspirations match those of the universities in the conference and we look forward to a productive relationship."
Details such as when the Buffaloes would begin play in their new league were not revealed. A press conference will be held at Folsom Field in Colorado on Friday at 1 p.m. ET that may provide further details.
Nebraska, Texas, the conference floor's all yours.
Quote from: tufsu1 on June 10, 2010, 04:23:56 PM
and don't forget they ae the richest athletic program in the country...I'm sure that could hol up in the SEC too
I'm sure they would hold up nicely, but having gone to Texas, I can say that fan base sure does enjoy that steady diet of weak conference opponents and traditional nonconference foes (Rice, UTEP, etc.). Anyone who thinks a certain element of Florida fans derives too much pleasure from beating up on Vanderbilt and co., the Texas contingent may be even worse.
Oh yeah, FL is really doing a good job playing teams like Troy and Charleston Southern as part of their OCC.
Quote from: reednavy on June 10, 2010, 05:26:06 PM
Oh yeah, FL is really doing a good job playing teams like Troy and Charleston Southern as part of their OCC.
I hear you there. I mean the TX fans may be even worse in reveling in beating up on their standard OCC opponents.
Texas and Texas A&M are now reported by a TV station in Kansas City to have petetioned the Big Ten for entry. Accademics would be the big factor if this report is true.
the big problem for Texas is that politically they have to bring A&M and Tech with them
Reports are that A&M and UT were in a conference call that included the SEC and UT was clearly impressed with the presentation they showed.
It'll all come down to three words: "Show me the money."
Who's counting?
Quote from: buckethead on June 10, 2010, 08:04:14 PM
It'll all come down to three words: "Show me the money."
Who's counting?
pfft, it comes down to a sign, this one: $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Quote from: reednavy on June 10, 2010, 07:55:09 PM
Reports are that A&M and UT were in a conference call that included the SEC and UT was clearly impressed with the presentation they showed.
This would make a lot of sense.
Quote from: JeffreyS on June 10, 2010, 08:23:27 PM
This would make a lot of sense.
Sure does, now get OU and OK State on board and the SEC is set.
If the ACC could jump on Rutgers, West Virgina, South Florida and Syracuse they could improve their TV standings.
All of the Big Ten teams are members of the AAU, so I think that might factor in too. Texas Tech is not in the AAU, so either the Big Ten would have to lower its academic standards to let the Texas teams in or it'd have to just take in Texas and Texas A&M and leave out Texas Tech. I'd have to think that the academics would have to factor in though at least somewhat because the Big Ten schools often partner up in research and it's a student recruiting tool too. Maybe I'm naive and idealistic though.
Personally, I don't think this expansion business makes any sense because these super conferences would be so vast. Logistically it's awful for sports other than football. I mean can you imagine making trips from Austin to LA or Eugene on a fairly regular basis while going to college? These aren't pro athletes. What is really important here? The students' educations or the TV deals...on second thought don't answer that.
I believe they want to keep the AAU thing...which is why Missouri and Rutgers have been mentioned
AAU is important to Texas only Vanderbilt and Florida have that distinction in the SEC.
IMO, all of these changes means nothing unless college football ultimately get some kinda playoff system.