Russell described it as a “punch in the gut” when hearing what came out in the wake of Briles’ departure after winning two Big 12 titles at the school.
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The move is a proactive step for the conference, the board of director’s chair said.
The ACC was establishing a conference network, had secured grant-of-rights from its members through 2034 and had dibs on Notre Dame, should the Fighting Irish ever decide to leave football independence. If the league is going to expand I would add Houston and one team out east. Take your pick between Connecticut, Cincinnati and Memphis.
And now we know what the Big 12 coaches themselves are thinking. The football championship game will return for the 2017 season.
Following last month’s Big 12 meetings, the leagues’ board of directors sounded like a group administering last rites to schools jockeying for a seat at the adults’ table as college football feasted on financial windfall.
According to Boren, there’s more than one school that wants in the Big 12, but clearly there aren’t many obvious choices for the conference to select. Most of the history-rich schools now reside in other Power Five conferences, leaving the Big 12 with some tough decisions to ensure the conference isn’t watered down. But it became apparent this week that coaches and league officials were unsure how to set up two five-team divisions. Not anymore. For the Big 12, expansion is all about survival and protection.
Even if the AAC angle falls apart, the expansion ripple effect will mean other openings in other conferences elsewhere as teams shift alliances. “When I got in and first met with the team, I think they were somewhat skeptical of a lot of things”.
Would Conference USA or the Sun Belt (if the Sun Belt loses members to C-USA amid the falling dominos) be interested in the Minutemen for football only?
CBSSports.com’s Dennis Dodd reported that, per the Big 12 contract with ESPN and Fox, any new teams are guaranteed the existing annual revenue, which now is $30 million per school (including College Football Playoff and NCAA Tournament distribution).
The good news for the Big 12 Conference is that there is no shortage of suitors.
“There’s a contractual obligation to pay that additional amount pro rata that we’re already receiving if there is an expansion, a hypothetical expansion of the conference”, Boren said.
Even different than six weeks ago.
Asked if the ACC’s TV deal impacted the Big 12’s plans, Boren said, “Of course….”
“We are looking not just for athletic partners or the TV following of a team, but also the academic standards of these schools and institutions and shared values with us”, Boren said.
The expansion frenzy has returned. “There ought to be a home for us in the Big 12”. UConn was in the Big East and would bring a foothold into some larger northeast markets. Cincinnati seems most often mentioned.
Boise State: There would be logistical travel concerns by expanding this far west, but Boise State would be the best football program the league could bring in if you look at results over the last decade. Memphis has corporate backing. Another said Air Force should get more consideration.
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How much bigger will the conference get? It happens in other sports. I was sure you’d be indignant over lumping Minnesota, Nebraska, and Iowa together.
