“The board today directed the commissioner to actively evaluate their interests and to report back those evaluations which he will make back to the board at a future board meeting”, said OU President David Boren, chairman of the Big 12 Board of Directors.
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Actually, Leath forecasted eventual expansion last month, when I asked him if, in 10 years, the Big 12 would still consist of 10 teams. All three of those qualities are what the confernce is looking for. It’s equally likely, however, that an exploration-as Oklahoma’s David Boren called it-was suggested by the Big 12’s consultant firms, and the conference just chose this week to pull the trigger.
Also, in the past 30 years, BYU football has won more games (264) than any other on this list.
Bowlsby later indicated to CBSSports.com that they have previously been contacted by 25 schools.
South Florida didn’t make a great first impression, though. Would provide a geographic partner for West Virginia.
And for #4 (The Big 12 is considering adding four)? With the Big 12 no longer talking about a conference network, that foot in the NY and Boston television markets might not be as appealing. It’s no secret that the Broncos have been one of the best group of 5 teams for over a decade.
The scoop: “Any time conference realignment comes up, if it’s anything west of the MS, they’re interested”.
Given that BYU and Houston are easily the two best football programs within the available choices, this might come as no surprise. “Boise State’s positives are very clear, and the negatives are very clear”.
The hindrances to expansions have always been that are no schools who are not now members of either the ACC, Big Ten, Pac-12 or SEC, that could bring in more revenue than they take from the pot.
The fact that Boise State is also ranked by Forbes as No. 612 in overall academics doesn’t help either.
BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe said he was “obviously excited” about the Big 12’s decision.
And it’s unclear if the Big 12’s media revenue increase fromESPN and Fox would be impacted by the expansion in football only.
Cons: Again, Fort Collins isn’t the greatest location.
Even if the AAC angle falls apart, the expansion ripple effect will mean other openings in other conferences elsewhere as teams shift alliances. Meanwhile, in a personalized video sent to KRIV-TV, Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta said this was an exciting moment for the Cougars.
Nobody does, with 10 teams that would continue a complete round-robin. The major hurdle is whether Texas, TCU, Texas Tech, Baylor etc., want to elevate another in-state school and add a potential recruiting competitor.
UConn wants back in a Power 5 conference. But in the Big 12 championship, the Sooners face 9-3 TCU, which has no shot of getting into the playoff.
“I think we will probably end up playing divisions, I think our two champions of those divisions will end up likely playing each other in the championship game”. The Bearcats have been pretty competitive recently and have the makings of one of the most exciting offensive teams in the country. “Sometimes you may think you have to change your cell phone number because the number of schools that want to express interest in coming to join the Big 12 Conference”.
The scoop: “Fans all think Cincinnati should be the favorites to go there because of the TV market, the program it built up, especially basketball-wise … But we’re going to do everything we can to be sure people make whatever decision they make based on good information”.
Translation: Strength of football program. The other nine school were concerned about guilt by association.
And heaven forbid Iowa State and Kansas ending up in a situation that eliminates annual home-and-homes.
Whatever the Baylor contingent told the Big 12 on Tuesday seemed to satisfy it.
Pros: It’s Florida. A big football market.
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That’s the Cliff’s Notes version of why the Big 12 pulled an apparent about-face Tuesday when it announced a formal exploration of expanding the conference.
