Big Ten and other Conference Expansion

[FCollinsBuckeye]

This is perhaps my favorite quote from yesterday, "All the 10 schools were encouraged by the conference and television networks to "schedule aggressively" in non-conference games to help beef up the strength of schedule in a league that lacks a lot of wow factor"

I hope that each school takes this to heart otherwise the BCS computers won't be very kind to the league.

One thing that occurs to me after things have (seemingly) quieted down for now, is there any chance that the major conferences will shun the BigXII 2.0? Highly unlikely, I guess, but just something that seems like a possibility...

Also, I think as has been mentioned, this outcome plays into the BigTen's hand, imo. Well played, Jim Delany.

 

[jwinslow]

The b12 will still be a challenge for Texas, but from a national perspective, it is a one game season. That's not fair, but I think it's a possible opinion. Fortunately for Texas, ESPN will not be joining in that chorus.

Texas Tech has been very good over the last decade.

But only on par with an Oregon State or Ole Miss.

Mizzou, OSU have also had top 10 teams from time to time.

When was the last time they finished as a top ten team?

Is the big 12 weaker? Without a doubt, but they seem to know it. This is perhaps my favorite quote from yesterday, "All the 10 schools were encouraged by the conference and television networks to "schedule aggressively" in non-conference games to help beef up the strength of schedule in a league that lacks a lot of wow factor"

What does Mack Brown think of this? I remember him enjoying the OSU series but wanting an easier slate afterwards.

 

[FCollinsBuckeye]

Regarding 'shunning' the BigXII 2.0, I would imagine that the Pac-10 may not be interested in scheduling Texas as retribution for blowing up their mega-conference... maybe...

 

[Dryden]

I think the new Big XII is weaker in this respect: Regardless of what one thinks of Nebraska or Colorado's competitive contributions to the conference, there's going to be a perception hit. You just don't lose one of the top five programs of all-time and not suffer a perception hit.

Agree. Imagine the wailing and gnashing of teeth if Michigan left the Big 10. People would be up in arms about Ohio State's new cremepuff schedule, ignoring the fact that Northwestern, Minnesota, Purdue and Michigan State have been more competitive in football than Michigan over the past two years. Heck, even Illinois has finished ahead of Michigan in the conference over this period.

Ws & Ls don't matter when it comes to perception. In 2007 I saw a 5 win Nebraska team on national TV more than 12 win Missouri and Kansas squads combined.

The brand is what matters, and the Big XII's brand is substantially weakened without Colorado or Nebraska, regardless how well or poorly they've played football over the past decade.

 

[ORD_Buckeye]

One thing that occurs to me after things have (seemingly) quieted down for now, is there any chance that the major conferences will shun the BigXII 2.0? Highly unlikely, I guess, but just something that seems like a possibility...

Also, I think as has been mentioned, this outcome plays into the BigTen's hand, imo. Well played, Jim Delany.

I wouldn't expect much love to be forthcoming from the Pac 10. Nebraska is going to want nothing to do with them, and the SEC doesn't play outside of the deep South. That really just leaves the Big Ten, ACC and ND if they truly want to schedule aggressively.

 

[High Lonesome]

.When was the last time they finished as a top ten team?
.

Mizzou finished number 4 in 08 in the AP poll - (BB73 edit - this is the Jan '08 poll for the '07 season)
Okie state - ehh, not so much

 

[DaddyBigBucks]

Even IF the Big 12 have all signed a contract to keep their conference intact for the next 15 minutes or so (yes, that's a big IF)...

What if Jim Delany turns around and snags Rutgers (#1 in APR btw)?

Slive is on record saying that he won't let someone else super-size without taking SEC along for the ride. So who would he add? Almost certainly ACC teams...

And the dominos start falling again.

With or without the Big 12, it is way too early to declare expansion dead.

 

[muffler dragon]

Texas Tech has been very good over the last decade.

Tommy Tuberville says, "Hi!".

 

[FCollinsBuckeye]

With or without the Big 12, it is way too early to declare expansion dead.

I don't think anyone believes expansion is dead. It may just be taking a nap.

However, my conjecture belies the truism that Jim Delany doesn't sleep....he waits.

 

[Fungo Squiggly]

I don't think anyone believes expansion is dead. It may just be taking a nap.

Pining for the fjords?

 

[Tlangs]

I agree that you cannot lose Nebraska and not take a hit in perception and reality.

I also think that it is false to say that Texas has a one game schedule. Texas Tech has been very good over the last decade. Mizzou, OSU have also had top 10 teams from time to time. Just because they aren't power houses in the class room or in TV draw, doesn't mean that they can't play ball.

Is the big 12 weaker? Without a doubt, but they seem to know it. This is perhaps my favorite quote from yesterday, "All the 10 schools were encouraged by the conference and television networks to "schedule aggressively" in non-conference games to help beef up the strength of schedule in a league that lacks a lot of wow factor"

I hope that each school takes this to heart otherwise the BCS computers won't be very kind to the league.

Keep in mind that Tech just fired the evil genius. They are going to be a few rungs lower for awhile.

 

[FCollinsBuckeye]

Pining for the fjords?

Hells no. I drive a hjonda.

 

[Dryden]

Keep in mind that Tech just fired the evil genius. They are going to be a few rungs lower for awhile.

I don't know about that. Between Tommy Tuberville's offensive wizardry and Adam James's work ethic permeating the team, I see 12 wins.

OK. Maybe not.

 

[Fungo Squiggly]

I don't know about that. Between Tommy Tuberville's offensive wizardry and Adam James's work ethic permeating the team, I see 12 wins.

OK. Maybe not.

Well, it IS a 5-year contract and they'll probably give him at least 3. I think he can average 4 wins per season.

 

[LordJeffBuck]

It is entirely possible that expansion is going to go on hiatus for a year or so. It is also entirely possible that this is only the calm before the storm.

Even IF the Big 12 have all signed a contract to keep their conference intact for the next 15 minutes or so (yes, that's a big IF)...

What if Jim Delany turns around and snags Rutgers (#1 in APR btw)?

Slive is on record saying that he won't let someone else super-size without taking SEC along for the ride. So who would he add? Almost certainly ACC teams...

And the dominos start falling again.

With or without the Big 12, it is way too early to declare expansion dead.

Agree with all of this ... and the Big XII schools are still playing Russian roulette - each one knows that the other nine are making secret escape plans, so why not preempt the rest of the conference and take the best deal first and leave the others in the lurch?