(12-17-2015 12:27 PM)Native Georgian Wrote:  

(12-17-2015 11:52 AM)CitrusUCF Wrote:  

(12-17-2015 11:41 AM)BigEastHomer Wrote:  Or the Big 12 castaways, once OU leads another exodus... Having been left behind when the SWC imploded, I've seen the death of a brand. Supernova

That probably leads to the remaining B12 schools inviting the top of the AAC and maybe the top of the MWC and BYU.

The Big <XII is pretty stable right now. OU getting into the play-off helps to ensure that it will remain stable for several years to come, IMHO. Keep in mind that the league presidents don't actually Want to expand... they are simply willing to swallow their pride and do it *IF* they are backed into a corner and have no other choice. That hasn't happened yet and may not ever happen.

But, okay, I'll play along. Let's suppose that there is some sort of "exodus" involving the league's biggest brands.


That would depend on who, precisely, the "remaining" members are.

Just offhand, if you take away Oklahoma, Texas, and two others (let's say, just for discussion, that the other two are Kansas and OK State), then you're looking at a "Big VI" consisting of:

Baylor
Iowa State
Kansas State
Texas Tech
TCU
West Virginia

I don't envision that group being able to dictate terms to anyone else.

Under that scenario I think you may see other P5 conference attempt to expand also. the SEC "could" be interested in WVU and it wouldnt shock me if the ACC made a real out of the box move and picked up Baylor and TCU.

Yes, they are both private schools outside of their normal area, but they fit the academic profile, the competitive profile and open up huge markets for the ACC.

Texas isnt going anywhere without Texas Tech, and I dont see Oklahoma making a move without OSU. Tons of political issues there if either tries it. If there is a move it will be those four.

I can see Kansas, KSU, West Virginia and Iowa State looking to rebuild the Big 12.... and if I really had to guess, the ACC doesnt take the two texas schools but instead convinces Notre Dame to join and they finally relent and take Uconn. I know WVU would try like crazy to get in to the ACC, but they barely could stand Lvills academics and they are light years ahead of WVU.

A core of ISU, KSU, Kansas, Baylor, TCU and WVU would be a great building block for a new 12-14 team conference. I think BYU is their first choice and then they build from there. Those 7 make a solid beginning. Add in 7-9 more teams and I think its competitively equal to the ACC.