(05-03-2010 09:19 AM)adcorbett Wrote: (05-03-2010 08:47 AM)MichaelSavage Wrote: Follow the steps. If Missouri leaves, the Big 12 could likely remain viable with eleven teams or by adding TCU. If Missouri and either Nebraska or Colorado leave, it becomes more difficult and if all three are gone then its hard to see the Big 12 continuing to exist in any meaningful form.
Texas is the driving force here. If Texas is OK with whatever is left of the Big 12, the conference can probably keep going. But that’s not likely if the Big 12 is down to scraps, and if Texas bolts for the SEC or Pac-10, then KU and K-State are scrambling to save their own existence on the national scene.
A couple of quotes in this article lead me to beleive the author is not in tune with what is going on as he may think. Obviously if the Big XII is sufferign from small markets, adding a team in its existing market will not help. And we know the issues with Texas and the SeCheatum.
I agree. TCU can forget about an invitation to the Big 12 so long as Texas remains in the conference. If Texas (and TAMU) leaves, then TCU seems a likely addition.
I think the newspaper is being a little over-the-top to generate interest.
Texas or Oklahoma are each by themselves strong enough to anchor the Big 12. The departure of one would not cause the departure of the other.
As for the departure of Nebraska and Missouri - from a Texas standpoint - I don't think they'll be too bothered. Or Colorado.
Indications are that there is real resistance to expansion amongst certain members of the Pac 10. It may take a minor miracle just to add Colorado and Utah. I think they can do it, but my guess is that's where it stops.
So, if Colorado (and Utah) to the Pac 10;
and Nebraska and Missouri to the Big 10;
that leaves TX, TXAM, TXT, Baylor, OU, OkST, KU, KSST, and IAST.
meanwhile Pitt, Syracuse and Rutgers also go Big 10.
If the SEC expands, and if Texas wants, TX and TXAM go to the SEC.
If TX turns the SEC down.... do they look at Oklahoma? Or do they just say screw it and look east? Oklahoma and 3 ACC schools?
As noted, Texas rules the roost in the Big 12. In the SEC they would not rule the roost but they'd make a chunk more money. Is it enough money to make it worth it? In the Big 12 they or Oklahoma routinely win the BCS slot(s). In the SEC they would not have that surety.
So, I don't think Texas' departure is assured, but no one can really be surprised if they do.
If Texas leaves (w/ TXAM):
West: Oklahoma, OkSU, TXT, Baylor, Colorado State, Kansas State
East: Cincinnati, Iowa State, Kansas, Louisville, Memphis, West Virginia/TCU
If Oklahoma leaves:
West: Texas, Baylor, Colorado State, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech,
East: Texas A&M, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Kansas, Louisville, West Virginia/Memphis
Really, even without Texas and TXAM there's no pressing need to add TCU. The state of TX is still covered with Texas Tech and Baylor.
If Texas and Oklahoma stay:
West: Baylor, Colorado State, Kansas, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas Tech,
East: Cincinnati, Iowa State, Louisville, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Texas A&M
I don't know. A million combinations to choose from.
I don't think the sky is falling for the Big 12.
Even if both Texas and Oklahoma left with their shadows, the Big 12 would not just simply fold. Why would they do that? That's hyperbole. If you're Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, Texas Tech and Baylor you keep all the basketball credits, for one, and you get yourselves some BCS schools: Cincinnati, Louisville, and West Virginia. Those 3 schools have accounted for all five of the Big East's preceding five years' BCS appearances. Add on Tier One Colorado State. Add on New Mexico. Add on TCU. Add on Memphis. You've got yourself a BCS conference once again.
West: Baylor, Colorado State, Kansas, Memphis, New Mexico, TCU,
East: Cincinnati, Iowa State, Kansas State, Louisville, Texas Tech, West Virginia
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A Big 12 breakup could hurt KU, KSU the most
