(10-04-2013 12:22 PM)JRsec Wrote: (10-04-2013 10:41 AM)bigblueblindness Wrote:
I like the idea of U.S.C. and Stanford in the private conference. I left them out of my setup because of logistics. I think they would still want to play with limited exceptions a West coast schedule.
I'm a structure guy, form follows function. I just don't like 5 conference no matter who they are or how they are constructed. There is much to be said for your suggestions, but could you give an illustration for how to compact that into just 4 conferences. 14 is just too awkward and limiting. 12 is fine except for networks. 16 is fine. 10 doesn't provide enough content for a network. 18 is my favorite for geographical reasons and at least twenty provides 4 divisional games. But with the needs of content for network programming we need at least 16.
I'm still playing with models. 4 x 16 is still the best for total quality. 4 x 18 is still the best for internal reasons for any conference adopting it. But 4 x 18 gets too thin out West. The strongest model by far is the 3 x 20, but its popularity would have to be proven. 3 x 24 runs into the same problems as the 4 x 18. It gets thin out West.
As we've discussed before, I have an ideal view which means adjusting the existing PAC, SEC, ACC, and B1G for best fit, but no member of those conferences will be asked to leave or would likely move at this point, so everyone stays pat. Starting next year:
SEC -14
B1G - 14
PAC - 12
ACC - 14 + Notre Dame
The SEC and B1G do not get to 20 schools each without losing integrity or the demise of the ACC, so I will not spend the time on 4 x 20 since it is unlikely. 4 x 16 is so clean, but there is zero chance that any existing P5 school will be forced to demote, and I cannot see any voluntarily doing so. In a 4 conference setup, the number has to be 18, and I just do not see the SEC and B1G making the necessary compromises to make it happen.
There is only one move that would be a surprise if it did NOT happen, and that is Kansas to the B1G. Texas is the first domino. The PAC is obviously in the best position to meet all of the demands for Texas as well as the Big 12 in general, which is a total sweep of Texoma. That would allow for a 6 team pod and alleviate some of the travel and culture concerns.
SEC - 14 +
B1G - 14 + Kansas
PAC - 12 + Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor, TCU, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State (18)
ACC - 14 + Notre Dame
From there, WVU is the only available school that is not seen as a compromise for the SEC. The B1G has no other schools that are uncompromising until some new schools that are contiguous become AAU. I just don't see how 4 x 18 happens if the PAC, SEC, B1G, and ACC stay intact.