Credible or not, it seems like there's a consensus forming if not fully formed that there's a top tier of BYU, UC and Houston although BYU probably deserves an asterisk at this point. And maybe it's just me, but I feel like I hear more folks predicting only 2 adds rather than 4 (while the real possibility of 0 is still very much in play according to at least a few).

So as a break from our fate, I'm curious what's your take on Memphis? Last I heard, it sounded like a lot of their (self-described?) "insiders" were talking about them being a done deal. I don't know what their best forum is, so are they still saying that? Regardless, what say you?

(08-11-2016 06:39 PM)Bearhawkeye Wrote:  Credible or not, it seems like there's a consensus forming if not fully formed that there's a top tier of BYU, UC and Houston although BYU probably deserves an asterisk at this point. And maybe it's just me, but I feel like I hear more folks predicting only 2 adds rather than 4 (while the real possibility of 0 is still very much in play according to at least a few).

So as a break from our fate, I'm curious what's your take on Memphis? Last I heard, it sounded like a lot of their (self-described?) "insiders" were talking about them being a done deal. I don't know what their best forum is, so are they still saying that? Regardless, what say you?

I have read this too and wondered if there are really any "insiders" there or anywhere given the erratic behavior of Big 12 leadership regarding expansion. The "done deal" crowd in Memphis worry me because I could see the Big 12 presidents throwing them overboard based upon academics--even with all that alleged FedEx money.

Of course the "done deal" crowd here worry me too. It seems most observers have already penciled in Cincinnati and it does seem reasonable at this point. But after five years on this roller coaster I think we're well advised to be skeptical until a press conference is scheduled.

Before Houston hit the debate scene I'd have said yes for sure. I don't know what to think anymore.

I think they may get an invite if the B12 goes to 14. I think UC and UH are #11 & #12 with #13/14 coming down to UM, USF, UCF & UConn. I think BYU is toast and UConn may be passed over because of geography.

I personally would like to see UM invited to continue the rivalry, but their academics are an issue.

I'd put Memphis over Houston. Houston is based on media hype and politics. And I really don't think any of the non Texas schools will want another one. No one ever even heard a media mention of Houston prior to Abbott speaking out. Really...who outside of Texas cares what he thinks?

(08-11-2016 07:49 PM)payday Wrote:  I'd put Memphis over Houston. Houston is based on media hype and politics. And I really don't think any of the non Texas schools will want another one. No one ever even heard a media mention of Houston prior to Abbott speaking out. Really...who outside of Texas cares what he thinks?

Agreed. I'd prefer Memphis over Houston. This might all be a cover yo arse move by UT to say they tried.

If I were the B12, I'd take UC, UM and then the FL twins to get a foothold in the state. UConn is too far out. They'll get an invite to the ACC or B10 soon enough.

Memphis? Meh. IMO, their campus looks more like something you'd see in the MAC. Their profile looks kinda puny compared to the current members of the B12.

I would prefer Memphis based on a geographic, historical rivalry (relative to the other teams under consideration) with a good basketball pedigree. They also provide better regional travel options along with the Mountaineers. However, I don't think the B12 members will necessarily look at it from that perspective. I'd say they are less of a lock than I previously believed and in particular if the B12 only adds 2. I will say similar to UC, it has been "all quiet on the western (eastern) front" from UM officials with the exception of many Memphis posters' alleged "sources."

I've got to say this...
Maybe it's just all the realignment we've been through, but I really don't care much what happens to Memphis, Houston, or any of our other conference mates. We used to have this idea that "Cincinnati and Louisville" were "tied at the hip" but Louisville didn't waste a second pondering Cincinnati's fate. Neither did Pitt, Syracuse, WVU or any of our other BE companions.

It's a mercenary world out there and I'm really only interested in what happens to UC. Does Memphis get an invite? As long as UC does, I don't really care. I don't really want to bring them along as a "rivalry." If they come along...meh. I don't like either Memphis or Houston...I guess I'd be happier watching both of them fade into the distance like they did when we left them in CUSA the first time. But whatever. If one or both get an invite, I'm OK as long as UC gets their Golden Ticket.

We've seen longer and better rivalries die... We'll make new rivalries down the road. UC needs to look out for their own interests and not spend a lot of time worrying about others.

^^^^^ ad infinitum, ad nauseum

(08-11-2016 08:32 PM)BearcatJerry Wrote:  I've got to say this...
Maybe it's just all the realignment we've been through, but I really don't care much what happens to Memphis, Houston, or any of our other conference mates. We used to have this idea that "Cincinnati and Louisville" were "tied at the hip" but Louisville didn't waste a second pondering Cincinnati's fate. Neither did Pitt, Syracuse, WVU or any of our other BE companions.

It's a mercenary world out there and I'm really only interested in what happens to UC. Does Memphis get an invite? As long as UC does, I don't really care. I don't really want to bring them along as a "rivalry." If they come along...meh. I don't like either Memphis or Houston...I guess I'd be happier watching both of them fade into the distance like they did when we left them in CUSA the first time. But whatever. If one or both get an invite, I'm OK as long as UC gets their Golden Ticket.

We've seen longer and better rivalries die... We'll make new rivalries down the road. UC needs to look out for their own interests and not spend a lot of time worrying about others.

(08-11-2016 08:32 PM)BearcatJerry Wrote:  I've got to say this...
Maybe it's just all the realignment we've been through, but I really don't care much what happens to Memphis, Houston, or any of our other conference mates. We used to have this idea that "Cincinnati and Louisville" were "tied at the hip" but Louisville didn't waste a second pondering Cincinnati's fate. Neither did Pitt, Syracuse, WVU or any of our other BE companions.

It's a mercenary world out there and I'm really only interested in what happens to UC. Does Memphis get an invite? As long as UC does, I don't really care. I don't really want to bring them along as a "rivalry." If they come along...meh. I don't like either Memphis or Houston...I guess I'd be happier watching both of them fade into the distance like they did when we left them in CUSA the first time. But whatever. If one or both get an invite, I'm OK as long as UC gets their Golden Ticket.

We've seen longer and better rivalries die... We'll make new rivalries down the road. UC needs to look out for their own interests and not spend a lot of time worrying about others.

Your points are well taken Jerry. Not sure I agree that any of us are worrying - it just makes interesting conversation at this point. Ultimately, yes I only really care that UC gets the invite. For my preference of the other teams being considered, I would like to see Memphis join us for reasons I stated. I don't know that I would get more fired up to play Iowa State or Kansas in football compared to Memphis. Hoops would be good though.

(08-11-2016 08:44 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(08-11-2016 08:32 PM)BearcatJerry Wrote:  I've got to say this...
Maybe it's just all the realignment we've been through, but I really don't care much what happens to Memphis, Houston, or any of our other conference mates. We used to have this idea that "Cincinnati and Louisville" were "tied at the hip" but Louisville didn't waste a second pondering Cincinnati's fate. Neither did Pitt, Syracuse, WVU or any of our other BE companions.

It's a mercenary world out there and I'm really only interested in what happens to UC. Does Memphis get an invite? As long as UC does, I don't really care. I don't really want to bring them along as a "rivalry." If they come along...meh. I don't like either Memphis or Houston...I guess I'd be happier watching both of them fade into the distance like they did when we left them in CUSA the first time. But whatever. If one or both get an invite, I'm OK as long as UC gets their Golden Ticket.

We've seen longer and better rivalries die... We'll make new rivalries down the road. UC needs to look out for their own interests and not spend a lot of time worrying about others.

Your points are well taken Jerry. Not sure I agree that any of us are worrying - it just makes interesting conversation at this point. Ultimately, yes I only really care that UC gets the invite. For my preference of the other teams being considered, I would like to see Memphis join us for reasons I stated. I don't know that I would get more fired up to play Iowa State or Kansas in football compared to Memphis. Hoops would be good though.

Yeah, and I'm OK asking the question "Does Memphis get an invite?"

I just don't want to get wrapped up in the idea that UC "needs" Memphis along as a rival.

(08-11-2016 08:50 PM)BearcatJerry Wrote:  Yeah, and I'm OK asking the question "Does Memphis get an invite?"

I just don't want to get wrapped up in the idea that UC "needs" Memphis along as a rival.

Again, I stated a preference and not a "need." Semantics but there is a difference in the point I was making compared to yours.

(08-11-2016 08:59 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(08-11-2016 08:50 PM)BearcatJerry Wrote:  Yeah, and I'm OK asking the question "Does Memphis get an invite?"

I just don't want to get wrapped up in the idea that UC "needs" Memphis along as a rival.

Again, I stated a preference and not a "need." Semantics but there is a difference in the point I was making compared to yours.

That was clear 92. I don't see anybody talking about it as a need or getting too worked up about their fate. I see pros and cons for us whichever way it goes for them (provided they don't take our spot). So I think I speak for just about everybody here when I say I'm fine either way with them as long as we're in. I just think it's an interesting diversion because they seemed to have some of the loudest most confident talkers in their fanbase while the consensus nationwide seems to be a lot less confident in their chances. Like rath, I don't know what to think at this point about whether they are getting in or not.

I think UC and Houston are the first two. If expansion is to 14, Memphis has an excellent chance.

(08-11-2016 08:08 PM)JackieTreehorn Wrote:  Memphis? Meh. IMO, their campus looks more like something you'd see in the MAC. Their profile looks kinda puny compared to the current members of the B12.

That is where I'm at. I don't see the attraction to Memphis at all. I'd rather see the Big 12 take UCONN and either USF/UCF if they go to 14. (Obviously assuming UC and Houston are #11 and #12).

As a Memphis fan, seeing the news today from ESPN that 17 schools will get interviewed and they think the Big 12 will only add 2 schools or might not even expand feels like a big kick in the gut. I think Memphis was good if the Big 12 added 4 teams. Only adding 2 teams becomes a crap shoot at best. NO REPORTERS or so called expansion experts with sources have any clues as to how the 10 Big 12 presidents will vote!!!!! This is going to be A LOT of back room deals with some crazy money being passed around to make this happen. FedEx can only do so much to help my Tigers at this point. The 2 things other than FedEx that might play a small part to help the chances for Memphis are......our university president completed his doctoral training at the University of Texas-Austin (I hope he still has some good contacts at UT) and he led the university of UTAH when they got the invite to the Pac-12 several years ago. He knows what it takes to get the invite and what needs to be done once you start playing in a P-5 league. With all of this said.....it's the Big 12 so expect the unexpected and that can help or hurt both Memphis and Cincinnati

This was posted about an hour ago and I really hope this is the end result!!!!!
C. Austin Cox just tweeted

I put this at about 85% right now: If it's two, it's #Cincinnati and #Memphis. If it's four, then it's UC/UM with #BYU and #CSU.

I could care less who comes with UC to the Big 12, just as long as we are one of the teams selected.

(08-12-2016 09:42 AM)Swearingen20 Wrote:  As a Memphis fan, seeing the news today from ESPN that 17 schools will get interviewed and they think the Big 12 will only add 2 schools or might not even expand feels like a big kick in the gut. I think Memphis was good if the Big 12 added 4 teams. Only adding 2 teams becomes a crap shoot at best. NO REPORTERS or so called expansion experts with sources have any clues as to how the 10 Big 12 presidents will vote!!!!! This is going to be A LOT of back room deals with some crazy money being passed around to make this happen. FedEx can only do so much to help my Tigers at this point. The 2 things other than FedEx that might play a small part to help the chances for Memphis are......our university president completed his doctoral training at the University of Texas-Austin (I hope he still has some good contacts at UT) and he led the university of UTAH when they got the invite to the Pac-12 several years ago. He knows what it takes to get the invite and what needs to be done once you start playing in a P-5 league. With all of this said.....it's the Big 12 so expect the unexpected and that can help or hurt both Memphis and Cincinnati

This was posted about an hour ago and I really hope this is the end result!!!!!
C. Austin Cox just tweeted

I put this at about 85% right now: If it's two, it's #Cincinnati and #Memphis. If it's four, then it's UC/UM with #BYU and #CSU.

While I hope it's Memphis for reasons of proximity, history etc. I am reminded of the support we got from our fellow BEsters when they bailed. Sadly right now it's every team for itself.