Another off-the-wall scenario but I think this one has a greater chance of happening than thought:

1) SEC gets the three best programs of the Big 12 and a +1. For argument's sake let's say that +1 is Texas Tech

2) Big Ten responds by selling its share of the Big Ten Network to Comcast. Comcast buys out Fox Corporation's share of BTN. Comcast would also buy out the PAC Networks

3) Comcast buys out the remainder of Notre Dame's contract with the ACC and starts readying its shift to the Big Ten. Then one of two things happen: either they stay at 15 until another program comes free or they take in another program in the footprint. Pitt or Iowa State would be among the possibilities

4) PAC/Big Ten renew scheduling alliance, now with Notre Dame part of the group. Peacock and NBC will be used to air games. USC and Stanford vs Notre Dame would be exclusive Comcast properties

Splitting up the SEC would be easy - just put the former Big 8/Big 12/SWC programs in one division except A&M

Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Texas, Arkansas
Texas A&M, LSU, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Alabama, Auburn
Florida, Georgia, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina


The PAC would stay the same but the scenarios on the Big Ten side would dramatically change. If they don't go beyond 15 then they could break it down like this:

Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois
Northwestern, Michigan, Notre Dame, Michigan State, Purdue
Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, Maryland, Rutgers

What happens if they move to 16? Well, a couple of scenarios could happen:

- shifting Pitt to Penn State's division make sense. If you can put ND with Pitt and Penn State it would be better. Then you can keep the Ohio State/Michigan/Michigan State group united

- if Pitt can't work out economically then Iowa State is the other possible choice but that presents some complications. Cincinnati won't work due to Ohio State's power in the conference

- Syracuse might get a look as well and would complement the markets in the Northeast, in case markets would still matter more. However, Pitt has the academic chops Syracuse lacks

So the ideal pick up is Notre Dame and Pitt.

Notre Dame, Pitt, Penn State, Maryland
Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Rutgers
Indiana, Purdue, Illinois, Northwestern
Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota

If Notre Dame and Iowa State:

Nebraska, Iowa, Iowa State, Minnesota
Wisconsin, Northwestern, Michigan, Michigan State
Illinois, Purdue, Indiana, Ohio State
Notre Dame, Penn State, Maryland, Rutgers