(10-09-2013 02:56 PM)oliveandblue Wrote:  Questions:

What if the new Texas AD takes a pro-expansion stance and looks to rebuild the Big XII (restoring some of UT-Austin's lost power)? What if the additional CCG money covers the "gap" between an expansion target's TV value and the current per team payout being given?

If the Big XII adds 2-4 schools (out of Cincinnati, UH, SMU, UCF, ECU, USF, BYU, and Colorado State) will it usher in a "new era" of stability as most of the valuable TV products will have found a home going forward?

Killing the Big XII is a colossal task.

The answer for your first question is "yes" it would bring more stability. Then if conferences wanted to expand to 16 to enhance their conference championship with a 4 team playoff they would have to consider teams who added new markets with upward potential that other wise might have been considered to be a bit of a "project" for expansion.

I think then schools like UCF, USF, and ECU would get some serious looks.

As to statement that killing the Big 12 is a colossal task, not so much.
It all depends on where Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas want to call home. If they continue not to want to expand then they are definitely looking to move at some point. And you may be misreading the issues around Dodds. He thought about the PAC, and then wanted to keep the Big 12 together to capitalize on the LHN. Replacing him could well be about realignment, just not as you envision it. It could well mean bringing in an AD that will help Texas make a move. If Texas and Oklahoma alumni and boosters are upset over the present slate of schools on their annual schedule then adding UCF or even B.Y.U. or Cincinnati is not going to be their answer. The PAC, SEC, and Big 10 offer much better games to fill their stadiums and energize their fans.

And consider the networks desires here too. Texas vs (Kansas State, Iowa State, Kansas, West Virginia, Baylor, T.C.U., and even Oklahoma State) don't bring in anywhere the national interest of Texas Versus Oklahoma. Texas vs Texas Tech is still just a good regional game. Put Texas and Oklahoma in any other P5 conference and what do you get? At least 4 and sometimes as many as 5 national audience games.

Texas vs (Ohio State, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Penn State).
Texas vs (USC, UCLA, Oregon, Stanford, Oklahoma)
Texas vs (Alabama, Texas A&M, Georgia, Florida, Oklahoma, LSU, and a super regional match in Texas vs Arkansas).
Texas vs (Clemson, Florida State, Miami, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and I bet growing interest in Texas vs Louisville).

The net result is that Texas and Oklahoma are worth far more in advertising dollars in any conference other than the present Big 12.
The same is true for Kansas basketball.