Many believe that further conference expansion is inevitable, particularly those with a 4x16 view of the world. I'm not convinced that is the case. For a number of reasons I won't state here, I think that it is plausible that the power conferences will stand pat (at least for a significant amount of time) after this round of expansion.

The Big 12 has staved off extinction, expanded to replace some of their losses, and has expressed a strong preference for a 10-team league. If they determine in discussion with the TV networks that no feasible candidates remaining will move the needle enough to merit expansion, that could lead to the Big 12 remaining at 10 for a while.

That means that WVU could be a distant geographic outlier for years. While it would mean that they're allied with a stronger conference than they left, it would also mean that road games would require significant effort to attend, and there are probably not that many fans of conference foes to banter with around the water cooler. I think that the core Big 12 teams will welcome WVU as a strong addition to the league, but we still have reasonable travel and access to rival fans for the other teams in the conference.

I'm curious what WVU fans would think about a long-term outlier status. Would that make any difference to how you view Big 12 membership, or is it just the cost that has to be paid to get into a stronger conference?

As with any conference, travel costs have to be a consideration. However, due to the mismanagement of the Big East Conference and the inability to solidify itself, the Big 12 was the only choice. WVU has always been an eastern/southern school. They are a better fit for the SEC, but no invite was given. The Big 12 gratiously accepted WVU and WVU will be a competitive addition to the conference. Eventually, I would like to see expansion to the point of two divisions, possibly with some eastern schools to eleviate some of the travel costs, but while there was success in the Big East the future looks brighter for WVU in the Big 12.

I don't see any obstacles. The money WVU will make in the Big XII will far outweigh the travel expenses. It's not a problem...

I was thinking less in terms of costs to the school (which I agree should see increased revenue outpace increased costs) as much as the fan experience. Perhaps any such concerns are overblown though, since most fans probably don't travel much to away games and watch them on TV instead. It is fun to have rival team fans in the community, but once again that's offset by the camaraderie many fans have within their own fanbase. I'm pleased that WVU is joining the Big 12 and I'm looking forward to seeing new rivalries form.

WVU's fanbase is spread out over a good bit of the nation, due to the poor West Virginia economy. For a lot of WVU fans, a trip to Morgantown is just as difficult as any other trip for a game...

The outlier status, if used properly, could be a terrrific motivating tool for the student athletes at WVU. Being the only eastern school in the league could set up that "us against them" mentality. Let's face it, the WVU athletic teams are already nationally competitive across the board and any additional motivation will be icing on the cake. It will most likely become more important now to schedule those traditional geographic rivals in ooc play to satisfy the fans and local traditions. At TCU, this was kinda how we survived and flourished in the MWC. No team from the conference was even close to us but our athletes and coaches made sure that every other MWC team knew that sooner or later they had to go through Ft. Worth to claim the MWC title. Most didn't survive the trip. I could see the same situation for the Mountaineers.

WVU doesn't need help creating an "us against them" mentality. It's ingrained in the West Virginia psyche, due to a couple of centuries of stereotypes created by people across the nation who have never experienced what West Virginia has to offer...

Personally, I think WVU would have no probelm staying at ten. Ten means playing Texas or Oklahoma every year which means more tickets sold and high required donations for season tickets. WVUs great advantage on this current alignment is that it can sell Big XII football to kids that are used to having to decide between ACC or Big East football. In recruiting, I think it helps to have something unique to sell to the kids and our conference affiliation certainly helps in that regard.

Jackson

It certainly can't hurt - while BEast membership did, more often than not...

As a fan, I actually like a 10 team league. I prefer getting to play all schools every year in football, and having a basketball round-robin. I think that as long as OU and UT don't go anywhere (and I think it is unlikely that they will) the Big 12 will survive and thrive.

(01-27-2012 02:04 PM)bitcruncher Wrote:  I don't see any obstacles. The money WVU will make in the Big XII will far outweigh the travel expenses. It's not a problem...

I understand where you are coming from Bit, but that is not what i was referring to. All college sports are based upon the basis and fundamental student athlete. Travel will impact cost as well as study time as now it impacts ALL sports, Baseball, track, tennis, etc. Not that it cannot be done, but I would have to say for a while it will be a HUGE adjustment. Yes they travel now, but I would have to say that since our competition will not be primarily "local" that the amount of travel time will increase by 70%.

WVU has excellent support programs in place for student athletes. That is part of the legacy constructed by Garrett Ford...

You are right...Mr. Ford did implement alot of instrumental programs in that area. Just stating the fact about the actual travel time. Teams travel alot now anyway, but it will become more mainstay....just an adjustment.

The basketball team has it far worse during March madness...

Yes but that is a shorter overall period... I can see your point though.