I would argue that it could be limited to the SEC, BIG, Clemson, and OU. I would probably add ND, UTw and USCw. All are historic powerhouses that have fallen on more difficult times. Let's not forget that not so long ago, a lot of people said that about us.Basically have power three conferences with their collective act together right now. SEC, B1G and ACC. B12 is being ruined because UT runs the show (OU notwithstanding) and the PAC is a holy mess of mismanagement.
Oregon, USC and the like are wise to explore their options.
The Big 12 has to be included simply because of the money generated by OU and Texas. They actually have far more power than the Pac 12 today, as long as those 2 are content hanging around.Basically have power three conferences with their collective act together right now. SEC, B1G and ACC. B12 is being ruined because UT runs the show (OU notwithstanding) and the PAC is a holy mess of mismanagement.
Oregon, USC and the like are wise to explore their options.
It's a real interesting subject, considering the Pac-12 nearly killed the Big 12. The problem is the uninspired addition of Utah and Colorado really didn't do much for the conference. To give an example, Missouri is bigger than either of those states and neither of those schools really have much of a brand. The fact that the SEC got Texas A&M as well just crushes them in comparison.If the big XII was to expand via PAC 12 then it would be USC, UCLA, Washington, and Colorado before Oregon. The 1st 3 are the money makers and Colorado gives them back the lucrative Denver market that they desperately want. All others in the conference just don’t add anything
sure Nike money is appealing but fan support is bigger. Oregon had a whole week head start to get 2010 national championship tickets at a site that is far closer to Auburn. They didn’t even have 20k fans show up for that game. Oregon has less fan support than Kentucky and Kentucky has more fans on average to show up for games than Oregon.It's a real interesting subject, considering the Pac-12 nearly killed the Big 12. The problem is the uninspired addition of Utah and Colorado really didn't do much for the conference. To give an example, Missouri is bigger than either of those states and neither of those schools really have much of a brand. The fact that the SEC got Texas A&M as well just crushes them in comparison.
Even the Big 10's cynical expansion was better, Maryland has a bigger population than those two states and New Jersey is even bigger. So, the Pac-12 went from potentially the biggest move to arguably the worst (short of the survival moves made).
As to what comes now, I don't see any scenario where USC goes independent. This isn't BYU getting away from a worthless conference, the Pac-12 still brings in revenue. I don't see that happening.
Could the Big 12 end up in the conversation? Sure, why not. The Big 12 treats their top programs well in relation to the ones on the bottom. If I was making a push, I'd choose Washington, and USC/UCLA like you said (have to have a pair of California schools) but Oregon would be a serious contender.
I don't feel like Colorado ever really moved the needle, and I'm not sure we're in an era where big markets are quite as important. Then you also have Arizona with the Phoenix market, but Oregon and those Nike dollars mean something. Population wise, they're about the same as Oklahoma, who was once a coveted school. So, really, you could take Washington, Colorado, Arizona, and Oregon and argue for any of them. Remember though, Colorado ditched the Big 12, so bad blood there probably kills a reunion.
Realistically though, this ain't happening for a few reasons.
A: The Big 12 has strong representation from religious schools. A lot of Pac-12 schools are not into that sort of thing, at all.
B: The only real prize is California and in particular USC. After that the additions get very Maryland/Missouri like. Any deal would basically be centered around what ever it took to land USC. If they can't land USC then there's not much else worth taking, and that's the problem.
I don't see it happening though, the Pac-12 is just so isolated out there that it ties their hands. BYU and Boise State have been trying to step up in the world of college football for instance, and neither could land in a good, stable situation.
Unless the Big 12 gives all members equal revenues, it will eventually fall apart...Basically have power three conferences with their collective act together right now. SEC, B1G and ACC. B12 is being ruined because UT runs the show (OU notwithstanding) and the PAC is a holy mess of mismanagement.
Oregon, USC and the like are wise to explore their options.
Nah. As long as Oklahoma and Texas are content, the rest will sit right where they are and keep their mouths shut.Unless the Big 12 gives all members equal revenues, it will eventually fall apart...
NFL, Not For Long. Every time the Big 12 makes it to the playoffs, they get drilled! I think the playoff committee has to notice. I really expect B1G champs , SEC champs , Clemson and the best B1G/ SEC remaining team . Probably SEC.The Big 12 would argue that they are doing just fine. They may not win the football title, but they always have a rep in the final four, their basketball conference is very top heavy with lots of quality, and I am sure they do alright in the other sports.
The Pac12 is not a major player in the money sports these days. I don't know how you deal with that or if you even do, but any attempt to include them as a top sports conference is a stretch.
We definitely don’t need any more Notre Dame type teams that always get overrated.We don't need more independents, we don't need more Notre Dame's, who get special rules just for them to get into the playoffs. Sorry your conference sucks right now, that's the way the cookie crumbles sometimes. Want to leave the PAC, fine, just join some other conference.
Not entirely accurate. Football and basketball yes, but until the recent rise in interest conference wide of baseball and softball in the SEC the PAC 12 totally dominated softball and was one of the best baseball conferences. The Pac 12 dominates soccer, swimming, track (until very recently), and cross country right now. So it really depends on which sports you are talking aboutSports are no longer a priority out west !