Big 12: Burn Baby Burn
Everyone has been talking about how ISU has no leverage in this whole ordeal. That is true and we should be celebrating. Those schools are about to leave and join mega conferences where the decent-bordering-on-bad teams will get absolutely pummeled. They are all gonna jump for the money but in this situation the rich will get richer, the poor will get dunked in hot garbage. You can't tell me in five years after these schools are settled in that the bottom feeders of the PAC 16 and BIG 16 wont look at their situation and say... Did we are take 20 million in TV money to be punching bags? Yes Colorado, you did. It's the same thing that was said about the 16 team Big East... someone has to lose. So when revenue dips because your school sucks on the field... will they look to bolt for a better opportunity at winning? Sure it's nice being Rutgers and Colorado, a tanker of cash about to dump in your lap but when you're at the bottom of a dog pile you may reconsider.
Here is where Iowa State is smart to hold tight. It appears Kansas and Mizzou are out of the expansion mix, which is very good for us. Let's face we need one or both of them to help us get into a good situation. Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, Mizzou, Baylor (sorry Bears, the west coast schools want nothing to do with you or us) can reform a league with other schools itching for BCS recognition and a better chance at winning on the large stage. So... here is my imaginative reformation of the Big 12.
Here is where Iowa State is smart to hold tight. It appears Kansas and Mizzou are out of the expansion mix, which is very good for us. Let's face we need one or both of them to help us get into a good situation. Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, Mizzou, Baylor (sorry Bears, the west coast schools want nothing to do with you or us) can reform a league with other schools itching for BCS recognition and a better chance at winning on the large stage. So... here is my imaginative reformation of the Big 12.
So there is a lot going on here... I think the conference breakdown makes sense, but why do each of these schools want in on this party? Let's break each school down.
Kansas, K-State, Iowa State, Mizzou: Makes great sense for us to stay together thanks to geography, history, and rivalries.
Baylor: By taking Colorado first the Pac 10 has pretty much said no to Baylor. They only want six and when you replace the Bears with the Buffs in the big 12 south, they have 6 there. Now assuming they still want in on what the other leftovers are gonna do... welcome to the party.
Okay... the others...
West:
Utah and BYU: Both of these school have major issues with the BCS and without having to go down a legal road that may never pay off... here's a great opportunity. The competition will be great, their seasons will gain legitamacy, Would you rather hold up a championship that means you beat Kansas, Mizzou, and the like or San Diego State, New Mexico, etc?
TCU: Maybe not the biggest step up in competition but enough to make them a power on the national stage. Plus their hoops program would take a jump. Hell everyones hoops would jump up.
East:
Memphis and Louisville: Neither of these schools belong in their respective conference. Louisville is way west of New York, their football has taken a severe dive in the last three years, and their basketball should be leading a league not looked over. Memphis is C-USA and this move would make them rich and give them some great rivals and an awesome schedule.
Arkansas: Hardest of all the sells but the rumors are they aren't getting enough love from the SEC and believe you me this conference would let them in with a smile on its face. They would be near the epicenter of the beast, their football could potential rule the roost, and their basketball program could gain more legitmacy.
Tulane: Do I really have to say why they want back in? They would be really small but that's a good market and a fun fit for this league, plus it would help the bottom feeder battle.
This is probably all going to look foolish and dated within 6 hours but damn if it wouldn't be sweet. I really think this could be an ACC style basketball conference if this came to fruition. Oh well... a boy can dream.
Kansas, K-State, Iowa State, Mizzou: Makes great sense for us to stay together thanks to geography, history, and rivalries.
Baylor: By taking Colorado first the Pac 10 has pretty much said no to Baylor. They only want six and when you replace the Bears with the Buffs in the big 12 south, they have 6 there. Now assuming they still want in on what the other leftovers are gonna do... welcome to the party.
Okay... the others...
West:
Utah and BYU: Both of these school have major issues with the BCS and without having to go down a legal road that may never pay off... here's a great opportunity. The competition will be great, their seasons will gain legitamacy, Would you rather hold up a championship that means you beat Kansas, Mizzou, and the like or San Diego State, New Mexico, etc?
TCU: Maybe not the biggest step up in competition but enough to make them a power on the national stage. Plus their hoops program would take a jump. Hell everyones hoops would jump up.
East:
Memphis and Louisville: Neither of these schools belong in their respective conference. Louisville is way west of New York, their football has taken a severe dive in the last three years, and their basketball should be leading a league not looked over. Memphis is C-USA and this move would make them rich and give them some great rivals and an awesome schedule.
Arkansas: Hardest of all the sells but the rumors are they aren't getting enough love from the SEC and believe you me this conference would let them in with a smile on its face. They would be near the epicenter of the beast, their football could potential rule the roost, and their basketball program could gain more legitmacy.
Tulane: Do I really have to say why they want back in? They would be really small but that's a good market and a fun fit for this league, plus it would help the bottom feeder battle.
This is probably all going to look foolish and dated within 6 hours but damn if it wouldn't be sweet. I really think this could be an ACC style basketball conference if this came to fruition. Oh well... a boy can dream.
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