Big 12 in 2016

[richard k.]

So, UT can leave the Big 12 and remake the Big 8 with the following.

1. UT
2. Baylor
3. Texas Tech
4. TCU
5. Houston
6. Rice
7. SMU
8. UTSA, Texas State, Texas Southern
9. Maybe Tulane

Then the remaining Big 12 can add UC, BYU, UConn, USF, UCF, Memphis.

Just a minor correction - that isn't the old Big 8 it's very close to the old SW conference that went out of business because nobody outside the state of Texas (except for Arkansas) gave a hoot about it. The Big 8 absorbed 4 of their teams, became the Big 12, and they found out that was such a good deal that 3 of the original 8 left. UT is such a wonderful partner that A&M jumped ship the first really good chance they had. Beggars can't be choosers, but I would so much rather be in the ACC than this nut job amalgam called the current Big 12.

[bearcatbret]

So, UT can leave the Big 12 and remake the Big 8 with the following.

1. UT
2. Baylor
3. Texas Tech
4. TCU
5. Houston
6. Rice
7. SMU
8. UTSA, Texas State, Texas Southern
9. Maybe Tulane

Then the remaining Big 12 can add UC, BYU, UConn, USF, UCF, Memphis.

[Lobot]

Hold up. We need to add one. Rice University is still in the hunt apparently. Seems like Texas is trying to get the SWC back together.

[bearcatbret]

So yesterday it was short listed to 6 schools now today it is 12 schools. Does anyone really know what they are talking about? It seems to me that with the gag order, the news media just keep making things up and then repeating other outlets stories.

[98bearcat]

That is a whole lot more than the initial 6-8 teams that included BYU and 5-7 teams from the AAC. Initial reports had Colorado State and Air Force out. The Big 12 sure does now how to drag things out to optimize coverage. I am not sure if they are playing the schools or playing the TV partners.

Probably Both. I think the Big12 decided to create the 20-team evaluation process to snub the TV networks and prove they will go out and look at whoever they want and of course using the schools to create as much media attention on the Big12 as possible, positive or negative all publicity is good in their eyes.

[Big Herm]

Seriously, aside from UT & the Sooners, what other teams are the other power conferences interested in - with the possible exception of Kansas to the Big Whatever?

My guess is that we will someday see a Mountain West Conference with representation in Kansas, Texas, and maybe Iowa and Oklahoma.

[Big Herm]

Hope I'm wrong but from the outside looking in this looks like a bunch of people that can't find consensus on what to do. The Big 12 has had conversations with schools like UC and BYU for a couple years now. They don't need more "interviews"

Yeah, this is back to what I was saying, the Big 12 looks like a mess. The power conferences (which the B12 thinks it is) have made quick, bold, and decisive moves, or have given the impression of doing so by not letting us see them sweat. They came out looking stronger for it. Granted, the B12 has a disadvantage in being late to the expansion party, but If there are real reasons for the interviews, as SWilson pointed out, they should still have played it close to the chest.

As I typed that I wondered why I haven't read much commentary along these lines in major media outlets. Maybe I'm just reading the wrong things, but I suppose that it could also be a result of ESPN, Fox, not wanting to compromise the value of a product in which they have a large stake.

If UC gets in, I hope they make the most of their time in the Big 12. I'm really starting to doubt that the conference will last.

[blackattack]

If making the biggest PR splash possible was the goal they would have made an announcement after the Olympics ended and before the football regular season started. Now that the regular football season has officially started any announcement by the Big 12 will be way down the ESPN pecking order ( after NFL, MLB, etc).
Hope I'm wrong but from the outside looking in this looks like a bunch of people that can't find consensus on what to do. The Big 12 has had conversations with schools like UC and BYU for a couple years now. They don't need more "interviews"

[bearcatbret]

Seriously, aside from UT & the Sooners, what other teams are the other power conferences interested in - with the possible exception of Kansas to the Big Whatever?

If Kansas was so valuable, U Conn would have already been plucked up. Those two schools are identical with maybe UConn coming out on top with all factors considered. You are right though, no other conference would pick up the remaining fractions if the Big 12 fell apart and at least 6 of those schools know it. This is self preservation for most of them as it is for the group trying to get invited in.

[richard k.]

I think it's most likely they don't know what the **** they're doing or why they're in a conference together. Compare this to the way the SEC, Big Ten and ACC go about their business. It's Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. No other conference makes the same spectacle of discord out of the process.

They're not optimizing coverage by broadcasting to the world in the clearest manner possible that they are ripe to be picked apart by the remaining conferences.

Seriously, aside from UT & the Sooners, what other teams are the other power conferences interested in - with the possible exception of Kansas to the Big Whatever?

[bobestes]

That is a whole lot more than the initial 6-8 teams that included BYU and 5-7 teams from the AAC. Initial reports had Colorado State and Air Force out. The Big 12 sure does now how to drag things out to optimize coverage. I am not sure if they are playing the schools or playing the TV partners.

I think it's most likely they don't know what the **** they're doing or why they're in a conference together. Compare this to the way the SEC, Big Ten and ACC go about their business. It's Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. No other conference makes the same spectacle of discord out of the process.

They're not optimizing coverage by broadcasting to the world in the clearest manner possible that they are ripe to be picked apart by the remaining conferences.

[bearcatbret]

That is a whole lot more than the initial 6-8 teams that included BYU and 5-7 teams from the AAC. Initial reports had Colorado State and Air Force out. The Big 12 sure does now how to drag things out to optimize coverage. I am not sure if they are playing the schools or playing the TV partners.

[Lobot]

Here's your "I survived the 1st cut" list via SBnation. I have no idea what the order is in this list. Preference? Amount of votes?

Cincinnati
BYU
UConn
Memphis
USF
UCF
Temple
Colorado State
SMU
Houston
Air Force

[Big Herm]

Yeah, you have a point. Basically they could be conversations about how candidate's teams could live up to (or ramp up to) Big12 expectations with a smaller cut. Then, as you say, a final vote. Makes more sense to me now.

[swilsonsp4]

You may be right, but shouldn't that conversation be had when they extend an invitation? I can't believe that they would be so shortsighted as to go with the lowest bidder.

I don't believe it will go to the lowest bidder, but Bowlsby has to make sure the schools can handle whatever level of reduced compensation can be negotiated. Also, no invitations have been issued as yet. That will come after the B12, (a) decide for sure to expand; (b) choose the schools they want.

So, IMO, the face-to-face would be just a final step prior to the clinching votes, followed by invitations. Those would be a mere formality at this point. I can't imagine any of the candidates getting cold feet.