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Pac12 reeks of desperation

The Knightman Cometh

Bronze Knight
Oct 31, 2012
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If SDSU and SMU are top picks for expansion, this could really spell the end for them. The luck and sheer brilliance of the B12 to get not 2, but 4 of the best G5 teams was perfect! In hindsight, it was the right call, since PAC12 is left with literally scraps. BIG12 needs to go on offense mode and get at least 2 PAC members onboard. That would be the nail in the coffin. The new contract specifically allows them to expand (if P5 team) for a proportional amount.

 
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Here is what is left after USC &UCLA leave:
Washington
Wazzou
Oregon
Oregon St
Cal
Arizona
Arizona St
Stanford
Utah
Colorado

SDSU makes sense. They have upside. Great recruiting area.

SMU makes little sense. There isn’t much left. Staying geographic, I’d say Fresno St or Boise St. Neither of these are very attractive outside of football, though. I’d not worry about making any decisions based on “replacing two teams.” Just add the best option(s) available and that is SDSU. I’d stop after that. Let time happen…reassess.
 
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I’d rather gamble on UNLV instead of SMU if I was the PAC12
 
Not confident that Pac12 members are looking to go to B12, it could happen by force, but likely making for a group of malcontents.
 
All things equal or near it, I think all the Pac schools would rather remain in the Pac over the B12. I think as long as TV money is better or very close, they need to go to 12 for security reasons long term.
I don't see that as a desperation move.
I think the B10 is done for now, and maybe quite a few years. I' m afraid the late window is quickly closing on the B12, unless we bring in Fresno.
 
My #1 option would be if Utah and Memphis could get poached to the Big 12. Don't think that is likely for Utah, though, as they have no history with the Big 12 and are competitive in the Pac-12.

If that can't happen I'd like to see the Big 12 pull in Colorado and Memphis. This is more plausible. Geographically makes a lot of sense. Built-in rivalries and history with teams already in that conference. Two decent TV markets (#16 and #51), respectively. Solid road game destinations. Colorado has history with the Big 12 (member from like 1948 to 2010), although they've essentially been pretty futile with only 7 years with 10 wins in like 120 years of playing football. In conference play, they are averaging about one title/co-title per decade. It was a big mistake for them to leave (like Nebraska) and they have been nothing but an even bigger doormat since. All they do is basically collect Ls and paychecks. The sticking point would be getting Colorado out of the Pac-12. That said, the PAC-12 could replace them with SDSU and I think they might like that as a better long-term option. Memphis is easy. Nothing much is going to hold them in place.

The other option would be Az/Az State but I just can't see them bailing on the PAC-12, although now that UCLA/USC did, they are a bit more "on there own" geographically. They both have a history of not doing much on the football field, although I can't speak for their other sports. Obviously, Arizona has a very solid bball program.
 
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Its really the only move The Pac 12 can make. That being said, replacing UCLA and USC with SMU and SDSU is not going to help them that much with TV negotiations. My guess is that when the numbers come in for what that deal is going to be worth, at least 2 if not all 4 corner schools will look to move out. What would Oregon and Washington do at that point? Would they stay in the Pac and help rebuild, or would they also try to move to another conference? Of course they would love to join the Big 10, but if that isn't an option, they might be willing to join the Big 12 until the Big 10 decides they are ready for the NW schools. Honestly, I think in time the Big 10 will add them to help USC and UCLA with travel, but when? Or will the Big 10 wait another decade and see if the ACC falls apart (with some help from the SEC).
 
All things equal or near it, I think all the Pac schools would rather remain in the Pac over the B12. I think as long as TV money is better or very close, they need to go to 12 for security reasons long term.
I don't see that as a desperation move.
I think the B10 is done for now, and maybe quite a few years. I' m afraid the late window is quickly closing on the B12, unless we bring in Fresno.
It's a desperation move and Yormark smells the blood.

 
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