Kansas begs Nebraska not to leave the Big 12

[Mr.B!!!]

First, while I agree that the leadership has been awful, I think the belief "Texas has run the Big 12" is a big misconception. They aren't running things near to the extent that people make it out to be.

Also, Larry Scott seems like he's a heck of a leader (he helped the WTA reach beyond its earning potential), so I trust that should this expansion take place, he won't be near as inept as Beebe and Weiberg.

I think he knows that giving into Texas' preference of having Baylor over Colorado, while might not be the best option that Scott wants given that he probably would rather have Colorado over the baptist school, is the best option for the conference currently and in the long-term. Think about it: You take the 6 schools, as opposed to just Colorado and Utah, you're obtaining more viable TV markets and more schools with football clout (the two vital factors in this discussion). The potential is vastly greater should the Pac 10 take those 6 rather than just Colorado and Utah, and I think not letting Texas in because of an "ego" factor, would be a big mistake. Just because Texas gets its way letting Baylor in over Colorado, does not mean Texas will be running the show. Give in to the demand to let Texas as well as the rest of the Texas schools in, and treat the entire teams in the conference equally. The outcome would be much greater.

I don't disagree with your premise, but if what we are hearing is true, then Baylor being included at all is "off the table" by sticking with the CU invite unless OU, oSu or TT are thrown out. The Utah thing is something that makes more sense than TT or oSu and hedges the Pac-10's bet. We'll see, maybe the Utah thing is a sham, but I sure like how this Scott guy played the Texas Legislature.

 

[Cheno]

No, the history does mean something, but OU's best interests mean a lot more.

And for the record: I do feel bad and think its sad for K-State and especially Iowa State. But given the fact that KU--a very arrogant fan base (in most cases particularly basketball, rightfully so)--is practically begging another team to stay is not only ironic, but funny as well.

I wasn't referring to OU. And in fact, Joe C has been one of the biggest proponents at the Big 12 meetings of keeping the Big 12 intact. Here's a statement in a recent article.

With that in mind, the Big 12 moves forward with what outsiders perceive as no known path and no visible destination. Throughout the week, Beebe and many university officials expressed a strong desire to keep the conference together. Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione was one of the most vocal supporters of saving the Big 12, as was Kansas University athletic director Lew Perkins, who attended Tuesday’s session but missed Wednesday and Thursday because of a prior commitment. Their goal was to focus on the conference they’re in rather than worry about what else might be out there.

Are you suggesting Joe C doesn't have OU's best interest at heart?
I don't. I think it suggests what most of us know that Joe C is a man of integrity where history and tradition means something. I think he also realizes that for the long-term the Big 12 makes the most sense. The Big 12 TV contracts are up for renewal soon and can be renegotiated and a "Big 12 network" could be established. The Big 12 could be the one expanding and adding the likes of TCU, Memphis, etc to make it a "super conference". I think he's one of the best AD's around and has the foresight to see the Big 12 is a great conference an long-term makes more sense for OU than the Pac-10.

 

[Tony]

Sad, I'd say. Too bad the history of the Big 8/12 doesn't mean anything to some schools.

The history of the Big 8/Big 12 is exactly why the schadenfreude of misfortune befalling the Kansas basketball program would be so sweet...

 

[Cheno]

The history of the Big 8/Big 12 is exactly why the schadenfreude of misfortune befalling the Kansas basketball program would be so sweet...

I'm not worried about the KU basketball program. I'm worried more about the other sports teams.

 

[stoops4pres]

Does Baylor bring the Sate of Colorado and does oSu bring the State of Utah? It makes a ton of geographical and common sense if the Pac-10 is hedging their bets. Like the article says, they hurt their two closest competitors while making their league more attractive by expanding into another time zone.

I understand, but the point is that regardless of what makes the most geographical sense, they will be falling drastically short of what their potential could be should they accept Colorado and Utah.

Besides, the Pac 10 doesn't need to base their expansion on trying to take out the Mountain West, they aren't going to surpass the Pac 10 anytime soon regardless of where Utah is. Furthermore, they would be taking out the Big 12 even more so by taking 6 schools, and the time zone factor would be even better since they would implant themselves in the Central zone. So those two glaring reasons for why the Pac 10 should take Colorado and Utah are a bit flawed and still work better for the Big 12, IMO.

Taking Texas, A&M, and OU, while having to take Ok. State, Tech, and Baylor, presents a substantially greater opportunity for the conference then bringing in just Utah and Colorado. I think that's what it boils down to.

 

[Sawyer]

I'm not worried about the KU basketball program. I'm worried more about the other sports teams.

How much tradition do the other sports have? Not a whole lot... and certainly not enough that other schools should forego the possibility of adding millions each year in revenue.

I doubt you'd care much about tradition if kansas was the one controlling their own destiny.

 

[stoops4pres]

I don't disagree with your premise, but if what we are hearing is true, then Baylor being included at all is "off the table" by sticking with the CU invite unless OU, oSu or TT are thrown out. The Utah thing is something that makes more sense than TT or oSu and hedges the Pac-10's bet. We'll see, maybe the Utah thing is a sham, but I sure like how this Scott guy played the Texas Legislature.

I agree, taking Utah does present a better option than some schools that would accompany the expansion.

My point is that though Utah would be more attractive then say Texas Tech and Ok. State, if taking Tech and Ok. State ensures obtaining OU and especially Texas (which I believe is more than likely the case) then that is the best option for the expansion.

And I agree, Scott is playing his role right. I would love to have him as the Big 12 Commish, I think he's the real deal.

 

[seniorsooner]

It's really about to hit the fan, boys and girls.

By Lee Barfknecht
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU

LINCOLN — An executive at a Big 12 school relayed to The World-Herald on Tuesday that he expects Nebraska to become a member of the Big Ten as early as Friday.

NU Chancellor Harvey Perlman has declined all interviews about conference realignment and expansion. He is expected to address the topic with the Board of Regents at its Friday meeting in Lincoln.

Direct confirmation from Nebraska of a conference change for the Huskers wasn't immediately available. Sources at two other Big 12 schools told The World-Herald that their athletic directors have instructed them to be ready by week's end for a briefing on probable Big 12 changes.

Nebraska A.D. Tom Osborne offered implicit confirmation Tuesday night that the timetable on national conference realignment has been accelerated.

On his monthly appearance on the Husker Sports Network, Osborne said:

“I think before too long — I don't know exactly what that time frame is — we'll be able to put this to bed," then he jokingly added, “because I'm getting tired of it."

The Big Ten first revealed on Dec. 15 that it was considering expansion, and that it would take 12 to 18 months to act.

Now, six months after that initial announcement, multiple sources have indicated that the Big Ten is prepared to add one to five schools (including Nebraska), and that the Pacific 10 is courting all six schools from the Big 12 South Division.

“There's a lot of information we really don't have right now," Osborne said. “Hopefully we'll get these put together in the next few days.

“Anything I would say regarding Nebraska's position or other schools in the Big 12 would be pure speculation. And I don't think that's very helpful."

Another issue Osborne addressed is recent speculation that he has a personal grudge against Texas or that he is basing decisions on some hatred of the Longhorns.

“We certainly don't have anything against anybody in the Big 12," Osborne said. “This decision is not going to be based on animosity or petty jealousy. You're talking about something that could maintain for the next 75 to 100 years.

“This is a big deal in terms of the University of Nebraska. It's a big deal for other institutions. You don't ever make a decision based on personal likes and dislikes."

Osborne said he gets along “very well" with Texas A.D. DeLoss Dodds and is a “great admirer" of UT football coach Mack Brown.

“This is not a case of reacting to any one school," Osborne said, “particularly Texas."

Earlier Tuesday, The World-Herald requested an interview with Dodds. His spokesman, from Austin, Texas, said Dodds was unavailable because of a personal commitment.

http://omaha.com/article/20100608/BIGRED/306089786/-1#nu-to-big-10-as-early-as-friday

 

[seniorsooner]

Colorado to have 'major announcement' Wednesday?

Posted by John Taylor on June 8, 2010 7:01 PM ET
That now-not-so-secret meeting of the Colorado Board of Regents slated for Tuesday night? While it's not expected to result in any news tonight, it could set off the first expansion domino being tipped in the very near future.

According to Chip Brown of Oranglebloods.com -- who's absolutely nailed the expansion issue over the past week -- is reporting that "Colorado is expected to have a major announcement on Wednesday."

While it's unclear what specifically that announcement will be, it seems more than likely that the school would be making a preemptive strike to keep Baylor -- and Texas legislators -- from taking over its "spot" in the Pac-10's expected raid of half of the Big 12.

Chris Level of RedRaiderSports.com reports that "the Buffs fully expect a bid from the Pac-10" and that's what the CU regents are meeting about tonight.

If all of this begins to go down, with Colorado making the first move, Baylor is not likely to go down without a fight. The latest rumor has Baylor looking to replace Oklahoma State if the Pac-10 is successful in its multi-team Big 12 plundering.

My guess? There's no way in hell that T. Boone Pickens would ever, ever allow that to happen.

http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsport...xpected-to-have-major-announcement-wednesday/

 

[Cheno]

How much tradition do the other sports have? Not a whole lot... and certainly not enough that other schools should forego the possibility of adding millions each year in revenue.
I doubt you'd care much about tradition if kansas was the one controlling their own destiny.

But that's just it...they can add millions in the Big 12 in just a few years when contracts are renegotiated. It will probably take them that long to get to the new conferences.
And yes, I'd be pissed if KU was talking about going to the Pac-10. The Pac-10 sucks. Who wants to watch late night games on Fox Sports vs Oregon St. Blach. Again, I just hate the Pac-10.
But you being a Mizzou fan, I'd be a bit worried to. The Big 10 is really your only possibility and you are down the list. They may only add 1 school. Nebraska and Notre Dame are #1 on their list.

 

[BigTime]

Gotta love this article...

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=5265439

God bless you kind Tiger fan for linking this on here. That was pure greatness.

Melanie Rollins, a 19-year-old sophomore walking past historic Allen Fieldhouse on her way to class [wearing a jayhawk turtleneck and a vintage jayhawk satchel bag], added: "This is just breaking my heart."

Well too bad, Melanie. Old Bigtime is just loving this right now. :OU-logo:

If the beakers somehow end up in conference usa.....OMG!!!!! (I would feel bad for fatty and sys though).

 

[seniorsooner]

Honestly it's just sad. I can't sit back with a smile and watch Big 8 Conference tradition and history be wiped off the face of the map. This sucks.

 

[BigTime]

A new "other favorite team" message board for the KU faithful:

http://www.cusa-fans.com/conference-usa-boards/uab-sports-board.html

 

[BigTime]

Honestly it's just sad. I can't sit back with a smile and watch Big 8 Conference tradition and history be wiped off the face of the map. This sucks.

It was already wiped off the face of the map when the Big 12 was formed. Think about it. Is Nebraska even our rival anymore? We don't get to have the home and home in basketball with teams like Kansas and Mizzou.

It was ruined the day that the Big 12 was formed.

 

[Mr.B!!!]

Colorado to have 'major announcement' Wednesday?

Posted by John Taylor on June 8, 2010 7:01 PM ET
That now-not-so-secret meeting of the Colorado Board of Regents slated for Tuesday night? While it's not expected to result in any news tonight, it could set off the first expansion domino being tipped in the very near future.

According to Chip Brown of Oranglebloods.com -- who's absolutely nailed the expansion issue over the past week -- is reporting that "Colorado is expected to have a major announcement on Wednesday."

While it's unclear what specifically that announcement will be, it seems more than likely that the school would be making a preemptive strike to keep Baylor -- and Texas legislators -- from taking over its "spot" in the Pac-10's expected raid of half of the Big 12.

Chris Level of RedRaiderSports.com reports that "the Buffs fully expect a bid from the Pac-10" and that's what the CU regents are meeting about tonight.

If all of this begins to go down, with Colorado making the first move, Baylor is not likely to go down without a fight. The latest rumor has Baylor looking to replace Oklahoma State if the Pac-10 is successful in its multi-team Big 12 plundering.

My guess? There's no way in hell that T. Boone Pickens would ever, ever allow that to happen.

http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsport...xpected-to-have-major-announcement-wednesday/

He has no say in things potentially this big, none. As I was saying above, the oSu fans that were mocking OU and Baylor on the oSu board, get ready. TBP hasn't bought enough clout to ensure that legislators in Texas won't still insist on Baylor being part of the deal, and as OU fans, we need to pray that OU has the stroke to control its own destiny.

 

[seniorsooner]

I wouldn't say it was ruined, but it was definitely lessened. This takes it out back and unceremoniously shoots it in the back of the head.

 

[stoops4pres]

Are you suggesting Joe C doesn't have OU's best interest at heart?

Not at all. Wouldn't take another AD over him. Not sure what lead to that inquiry in the first place....

I don't. I think it suggests what most of us know that Joe C is a man of integrity where history and tradition means something. I think he also realizes that for the long-term the Big 12 makes the most sense. The Big 12 TV contracts are up for renewal soon and can be renegotiated and a "Big 12 network" could be established. The Big 12 could be the one expanding and adding the likes of TCU, Memphis, etc to make it a "super conference". I think he's one of the best AD's around and has the foresight to see the Big 12 is a great conference an long-term makes more sense for OU than the Pac-10.

I do agree with him, at this juncture staying in the Big 12 is what's best for OU. All this expansion talk, while very hot, is still nothing until its official.

But I also know that Joe C. is doing a lot of work behind the scenes, and that might not mean trying to stay within the conference. He knows "how to play the media game" so to speak, and isn't going to comment on what research or opportunities he's been exploring, nor should he. I think he has a plan should Nebraska and Mizzou indeed make the Big 10 transition, and it will be what's best for OU, Big 8/12 tradition not withstanding. And IMO it would make the most sense to head to the new-look Pac 10: More academic clout, greater opportunity for OU's athletic endeavors, and more earning potential that would better the university as a whole.

So I don't know what's going to transpire at this point in time, but I'm confident Joe C. will do what's best for OU. Whether that means stay in the Big 12 should it remain intact, or head out West should Missouri and Nebraska leave. We'll see.

 

[seniorsooner]

From the Denver Post, a little more credible than "Chip Brown":

University of Colorado regents met behind closed doors this evening to talk about options for conference membership, but reached no decision. They said they have not been invited to the Pac-10 Conference.

The Pac-10 is known to be interested in Colorado, and Colorado does not want to be left behind should the Pac-10 invite other Big 12 schools.

University spokesman Ken McConnellogue, asked directly if CU had received an offer from the Pac-10, said "No we didn't."

CU athletic director Mike Bohn declined comment.

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_15252948

 

[BigTime]

I wouldn't say it was ruined, but it was definitely lessened. This takes it out back and unceremoniously shoots it in the back of the head.

I'm not saying that I would have wanted this to happen. But if it is going to happen, then I want to at least enjoy the fact that the most arrogant basketball fanbase this side of the Mississippi might get left out in the cold. Throw in the small chance (I doubt it) that OSUJeff's clan could get the squeeze, and I am tickled pink.

 

[BigTime]

Not at all. Wouldn't take another AD over him. Not sure what lead to that inquiry in the first place....




I do agree with him, at this juncture staying in the Big 12 is what's best for OU. All this expansion talk, while very hot, is still nothing until its official.

But I also know that Joe C. is doing a lot of work behind the scenes, and that might not mean trying to stay within the conference. He knows "how to play the media game" so to speak, and isn't going to comment on what research or opportunities he's been exploring, nor should he. I think he has a plan should Nebraska and Mizzou indeed make the Big 10 transition, and it will be what's best for OU, Big 8/12 tradition not withstanding. And IMO it would make the most sense to head to the new-look Pac 10: More academic clout, greater opportunity for OU's athletic endeavors, and more earning potential that would better the university as a whole.

So I don't know what's going to transpire at this point in time, but I'm confident Joe C. will do what's best for OU. Whether that means stay in the Big 12 should it remain intact, or head out West should Missouri and Colorado leave. We'll see.[/QUOTE]

I feel the same way. President Boren has always been progressive (Just look at what he has done during his time at OU.) OU will be fine. Book it.