The Big 12 expansion groundswell

[statman]

If BYU is added are we going to wring our hands and talk about how underhanded BYU treated the WCC by saying it was not a short term deal? Or do we hold that kind of scorn for Nevada and Fresno?

Who says BYU didn't warn them? They would be complete idiots if they didn't ask about it. I can't imagine that BYU's contract with the WCC doesn't mention a BCS league opt-out...

[statman]

I know it's not rational, but there's a part of me that will be sad if BYU gives up independence to join the Big12.

The prospect of Big 12 Basketball makes up for any misgivings...

[CardiacCoug]

The prospect of Big 12 Basketball makes up for any misgivings...

Absolutely. It wouldn't happen every year I guess, in a 12-team conference, but I would love getting teams like Kansas, Texas, Missouri, and Kansas State (of the last few years) in the Marriott Center.

[shoganai]

Two words:

Football Only

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

Two words:

Football Only

I just talked with my brother about this. That would be interesting. I wonder if football only would still include some basketball scheduling agreements?

That could be the best of both worlds.

[shoganai]

I just talked with my brother about this. That would be interesting. I wonder if football only would still include some basketball scheduling agreements?

That could be the best of both worlds.

The more I find out, the more convinced I'm becoming that BYU actually wants to keep its non-football teams in the WCC. I'm not sure there's a more perfect natural fit.

[CJF]

The more I find out, the more convinced I'm becoming that BYU actually wants to keep its non-football teams in the WCC. I'm not sure there's a more perfect natural fit.

It would be nice if BYU could put the sports not played in the WCC in the Big 12 but I doubt that would be an option.

[shoganai]

It would be nice if BYU could put the sports not played in the WCC in the Big 12 but I doubt that would be an option.

I had a conversation with a BYU track official not long ago. The jist of the conversation was that BYU track and field hasn't gotten much benefit from being in a conference for a very long time. Having to go "independent" in that sport doesn't make much of a difference to them.

From what I've gathered, the sports that don't have a home in the WCC are taken care of pretty well through other channels.

[LiveCoug]

Football only is at least something, but I wish that hoops didn't have to play in the WCC. That said, I'd be ecstatic.

[PaloAltoCougar]

Football only in the Big 12, but with 3-4 BB games with our Big 12 brothers in the pre-season, coupled with a WCC conference schedule, would be excellent. Broad national exposure with an overall competition level better than before.

[LA Ute]

There's at least one fairly significant difference between a BYU defection to the B12 and Fresno/Nevada's actions: BYU would be leaving the WCC exactly how they found it; Fresno/Nevada decimated the conference by allegedly falsely leading them on. No one has any idea what level of assurances were given or if confidences were breached, so maybe the worst that could be said about Fresno/Nevada is that they were weasel-y. BYU has apparently led the WCC commissioner to think that they are in it for the long haul. If they knew about some backroom plan to join the Big 12 at the end of the year, that may be less than forthright (even "weasel-y") but: 1) nothing's in hand, so they are being prudent by planning for the worst case scenario and 2) the consequences are far less devastating to the other schools.

Arguably a big difference. I'm sure you'll defend BYU accordingly.

Unlike some here (I am thinking of Seattle-based Ute fan posters) I do not default to the position that BYU is weaselly. I default to the opposite position, in fact. (I hate to burst any bubbles here.) I do think the BYU athletics administration is capable of making mistakes.

Regarding the WCC, my guess is that BYU made it very clear to the WCC going in that if an AQ conference offer is made, BYU will be free to take it. They may also have told the WCC that they don't expect that to happen imminently. Otherwise, why would the WCC make the deal, re-do schedules, and the like? I am just speculating, but I am confident BYU is handling this on the up-and-up.

[YOhio]

Unlike some here (I am thinking of Seattle-based Ute fan posters) I do not default to the position that BYU is weaselly. I default to the opposite position, in fact. (I hate to burst any bubbles here.)

If that were your consistent position then you wouldn't need to clarify.

[LA Ute]

If that were your consistent position then you wouldn't need to clarify.

First, I told you to be quiet.

Second, I can't help it if paranoid BYU fans impute to me viewpoints they find objectionable.

Third, you have never given me a decent excuse for you living in Ohio.

[oxcoug]

Who says BYU didn't warn them? They would be complete idiots if they didn't ask about it. I can't imagine that BYU's contract with the WCC doesn't mention a BCS league opt-out...

I don't have time to go digging for links now but I am certain BYU warned them and talked about the uncertainties openly - I was on a WCC board not long after the deal and there were informed WCC posters saying that the possibility of BYU leaving was understood and accepted by WCC decision-makers.

I have also been told that Holmoe was very candid with the WCC about all options still being open.

[USUC]

Now that UT has its own network, does a jealous A&M start to stir up some trouble for the Big-12? I would guess UT needs to placate the other teams in the conference to ensure its own viability.

http://www.statesman.com/sports/nine...s_sports_86352