The Big 12 expansion groundswell

[All-American]

Wait. So those teams left because the conference wasn't strong enough? A little ironic, considering that those four weren't exactly boosting the conference's SOS or reputation.

I think you're confused. If Nebraska -- or any North Division team for that matter -- had managed to win a few conference titles, things would be different now, because the conference would have been home to something remotely akin to intraconference competition.

Good point. How many Big XII titles between the four of them? Two? Three?

[Omaha 680]

Good point. How many Big XII titles between the four of them? Two? Three?

THREE! *grumble, grumble*

Edit: it's actually four. I thought you were only referring to the North teams who left, but A&M had a fluke title game win in '98.

[Paperback Writer]

THREE! *grumble, grumble*

Edit: it's actually four. I thought you were only referring to the North teams who left, but A&M had a fluke title game win in '98.

Nebraska: 1997, 1999
Colorado: 2001
Texas A&M: 1998

Edit: Omaha beat me to it - four wins. There was also KSU's upset over OU in 2003.

[Paperback Writer]

Wait. So those teams left because the conference wasn't strong enough? A little ironic, considering that those four weren't exactly boosting the conference's SOS or reputation.

I think you're confused. If Nebraska -- or any North Division team for that matter -- had managed to win a few conference titles, things would be different now, because the conference would have been home to something remotely akin to intraconference competition.

They didn't leave for lack of winning conference titles; they left because they didn't want to play in what became the SWC II. Kansas, KSU, and Iowa St. would leave too but the invites didn't arrive in their mailbox.

[Babs]

They didn't leave for lack of winning conference titles; they left because they didn't want to play in what became the SWC II.

It felt like the SWC because the N failed to pull its collective weight. I hardly see how that's the fault of the successful teams.

[Omaha 680]

It felt like the SWC because the N failed to pull its collective weight. I hardly see how that's the fault of the successful teams.

FIFY.

[Pelado]

FIFY.

That's not fair. Oklahoma's been successful, too.

[TripletDaddy]

Bowlsby sez: we would expand for a very special school

http://thegazette.com/2012/08/21/bob...so-is-big-12s/

Here we were Tuesday at Iowa State, and Bowlsby was telling us his conference is comfortable with having 10 members, and would expand only if it could add “a very special institution.”

http://www.iowastatedaily.com/sports...a4bcf887a.html

The additions of Texas Christian and West Virginia replenished the league back to 10 teams while adding a competitive element for football, but expansion remains in the minds of fans and schools as the league moves forward.

"Expansion or conference alignment overall will always be on our radar," Bowlsby said. "I think it will be on every agenda that we have going forward just because you can't afford to not think about those kinds of things and consider the options."

As of now, Bowlsby said the conference is content with the number of schools it has but would be open to admitting other schools if they exceed expectations for admittance.

In terms of expansion, Bowlsby declined to name any schools that have contacted the conference of possible admission.

[TripletDaddy]

BYU: junior highschoolers

http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascit...t-talking.html

He said he has received calls from prospective new members, but said it is at a low level that he compared to “junior high dating.”

[TripletDaddy]

Louisville beating Kentucky! Go Louisville!

[SeattleUte]

Guys, I look in amazement at the Big 12 standings. TCU and West VA but no BYU. How awful this has happened to you all. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

[SeattleUte]

And either way you will crow that you knew it all along.

Yes, it's both.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Probably true, but what a dumb thing to say to your new conference mates. Supposedly, A&M officials are horrified (university did not do it).

[The_Douger]

Ah, the TAMU Aggies, doing less with more while trying to surpass big brother for 3 decades.

[TripletDaddy]

Im glad aTM is gone. I don't want them in our conference.