The Big 12 expansion groundswell

[Uncle Ted]

I have never heard about that or them. That looks really dumb.

Yeah, you might like the Branch Davidian Memorial park and museum much better.

[bluegoose]

One ought to dismiss any essay that speaks of "streets filled with needles and feces," as being absurdly sensationalistic, but we eagerly read such things to confirm our preconceptions. Tomorrow we're taking the ferry for a nice lunch and a mid-day stroll along the Embarcadero. We'll return Saturday to spend the day with a grandson, walking over to the Palace of Fine Arts, and then perhaps picnicking on the Marina Green. The sky will be clear and temps will be in the 70s (Phoenix should top out around 110). But SF is apparently a hellhole and I'll be sure to wear my waders.

Exactly. We go to SF a couple of times a year and always have a great time. Sure, there are plenty of homeless, but we've never been accosted or been faced with overly aggressive panhandlers. Just before the lockdown, we went with some friends to catch a play at the Orpheum. We had about 10 kids with us. Show got out at 11:00pm, and we had to walk a mile or so back to the car. Not a single problem.

[originalsocal]

Apparently you missed the fact that UCLA beat LSU (currently in the sainted SEC) this weekend. UCLA. The team that, until this past weekend, had done nothing of note since Troy aikman.

Also, you apparently missed UW go toe to toe with Montana and the northern cousins generally not giving a crap.

also, you are probably well aware that Utah shut down its basketball program a few years ago.

Valid points all. I'm frankly surprised, however, that you failed to mention that LA has nearly the same amount of feces and needles as SF, population difference notwithstanding. Also, do yourself a favor and when in LA enjoy a hot pastrami sandwich at Langer's, overlooking the fall tent colors of MacArthur Park.

[old_gregg]

all big urban cities have big city urban problems. let the tourists go to branson instead

[Jeff Lebowski]

For record, I think sf >>> phoenix.

[Bo Diddley]

I stayed at a hotel in downtown Phoenix for a week on assignment, and everything shuts down in the evening. There was an NBA game one night, and everything opened up. I ate at the Hard Rock Cafe twice just to get dinner.

[beefytee]

Went to SF a few years ago with the family and had a great time. Only thing close to needles or feces that we ran into was an outspoken lady who was likely intoxicated going off about what a specimen my 15yo (at the time) son was. It was more entertaining than anything.

I'm not a fan of Phoenix. I would definitely put SF ahead of Phoenix. I might put all Pac-12 destinations above Phoenix outside of Pullman and Tucson. Also, I'm heading to Phoenix in a few weeks.

[Applejack]

. I might put all Pac-12 destinations above Phoenix outside of Pullman and Tucson.

Definitely! And Pullman is pushing Phoenix for the tenth spot.

[Applejack]

I stayed at a hotel in downtown Phoenix for a week on assignment, and everything shuts down in the evening. There was an NBA game one night, and everything opened up. I ate at the Hard Rock Cafe twice just to get dinner.

Ay, Dios Mio!!!!

[bluegoose]

If destination is a leading factor, why not stick with what we've got? Football has had some pretty sweet locations, and the WCC has SF, San Diego, Pepperdine, Portland, Orinda, San Jose, and Stockton.

[USUC]

Did BYU fans immediately try to minimize the PAC-12 in 2010 like the Utes in my life are the Big XII now? I assume so and it's hilariously transparent.

In terms of football, there is a lot of separation between the SEC and the rest of the P5 (post new realignment). But there is also a sizeable gap between the B1G and the ACC, Big XII, and the PAC-12. There isn't really a lot of separation between those last three. The ACC has an elite team but no blue bloods. The PAC-12 has no elite team but has a blue blood. The Big XII has no elite team nor blue bloods but probably has more parity.

[Bo Diddley]

If destination is a leading factor, why not stick with what we've got? Football has had some pretty sweet locations, and the WCC has SF, San Diego, Pepperdine, Portland, Orinda, San Jose, and Stockton.

I feel a little selfish for wanting to stay independent because of this. And if I'm honest, there are a ton of other factors to consider like recruiting and money. Seems like the going to the Big 12 is almost a no brainer, though it's not without risk. But I will miss the amazing venues we've been able to go to over the years.

[Applejack]

Did BYU fans immediately try to minimize the PAC-12 in 2010 like the Utes in my life are the Big XII now? I assume so and it's hilariously transparent.

In terms of football, there is a lot of separation between the SEC and the rest of the P5 (post new realignment). But there is also a sizeable gap between the B1G and the ACC, Big XII, and the PAC-12. There isn't really a lot of separation between those last three. The ACC has an elite team but no blue bloods. The PAC-12 has no elite team but has a blue blood. The Big XII has no elite team nor blue bloods but probably has more parity.

For the record, I think BYU would have to be puffed up with learning to reject a BIGXII invite. It is a huge step up and even w/o OU and Texas and w/ Kansas it's still a great conference.

But the destinations still suck.

[USUC]

For the record, I think BYU would have to be puffed up with learning to reject a BIGXII invite. It is a huge step up and even w/o OU and Texas and w/ Kansas it's still a great conference.

But the destinations still suck.

I won't argue you that point, my post wasn't directed towards you. I just smile at the transparency of the smack talk among the two fan bases. Like 9 straight wins isn't enough to satisfy the superiority complex, they have to shit on any positives that happens to BYU.

[All-American]

The ACC has an elite team but no blue bloods.

Not Miami? Not Florida State?