The Big 12 expansion groundswell

[landpoke]

And that K-State thread actually feels funny, rather than the nasty feeling I used to get from all the rest of the MWC schools

You people are nice in theory. But, as the old saying goes, familiarity breeds contempt. I imagine with time (and sufficient exposure to the average byu fan) they'll develop a bit more of an edge.

<broad brush holstered>

[BigFatMeanie]

You people are nice in theory. But, as the old saying goes, familiarity breeds contempt. I imagine with time (and sufficient exposure to the average byu fan) they'll develop a bit more of an edge.

<broad brush holstered>

Is it exposure to the average BYU fan or is it exposure to the continued beatings that BYU's sports teams dish out on the field that causes opposing fans to develop a bit more of an edge?

[Paperback Writer]

From that Purple Book Cat guy...
"The Big Ten just concluded a call with representatives from the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents, initiated by Oklahoma.

The call confirmed that the Big Ten would NOT extend an invitation to Oklahoma to join the conference."

I wonder if Okie St. was mentioned and if that killed any deal. Even OU might not have passed the Big Ten academic litmus test. I'm still surprised Nebraska was deemed acceptable.

I've also noticed that none of the "Texas to the Big Ten" talk mentions Texas Tech.

In my view, if the Big 12 fails, the SEC is the best match for Oklahoma. And OU could probably drag along Okie St. with them. I don't understand OU's objections to the SEC and cozying up to the PAC-12 - Longhorn pride and elitism must be rubbing off on the Sooners.

[PolyCougar]

You people are nice in theory. But, as the old saying goes, familiarity breeds contempt. I imagine with time (and sufficient exposure to the average byu fan) they'll develop a bit more of an edge.

<broad brush holstered>

Landpoke... I slam Wyoming a lot, but like you man. I gotta remember the few that really got under my skin don't represent all of the Cowboys. Good seeing you around.

[Paperback Writer]

Apparently this is being confirmed over at the Shaggy Bevo. In addition, ESPN may be helping OU out with starting their own network like they did with UT.

It's got to only be a matter of time before Baylor threatens a lawsuit (since they can't threaten to join the PAC-12 like OU) so they too can have their own network with ESPN backing.

[Jacob]

Here you go PolyCougar... This was posted on the OB board by someone that claims to have a source:



Edit: Apparently this is being confirmed over at the Shaggy Bevo. In addition, ESPN may be helping OU out with starting their own network like they did with UT.

Nice. So in the end, the SEC could destroy the Big East by taking WV, which results in ND and Pitt to B12? Ironic.

[SteelBlue]

Does A&M have to announce something within the next half hour?

[Uncle Ted]

Does A&M have to announce something within the next half hour?

It is actually 5:30pm right now in Texas.

[Pheidippides]

Here you go PolyCougar... This was posted on the OB board by someone that claims to have a source:



Edit: Apparently this is being confirmed over at the Shaggy Bevo. In addition, ESPN may be helping OU out with starting their own network like they did with UT.

If we're looking at the same story from three independent sources I can't help but feel that an announcement isn't far off.

[SteelBlue]

It is actually 5:30pm right now in Texas.

[Viking]

Fantastic:

[landpoke]

Is it exposure to the average BYU fan or is it exposure to the continued beatings that BYU's sports teams dish out on the field that causes opposing fans to develop a bit more of an edge?

Speaking from the perspective of someone who supports a team that has lately (a decade plus is lately on a cosmic scale) been subject to pretty much continual beatings, the average byu fan is the source.

Its a matter permanence I suppose. Players come and go, a fanbase is forever.

[Ma'ake]

My hunch is OU may take their sweet time with all this. Why not let the PR focus return to Ken Starr?

The whole thing is bizarre. Maybe the Big-12 will adopt "Hotel California" as their official conference theme song.

[shoganai]

I have come to the conclusion in the last couple of days that the super conference idea is dead on arrival.

Why? Three words: School-specific networks.

The whole point of a super conference (absolute maximized TV revenue) flies out the window as soon as two things happen:

1- A certain critical mass of big-time programs build up HD network capability.

2- Broadband TV distribution and availability hits a tipping point and overtakes the traditional network/cable/satellite model.

Think about it. At that point a fan of a major team will get anywhere, anytime instant access to their school's own network/games. There will be no distribution barriers, carrier contracts, channel limitations, etc. On top of that, the schools will be able to have total ownership and control of every associated revenue stream.

Major networks like ESPN will still exist simply for the purpose of consolidating audiences for the biggest games. And, conferences/alliances will exist in some form for scheduling convenience and minor sports. But, the whole concept of these massive, exclusive super conferences being tied together by common networks and shared TV revenue will be totally obsolete at that point.

[Babs]

The whole thing is bizarre. Maybe the Big-12 will adopt "Hotel California" as their official conference theme song.

I always kind of thought that was the theme song for CUF.