Big 10 Report: Conference Realignment

[Mr. Laz]

A source in St. Louis familiar with the situation told NewsCenter 16 Thursday afternoon that Missouri will leave the Big XII and soon join the Big 10. Other schools expected to follow the Tigers are Syracuse, Pitt, Rutgers and Nebraska.

Many have speculated that such an expansion would include Notre Dame but ND athletic director Jack Swarbrick told me today that the Irish prefer to stay independent in football and in the Big East for other sports. Swarbrick said maintaining football Independence is such a part of what Notre Dame is.

He went on to say the Big East is a great partner for the University in other sports.

"We do have to monitor what is going on," Swarbrick said. "There will be significant shifts. "Hopefully we can navigate them by keeping our football independent and keeping our Big East affiliation because that is what we care about."

The move of Syracuse, Pitt and Rutgers to the Big Ten from the Big East could categorically change the landscape of the Big East itself. Thus, what Swarbrick is referring to when stating the University must continue to monitor what is going on.

The interview with Swarbrick was done before the late afternoon announcement.

http://www.wndu.com/sports/headlines/92447574.html

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by AustinChief

Not really, my bet is that Houston is split 30/30/20/20 a&m, Texas, Houston, other...

Houston is a Top 25 football school once again and on the rise to be a Tier I school in academics... I would add them and TCU and ALSO add 4 more schools to keep the Big 12 relevant... but which schools? What makes sense GEOGRAPHICALLY?

What I'm saying is it doesn't add that many TV sets into a new market. People are still going to be watching in any city in Texas. But if Texas wants to stay in the Big 12, they are going to do whatever Texas says. If they want Houston and TCU, they got Houston and TCU. I'd rather them poach Utah, Louisville, Memphis, West Virginia, Pitt, Cincinnati..people like that. But I'm probably just dreaming.

[KC Jones]

Originally Posted by AustinChief

Not really, my bet is that Houston is split 30/30/20/20 a&m, Texas, Houston, other...

Houston is a Top 25 football school once again and on the rise to be a Tier I school in academics... I would add them and TCU and ALSO add 4 more schools to keep the Big 12 relevant... but which schools? What makes sense GEOGRAPHICALLY?

Nothing with much of a name really: Colorado State, New Mexico, New Mexico State, Lousiana Tech, Memphis, Southern Miss, Tulane?

[KC Jones]

Originally Posted by AustinChief

IF you want to save the Big 12... it makes the most sense... if you want to take your chances and hope all the Big 12 schools get invites to BCS conferences... good luck.

Hey - I'm all for saving what can be of the Big 12. I think that's best for KU and would sorely miss the rivalries with KSU & MU.

However I think it's already a done deal and the biggest question left is whether or not A&M goes to the SEC on their own. I hope they do on the off chance the PAC would consider KU, but I kind of doubt it happens that way.

[DaKCMan AP]

Originally Posted by KC Jones

Hey - I'm all for saving what can be of the Big 12. I think that's best for KU and would sorely miss the rivalries with KSU & MU.

However I think it's already a done deal and the biggest question left is whether or not A&M goes to the SEC on their own. I hope they do on the off chance the PAC would consider KU, but I kind of doubt it happens that way.

The only way for A&M to gain ground on UT is to go to the SEC.

[CosmicPal]

Just curious...couldn't the Big 12 add a school such as Wichita State and/or Tulsa? Or are they too small?

I haven't read much into this thread, so forgive me. But I've also heard the Big 12 may dissolve. WTF!

I have a sick feeling that KU will never be the same in BB, particularly with Perkins leaving as well.

[KcMizzou]

Originally Posted by DaKCMan AP

The only way for A&M to gain ground on UT is to go to the SEC.

A&M to the SEC opens a spot for Kansas in the Pac 16.. prompting the continued expansion of the Big Ten to 16 (which includes Missouri)

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by CosmicPal

Just curious...couldn't the Big 12 add a school such as Wichita State and/or Tulsa? Or are they too small?

I haven't read much into this thread, so forgive me. But I've also heard the Big 12 may dissolve. WTF!

I have a sick feeling that KU will never be the same in BB, particularly with Perkins leaving as well.

Not a chance for the Shockers...this is mainly about football. Both of those schools don't really add much revenue and TV viewership.

[KcMizzou]

Originally Posted by CosmicPal

Just curious...couldn't the Big 12 add a school such as Wichita State and/or Tulsa? Or are they too small?

I haven't read much into this thread, so forgive me. But I've also heard the Big 12 may dissolve. WTF!

I have a sick feeling that KU will never be the same in BB, particularly with Perkins leaving as well.

I think KU will end up fine. They have that "brand" like Nebraska does in football. Yeah, this isn't about basketball... but still... they're a big enough name, somebody will happily snatch them up.

Mizzou too. Whatever happens, Mizzou will land in a good spot. Desirable TV markets, good if not great athletics and academics...

I'm a little more concerned about KSU... but I hope they'll be included too.

Again... there are 67 BCS teams. Four sixteen team conferences means only 3 are left out.

ISU and Baylor should be the ones really sweating this.

[CosmicPal]

Originally Posted by KcMizzou

I think KU will end up fine. They have that "brand" like Nebraska does in football. Yeah, this isn't about basketball... but still... they're a big enough name, somebody will happily snatch them up.

Mizzou too. Whatever happens, Mizzou will land in a good spot. Desirable TV markets, good if not great athletics and academics...

I'm a little more concerned about KSU... but I hope they'll be included too.

Again... there are 67 BCS teams. Four sixteen team conferences means only 3 are left out.

ISU and Baylor should be the ones really sweating this.

Thanks!

I really haven't been following this because I simply didn't believe it was going to happen. But now that it did, I'm interested in knowing.

[Terribilis]

The Big 12 and its predecessors have been an important part of the college sports landscape for decades. The decisions of Colorado and Nebraska to leave the conference are unfortunate, because they threaten the rich traditions that have inspired fans throughout the years.
Their decisions also create uncertainty for the University of Kansas and other schools in the conference, and that uncertainty has understandably created concern among Jayhawks.
While we all hoped these changes would not take place, we have always foreseen the potential for shifts in the conference’s alignment. That is why we have been proactive throughout this process, aggressively pursuing the interests of KU and its student-athletes.
As you know better than anyone, KU is a leader in higher education and intercollegiate athletics, and the value we offer is clear. Our student-athletes excel in the classroom and on the field of competition, and they study, practice and compete in facilities that are second-to-none.
More broadly, the academic and research profile of our university is strong. We continue to enroll an ever more talented and diverse student body, while our scholars continue to break new ground in fields from cancer treatment to the arts.
For all these reasons, we are confident that KU will emerge from this process in a position that enables our student-athletes to continue to compete at the highest level.
Now, that process may not be rapid, and there will continue to be rumors and speculation. But we want to assure you that we will continue to aggressively pursue the best interests of KU and its student-athletes. We will also keep you informed as the process unfolds.
Thank you for your continued support of the University of Kansas!
Rock Chalk!

Bernadette Gray-Little Chancellor

Lew Perkins Athletics Director

[penguinz]

Originally Posted by KcMizzou

I think KU will end up fine. They have that "brand" like Nebraska does in football. Yeah, this isn't about basketball... but still... they're a big enough name, somebody will happily snatch them up.

Mizzou too. Whatever happens, Mizzou will land in a good spot. Desirable TV markets, good if not great athletics and academics...

I'm a little more concerned about KSU... but I hope they'll be included too.

Again... there are 67 BCS teams. Four sixteen team conferences means only 3 are left out.

ISU and Baylor should be the ones really sweating this.

Without big conference $ KU can not pay the bills it has. You say good-bye to Self as well as others.

With 4 mega conferences the BCS goes away.

[KcMizzou]

Originally Posted by penguinz

Without big conference $ KU can not pay the bills it has. You say good-bye to Self as well as others.

With 4 mega conferences the BCS goes away.

Those 4 mega conferences will be comprised almost exclusively of BCS teams.

[ArrowheadHawk]

So whats next? How long till Pac 10 swollows most of the south?

[KcMizzou]

Originally Posted by ArrowheadHawk

So whats next? How long till Pac 10 swollows most of the south?

Supposedly by Tuesday? Who knows though.

I hope that happens... forcing the Big Ten's hand.

[alanm]

Originally Posted by Laz

Beebe has had the confidence beaten out of him ... he doesn't sound near and sure that "all is well"

It's a sad day for sure. I'm on the fence about the move to the Big 10. Beebe should be shitcanned tomorrow.