New Conference re-alignment thread

[Saulbadguy]

The old one has AIDS.

Anyways, Chip Brown from Orangebloods.com reports OU may apply to the Pac-12 by the end of the month.

Oklahoma will apply for membership to the Pac-12 before the end of the month, and Oklahoma State is expected to follow suit, a source close to OU's administration told Orangebloods.com.

Even though Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said Friday the Pac-12 was not interested in expansion at this time, OU's board of regents is fed up with the instability in the Big 12, the source said.

The OU board of regents will meet within two weeks to formalize plans to apply for membership to the Pac-12, the source said.

Messages left Sunday night with OU athletic director Joe Castiglione and Oklahoma State athletic director Mike Holder were not immediately returned.

If OU follows through with what appears to be a unanimous sentiment on the seven-member Oklahoma board of regents to leave the Big 12, realignment in college athletics could be heating back up. OU's application would be matched by an application from Oklahoma State, the source said, even though OSU president Burns Hargis and mega-booster Boone Pickens both voiced their support for the Big 12 last Thursday.

There is differing sentiment about if the Pac-12 presidents and chancellors are ready to expand again after bringing in Colorado and Utah last year and landing $3 billion TV contracts from Fox and ESPN. Colorado president Bruce Benson told reporters last week CU would be opposed to any expansion that might bring about east and west divisions in the Pac-12.

Currently, there are north and south divisions in the Pac-12. If OU and OSU were to join, Larry Scott would have to get creative.

Scott's orginal plan last summer was to bring in Colorado, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State and put them in an eastern division with Arizona and Arizona State. The old Pac-8 schools (USC, UCLA, Cal, Stanford, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington and Washington State) were to be in the west division.

Colorado made the move in June 2010, but when Texas A&M was not on board to go west, the Big 12 came back together with the help of its television partners (ABC/ESPN and Fox).

If Oklahoma and Oklahoma State were accepted into the Pac-12, there would undoubtedly be a hope by Larry Scott that Texas would join the league. But Texas sources have indicated UT is determined to hang onto the Longhorn Network, which would not be permissible in the Pac-12 in its current form.

Texas sources continue to indicate to Orangebloods.com that if the Big 12 falls apart, the Longhorns would consider "all options."

Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe held an emergency conference call 10 days ago with league presidents excluding Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M and asked the other league presidents to "work on Texas" because Beebe didn't think the Pac-12 would take Oklahoma without Texas.

Now, it appears OU is willing to take its chances with the Pac-12 with or without Texas.

There seemed to be a temporary pause in any possible shifting of the college athletics' landscape when Baylor led a charge to tie up Texas A&M's move to the Southeastern Conference in legal red tape. BU refused to waive its right to sue the SEC over A&M's departure from the Big 12, and the SEC said it would not admit Texas A&M until it had been cleared of any potential lawsuits.

Baylor, Kansas and Iowa State have indicated they will not waive their right to sue the SEC.

It's unclear if an application by OU to the Pac-12 would draw the same threats of litigation against the Pac-12 from those Big 12 schools.

Stay tuned.

[Frazod]

Originally Posted by Wickedson

sure you did.

Yes, actually, I did. I hate Kansas. I don't give a **** about Virginia Tech.

And I was there. It was wonderful.

[Bambi]

Originally Posted by frazod

Yes, actually, I did. I hate Kansas. I don't give a **** about Virginia Tech.

And I was there. It was wonderful.

The following year was pretty good too.

[KcMizzou]

Originally Posted by frazod

Yes, actually, I did. I hate Kansas. I don't give a **** about Virginia Tech.

And I was there. It was wonderful.

EPIC game. Probably my favorite game I've ever attended in any sport. It was just electric.

But that was a once in a lifetime kinda game between these two teams.

[kcfan82]

Originally Posted by KcMizzou

All kidding aside, Mizzou has GOT to make this move if it's there.

These "handcuffs" (seriously? that's how they want to put it?) only last 6 years. After that, the big boys could go anywhere, and leave the rest of us in the wind. Texas could afford to do it even within that time if the mood struck them.

Nobody wants out of the SEC.

Like I said earlier, I don't think Missouri has any reason to panic if it all came down nor does Kansas or KSU.

I could see them all ending up somewhere.

ISU and Baylor are the two in the Big 12 that should be worried, but the Big East will take anyone.

My old HS (Olathe North) would get accepted.

[Frazod]

Originally Posted by KcMizzou

EPIC game. Probably my favorite game I've ever attended in any sport. It was just electric.

But that was a once in a lifetime kinda game between these two teams.

Oh, without a doubt. Being there just made it so much better.

[KChiefs1]

Originally Posted by KcMizzou

Nobody wants out of the SEC.

KK says Arkansas has been a nobody since they joined the SEC. Why wouldn't they like to join an easier conference like the Big 12?

[mnchiefsguy]

Originally Posted by Wickedson

Screwed?

MU had 2 losses. KU had 1. KU has a bigger brand. I really don't get what all the anger is about.

If KU would have lost I'd say you were right. But they didn't so I dunno man.

I'm already losing interest in what MU does.

KU did not have a bigger brand dumbass. Outside of basketball, KU has no brand. KU does have a fantastic set of kneepads though.

Mizzou was higher rated in the polls, the BCS standings, and had a better record in addition to beating KU. The "MU had two losses" argument holds no water.

[mnchiefsguy]

Originally Posted by KcMizzou

All kidding aside, Mizzou has GOT to make this move if it's there.

These "handcuffs" (seriously? that's how they want to put it?) only last 6 years. After that, the big boys could go anywhere, and leave the rest of us in the wind. Texas could afford to do it even within that time if the mood struck them.

Nobody wants out of the SEC.

But Wickedson and KK insist that Texas truly cares and would never, never, leave us!

[MoreLemonPledge]

Originally Posted by mnchiefsguy

KU did not have a bigger brand dumbass. Outside of basketball, KU has no brand. KU does have a fantastic set of kneepads though.

Mizzou was higher rated in the polls, the BCS standings, and had a better record in addition to beating KU. The "MU had two losses" argument holds no water.

Pissed me off to no end. Mizzou was punished for playing in the Conference Championship. They won the Big 12 North, beat KU head to head on a neutral site, and KU got the bowl.

**** the Big 12. Good riddance.

[mnchiefsguy]

Originally Posted by MoreLemonPledge

Pissed me off to no end. Mizzou was punished for playing in the Conference Championship. They won the Big 12 North, beat KU head to head on a neutral site, and KU got the bowl.

**** the Big 12. Good riddance.

That is another benefit to being in the SEC. Their bowl slotting structure is locked into the final standings...so if MU finished ahead of Tennessee or Florida, then they get the better bowl, regardless of the national "brand" of the schools they finished ahead of.

[eazyb81]

Dammit, I hate waking up to see that I missed an epic wickeddumb temper tantrum.

[eazyb81]

Greg Hall offering some nice rational thoughts on Mizzou to SEC commentary. Great stuff.

Mizzou to SEC 'imminent'

Posted 10-18-11

“I would expect the conditional withdrawal (of Missouri from the Big 12) in probably a similar time frame to Texas A&M, about 17 days. Probably later this week.”
Gabe DeArmond, of PowerMizzou.com, dating the start of this process back to Brady Deaton’s announcement two weeks ago that Mizzou would explore other conference options, 810 AM

GH: Gabe defined a “conditional withdrawal” as one where Mizzou will depart for the SEC as long as they have an invitation to join another conference. The New York Times called their move to the SEC as “inevitable” and “imminent.” This appears to be simply a move to make sure the SEC isn’t seen as poaching a team from another conference and to avoid legal action from the Big 12 or its member schools. It appears Mizzou is gone. But this is Mizzou – so nothing is over in Columbia until 'dem crackers who be shakin' say it's over.

“As a Kansas Citian, I’m conflicted. I understand how this hurts Kansas City. And that sucks! I don’t like that! You can be conflicted! Don’t let anybody else tell you how to feel! I think it’s great for Missouri that they’re moving on to the SEC. If I lived in St. Louis I wouldn’t give a damn about what was good for Kansas City. But I don’t. I live in Kansas City.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM

GH: SSJ’s point is exactly why the Big 12 is dysfunctional and much of our government doesn’t work – everybody is in it for what is best for them. It is not about what is best for me and my city. It should be what is best for my state, my country, my world – all the while understanding that sometimes my loss is our gain. Attend a school board meeting where they discuss re-districting if you want a firsthand view of this kind of small-minded me-first attitude.

“The University is in Columbia. And let me tell you for homecoming, when Georgia brings 15,000 fans to Columbia instead of Iowa State bringing 1,500, Columbia is going to be much better off.”
Gabe DeArmond, on the complaint that Kansas City will lose revenue if MU heads to the SEC, 810 AM

“Hope Missouri enjoys forming rivalries with division members Kentucky (7 hrs away) and Tennessee (10 hrs).”
Brady McCollough, KC Star KU beat writer, Twitter

GH: I was surprised to see McCollough so negative and opinionated about MU’s move to the SEC. He appears to be coming at this more like a fan than a beat writer. Maybe he too, like Kevin Kietzman and Bob Fescoe, is thinking of his own job and personal interests rather than looking at the story from an objective viewpoint. I don’t know how anyone looking at this decision with any objectivity doesn’t understand what a tremendous opportunity this is for Missouri. I would say the same thing if Kansas or Kansas State had Mizzou's options.

“In what way are they holding you hostage? It’s much better to be a second-class citizen in the SEC? You’ll never get to the Big 10 (if you go to the SEC)!”
Kevin Kietzman, to a caller who stated Mizzou is sick of being held
hostage by Texas and Texas-lite, 810 AM

“To think that Missouri is going to go down there (to the SEC) and be 3-9 or 2-10 every year is just ridiculous.”
Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN college football analyst, 810 AM

“I agree with people who say a stable Big 12 is the best conference for Missouri. The difference between them and me is that I don’t think that is a possibility. Missouri is simply in a situation now (with the SEC) that is more stable and a better situation. The Big 12 – nobody trusts them. If Texas and Oklahoma find a better situation, it seems likely to me they will take them.”
Gabe DeArmond, of PowerMizzou.com, 810 AM

GH: Mizzou has been offered a life raft off a fishing boat that keeps springing leaks. And that life raft is not coming from another fishing boat but from a luxury cruise ship with 17 swimming pools and 47 gourmet restaurants. This is not a tough decision.

“MU fans keep hanging their hats on the ‘more secure option’ The Big 12 will be fine and secure.”
Bob Fescoe, Twitter

GH: The Big 12 is simply no longer the Big 12. MU is not leaving the conference they joined in 1995. They are leaving an old neighborhood that will never be the same. They’re movin’ on up. Hate ‘em if you have to, but understand that it looks a lot like pure jealousy.

“To local fans mad about Mizzou leaving... None of us want Mizzou to leave the Big 12, but stop tweeting like the pathetic ex-girlfriend...”
Nick Wright, Twitter

“(Mizzou) can stay and pray that Texas and OU are there forever. That might be more foolish. Actually, it would be.”
Tom Shatel, Omaha World Herald columnist and Mizzou alum, Twitter

“Strap that helmet on real tight, because you’re going into the deep end of the pool here in the SEC. … You’re playing the best of the best. You’re playing in the elite football conference which requires a hardcore football coach – which I think Gary Pinkel is.”
Kirk Herbstreit, 810 AM

GH: Herbstreit mentioned he is curious to see if Pinkel will attempt to keep his spread offense in a physical league like the SEC. Let’s hope Pinks finds something else to run inside the five-yard line – no matter what league his Tigers join.

“I think the one thing Missouri fans are going to recognize right away is that in the Big 12, you might have a few more weeks that are considered ‘off weeks.’ In the SEC, because of the consistency of the defense every week, every single team plays great defense. That’ll be the challenge for the players and that program to realize you are going to be challenged every single week – more so than you are in the Big 12.”
Kirk Herbstreit, 810 AM

“If they continue to play that (MU/KU) game, it’s going to have a lot less implications. It’s not going to be that big a deal.”
Jake Gutierrez, 810 AM

GH: I don’t agree with Jake on this one. I cannot think of a circumstance where any KU/MU game would not be a “big deal.” BTW, get your tickets to the November 26th MU/KU game at Arrowhead today. I have a feeling there is going to be quite a run on tickets to that one sometime around Thursday afternoon

“Let’s be honest. Missouri is not competing with Kansas in basketball and Kansas isn’t competing with Missouri in football.”
Steven St. John, discussing the lack of competitiveness in the border war rivalry that might end if MU bolts, 810 AM

“If the shoe was on the other foot, wouldn’t you be beating your chest as a Kansas fan? Didn’t we all bitch about how Texas ran this league? … Just think if the shoe was on the other foot for Kansas and Kansas State fans. That’s all I’m asking.”
Aaron Swarts, 810 AM

“I don’t really think this is big news. The SEC thing is happening and Missouri is going to move forward with the SEC. I don’t know what to do with this report (from the NY Times) other than it is being reported in New York.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM

GH: This is big news. Yes, we have been aware that this MIGHT happen for some time. But it still has not actually occurred. When it does, it will change the Big 12 and the Kansas City sports landscape in ways we cannot yet comprehend. This is very big news.

[Saulbadguy]

Originally Posted by eazyb81

Dammit, I hate waking up to see that I missed an epic wickeddumb temper tantrum.

I don't know, he's kinda grown on me.

[track]

Originally Posted by eazyb81

......I would say the same thing if Kansas or Kansas State had Mizzou's options.... .

I don't believe most KU or KSU fans would feel the same. Kansas is a plain's state....never has had any connection to the deep south like Missouri has. A move to the SEC makes sense for MU....but not for Kansas or KSU if the tables were turned...unless the Big 12 was on the verge of collapse and there was no place else to go....which is not the case now or for the next 5 years.

I could see KU or KSU WANTING to be in the pac 12 or the big 10 or to a lessor extent the big east or the ACC if the big 12 was collapsing...but the SEC would be the absolute last place I would think their fans would want to go. On the other hand it seems to be a high priority for MU fans based on reports I have heard about the fan base's desire to go to the SEC.

[eazyb81]

Originally Posted by track

I don't believe most KU or KSU fans would feel the same. Kansas is a plain's state....never has had any connection to the deep south like Missouri has. A move to the SEC makes sense for MU....but not for Kansas or KSU if the tables were turned...unless the Big 12 was on the verge of collapse and there was no place else to go....which is not the case now or for the next 5 years.

I could see KU or KSU WANTING to be in the pac 12 or the big 10 or to a lessor extent the big east or the ACC if the big 12 was collapsing...but the SEC would be the absolute last place I would think their fans would want to go. On the other hand it seems to be a high priority for MU fans based on reports I have heard about the fan base's desire to go to the SEC.

I took that comment as referring to KU or KSU moving to a better and more stable conference, not only the SEC. If Big Ten or PAC came calling during this recent realignment craze, KU or KSU would not turn it down.