![]() ![]() I think that move would already make the Big 12, top to bottom, better than the other remaining competition: the ACC. I don’t know the TV numbers but from a perceived strength viewpoint, adding Arizona (more on them in point 2), Arizona State, Utah, and Colorado (welcome back!) to the Big 12 seems like a no brainer. The remaining member institutions seem to have some level of commitment to sticking together and have brought in some already strong additions.Īs things stand I think the Big 12 is already in a better position than the Pac-12, but assuming the rumors of Oregon and Washington being potential additions to the Big 10 if Notre Dame also joins are true, and that comes to fruition, the Pac-12 is then in a significantly worse position than the Big 12. The Big 12 has some significant advantages in making this play for “best of the rest.” For one, they were the first conference to have to deal with and survive (so far) this realignment wave. Setting up as the third best conference gives the Big 12 options in such a scenario. However, others are pointing out that just two leagues would be an incredibly stale format and that three or four would be more preferable. Some are also speculating that the Big 10 and SEC might breakaway from the NCAA. While not ideal, that is again okay given the cards dealt. The Big 12 needs to accept that in football they will be a tier below the Big 10 and the SEC after this is all said and done, but that they can make moves to lock themselves in as the third best college football conference.Īssuming the current playoff structure remains, being the third best conference would likely look like getting a team in as the four seed every other year (or with expansion, regularly getting one team in and sometimes getting two). Strategically, the Big 12 and its member institutions (and future members) need to have two clear goals in mind while navigating realignment:ġ. While there is a plenty to bemoan about tradition and the like, I think Baylor and the Big 12 are in an okay position if they play their cards right. The move by USC and UCLA is one of the most drastic to date, but it will almost certainly not mark the end of this wave of realignment. FieldinOfDreams an alumni of Baylor, a proponent of the Big 12, and a lifelong fan of college athletics, there is a lot to be concerned about with the rapidly changing face of college athletics. Bottom line as we navigate through the new college football landscape, Baylor should be just fine. ![]() If the SEC decides to further expand to eventually 20-24 teams, I think Baylor and it’s brand would be the first, or one of, they come after. With the addition of other aforementioned teams, Big 12 will continue to be a Power conference with a shot at the natty every year. If we absorb PAC 12 teams (and eventually ACC leftovers) we will be at the top of the Big 12 hierarchy. What does the future hold for Baylor? We will be ok no matter what. That would leave some interesting opportunities for the Big 12 to further entrench itself in the East Coast by adding the likes of Pitt, Louisville, possibly Miami, and a few others. SEC will probably make a go at Clemson, FSU, and UNC. Long Term: With the addition of the PAC 12 teams to the Big 12, ACC schools could be in play but it’s a bit more tricky and takes a patient approach as their GOR ends in 2036. This may or may not happen, but it certainly puts us in the cat bird seat. Once the invitations go out to the 4 programs mentioned, Oregon and Washington will be scrambling to realign and find a home and the most logical will be the Big 12. Oregon and Washington covet Big 10 realignment, but none has been offered. This will drive the stake through the PAC 12’s heart and the conference will go up in dust. They will probably be Utah, Colorado, and the 2 Arizona’s. Short Term: Big 12 will pick up at least 4 PAC 12 teams as early as this week. We can debate what that will look like and who will be “in” until the cows come home, but my interest is in the impact on Baylor. The new format will be Super Conferences that are media/money driven. ODB Report: USC and UCLA May Bolt Pac12 for B1G BNT used to the fact that collegiate football as we know it is ending. ![]()
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