Bearcats to the Big 12?

[texasdave]

This rumor comes from an ESPN announcer in the Nashville area. Take it FWIW.


According to a radio host in Nashville on 102.5 the game, the Big 12 — which does not currently have a championship game — is going to add two more teams in the offseason and, according to his information, those two teams will be Cincinnati and Memphis.

This, of course, isn’t Pat Forde or Pete Thamel reporting here. But it’s certainly fun to think about, isn’t it?

The Tigers won the American Athletic Conference this season, their first conference championship in football since 1971. Coach Justin Fuente has led one of the more impressive turnarounds in the country, taking the Tigers from 3-9 in 2013 to 9-3 just a year later.

“I’m being told that (FedEx CEO) Fred Smith has obviously opened up the checkbook and is helping ease this process along,” Darren McFarland said today on Sports Night.

[Boston Red]

Good for UC if it happens. Their program needs a lot of work from a facilities standpoint, but I think they'd be able to compete relatively quickly across the board. But Memphis?!? Geez, why? The FedEx guy must be willing to part with piles of cash to get them into the Big XII.

Great news for WV is this is true, certainly.

[dabvu2498]

I can't believe Lance isn't running wild with this rumor, essentially because he and Darren M. are the exact same person.

I actually like Darren a lot as a host. He's a Reds fan, so that helps.

[paintmered]

Good for UC if it happens. Their program needs a lot of work from a facilities standpoint, but I think they'd be able to compete relatively quickly across the board.

A major revamp of UC's facilities has been in progress for the better part of a decade starting with the Varsity Village project, which included new olympic sports facilities, admin spaces, locker rooms and training spaces. A proper $15M football practice facility completed about three years ago. The $90M expansion and renovation of Nippert will be done for next season. A gut job and rebuild of the 5/3rd interior is in the planning stages, and there should be movement on that in the next two years. I expect UC to expedite plans to do a second round of Nippert expansion if admitted to the Big XII or ACC (some of the forum "insider" rumblings already have suggested this). With the space constraints surrounding Nippert, there's enough room to max out around 45,000.

I'm not buying the rumor to the Big XII yet since it's uncorroborated. But it's nice to be mentioned, and it certainly beats the silent alternative that is getting left out. In the meantime, just win tomorrow!

[KronoRed]

If they don't add more teams they should be forced to change their name.

But...Memphis?!

[RedFanAlways1966]

If they don't add more teams they should be forced to change their name.

Big 10, Big 12... math, smath. Sometimes college is not about correct mathematics or that academic nonsense, Krono. It is about playing good football and bringing millions of revenue into the school. <kind of joking... unfortunately>

[Reds Freak]

I always thought the Big 12 should have went hard after UC and Louisville after West Virginia joined.

[Sea Ray]

That'd be great for UC but I don't see it with Nippert being so small. Hope I'm wrong

[WVRed]

I never really understood why they added WVU in the first place. No offense to WVU fans, but outside of football it's a geographical nightmare for any other sport.

Then again, it's probably better than adding SMU or Tulane.

[dabvu2498]

They might as well go ahead and add UCF and Houston as well.

UCF makes as much, or more sense as UC or Memphis.

[Assembly Hall]

Man oh man. How the college landscape has changed. Any rumors out there about bringing the old SWC back? LOL

[Slyder]

I never really understood why they added WVU in the first place. No offense to WVU fans, but outside of football it's a geographical nightmare for any other sport.

Then again, it's probably better than adding SMU or Tulane.

I think part of getting in did is WVU spent a ton of money to upgrade what was needed. I know they spent a ton on the airport in Clarksburg which is like 45 min drive so everyone can fly in and out relatively quickly. Also who else really would have added more? Big 12 needed someone to keep the TV execs happy and I personally am very pleased with the partnership with Big 12... ITs 10,000,000 times better than the American and 100,000,000 times better than if we were allowed in to the ACC.

[Slyder]

This rumor comes from an ESPN announcer in the Nashville area. Take it FWIW.

According to a radio host in Nashville on 102.5 the game, the Big 12 — which does not currently have a championship game — is going to add two more teams in the offseason and, according to his information, those two teams will be Cincinnati and Memphis.

This, of course, isn’t Pat Forde or Pete Thamel reporting here. But it’s certainly fun to think about, isn’t it?

The Tigers won the American Athletic Conference this season, their first conference championship in football since 1971. Coach Justin Fuente has led one of the more impressive turnarounds in the country, taking the Tigers from 3-9 in 2013 to 9-3 just a year later.

“I’m being told that (FedEx CEO) Fred Smith has obviously opened up the checkbook and is helping ease this process along,” Darren McFarland said today on Sports Night.

The only way this happens is if the commitee decides that there must be a championship game in order to get into the playoff and we could certainly do worse than Cincinnati.

[Stray]

Well the Big 12 is definitely gonna be looking to add a couple of teams after today haha. Please take the Bearcats :thumbup:

[19braves77]

Northern Illinois is another team being looked at.....

[WVRed]

The only way this happens is if the commitee decides that there must be a championship game in order to get into the playoff and we could certainly do worse than Cincinnati.

Would never happen, but LSU and Arkansas would be somewhere to start.

[cumberlandreds]

After todays events they will be adding two teams. Just a matter of who they want.

[KronoRed]

How about BYU?

[Kilgore_Trout]

How about BYU?

I think BYU makes a lot of sense, and I feel like they'd be an excellent addition. Clean, well-respected program with a good history and devout fan-base (in more ways than one). I'm not a Mormon, but my mother was, and she graduated from that school so I've always been a fan (a distant second to my Buckeyes, of course). I'd like to see it.

[19braves77]

I think BYU makes a lot of sense, and I feel like they'd be an excellent addition. Clean, well-respected program with a good history and devout fan-base (in more ways than one). I'm not a Mormon, but my mother was, and she graduated from that school so I've always been a fan (a distant second to my Buckeyes, of course). I'd like to see it.

Boise State and Colorado St would also work, Colorado St is investing a ton of money in a new football stadium that will rival Colorado's facilities.

[Boston Red]

Boise State and Colorado St would also work, Colorado St is investing a ton of money in a new football stadium that will rival Colorado's facilities.

They cannot go west for two teams if they're only adding 2. WV desperately needs a team east of the Mississippi to join the league.

[Slyder]

They cannot go west for two teams if they're only adding 2. WV desperately needs a team east of the Mississippi to join the league.

Or you know sec could get over itself goto pod system (16) and we'd be out of the big 12s hair.

[Assembly Hall]

They cannot go west for two teams if they're only adding 2. WV desperately needs a team east of the Mississippi to join the league.

Says who?

[Boston Red]

Says who?

Boston Red

[Assembly Hall]

Boston Red

LMAO, beer just came through my nose!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was my smile for the day!!!!!!

[bucksfan2]

Says who?

It is a logistic quagmire for WVU. The closest school for WVU in the B12 is Oklahoma or Kansas? That can work for revenue sports like football and basketball, but what about womens volleyball and those bus rides? When it comes down to it there are only a few schools that would make sense to jump to the big leagues. UC, Memphis, and CSU come to mind unless they want to dip into Florida.

[mdccclxix]

UC would be a good big 12 team and the football program would quickly draw more fans with UT, OU and OSU, etc coming through town. Likewise with basketball, Kansas and company would really help recruiting and attendance. This is the lifeline UC needs.

[Caveat Emperor]

I think BYU makes a lot of sense, and I feel like they'd be an excellent addition. Clean, well-respected program with a good history and devout fan-base (in more ways than one). I'm not a Mormon, but my mother was, and she graduated from that school so I've always been a fan (a distant second to my Buckeyes, of course). I'd like to see it.

BYU brings headaches of their own -- namely their independently negotiated TV package and their religious requirement that no athletic events be scheduled on Sundays.

[wolfboy]

BYU brings headaches of their own -- namely their independently negotiated TV package and their religious requirement that no athletic events be scheduled on Sundays.

Yeah, I still don't see BYU until they drop the No Sundays requirement, which is to say never. What happens when BYU lands a New Year's Day bowl invite that happens to fall on a Sunday? '77 Fiesta Bowl all over again (BYU declined the invite because it fell on a Sunday).

[Boston Red]

Yeah, I still don't see BYU until they drop the No Sundays requirement, which is to say never. What happens when BYU lands a New Year's Day bowl invite that happens to fall on a Sunday? '77 Fiesta Bowl all over again (BYU declined the invite because it fell on a Sunday).

There you have your answer. That will never be a problem again, though, because college football has ceded New Year's Day to the NFL when it falls on a Sunday.

[wolfboy]

There you have your answer. That will never be a problem again, though, because college football has ceded New Year's Day to the NFL when it falls on a Sunday.

Good point. But I still think it's indicative of how much baggage BYU brings.

[Boston Red]

I want to ask my BYU buddies here at work (I work with 3 of them within 10 yards of where I'm sitting) how BYU grads play in the NFL (or NBA) on Sundays. Most of these guys are devout, so they must work something out with the LDS (tithing) that makes it okay for them to play.

[joshnky]

UC would be a good big 12 team and the football program would quickly draw more fans with UT, OU and OSU, etc coming through town. Likewise with basketball, Kansas and company would really help recruiting and attendance. This is the lifeline UC needs.

If Big East basketball didn't help then big 12 certainly won't.

[wolfboy]

If Big East basketball didn't help then big 12 certainly won't.

Other than a cheap shot against UC, what does that even mean? If you don't think Big East basketball helped UC's program then you don't know what you're talking about.

[paintmered]

If Big East basketball didn't help then big 12 certainly won't.

Then you don't understand the extent of the rebuild job Cronin did starting with UC's first year in the Big East.

It's easy to act high and mighty towards others when you have a taxpayer funded palace printing money for your program. This thread could do without comments such as yours.

[wolfboy]

Then you don't understand the extent of the rebuild job Cronin did starting with UC's first year in the Big East.

It's easy to act high and mighty towards others when you have a taxpayer funded palace printing money for your program. This thread could do without comments such as yours.

It's just blatant trolling. Under Mick, UC was able to build a consistent recruiting presence in NYC, as was Louisville. Anyone who knows college basketball knows that.

[joshnky]

Other than a cheap shot against UC, what does that even mean? If you don't think Big East basketball helped UC's program then you don't know what you're talking about.

I was replying to the original poster's comment that Cincy was in need of a lifeline not making a comment about their performance in the big east. Most of the current team was recruited while they were still playing Syracuse, Georgetown and Pitt and all of the team was recruited while they were playing louisville and uconn. My point is, if the team is in trouble now playing Kansas is not going to help. The big 12 is not exactly fertile recruiting ground.

That's not to say it won't help but it will be a surprising step down in basketball compared to what they once had.

[joshnky]

Then you don't understand the extent of the rebuild job Cronin did starting with UC's first year in the Big East.

It's easy to act high and mighty towards others when you have a taxpayer funded palace printing money for your program. This thread could do without comments such as yours.

Louisville was number one in revenue even when they played in freedom hall. The Yum! Center's great but it's not why the program has experienced success.

[wolfboy]

I was replying to the original poster's comment that Cincy was in need of a lifeline not making a comment about their performance in the big east. Most of the current team was recruited while they were still playing Syracuse, Georgetown and Pitt and all of the team was recruited while they were playing louisville and uconn. My point is, if the team is in trouble now playing Kansas is not going to help. The big 12 is not exactly fertile recruiting ground.

That's not to say it won't help but it will be a surprising step down in basketball compared to what they once had.

I apologize. I misunderstood your comment. I agree to the extent that the B12 would be a step down in basketball and won't help recruiting. I know Mick can recruit in NYC. UC hasn't recruited Texas since the Kmart days.

[paintmered]

I also mistook the meaning behind your post.

[bucksfan2]

I want to ask my BYU buddies here at work (I work with 3 of them within 10 yards of where I'm sitting) how BYU grads play in the NFL (or NBA) on Sundays. Most of these guys are devout, so they must work something out with the LDS (tithing) that makes it okay for them to play.

I am Catholic but I don't abide by everything the Vatican says. I can see the same thing with Mormans playing on Sunday. They make peace with their decision and go forward.

[Sea Ray]

I apologize. I misunderstood your comment. I agree to the extent that the B12 would be a step down in basketball and won't help recruiting. I know Mick can recruit in NYC. UC hasn't recruited Texas since the Kmart days.

I have to think recruiting to play in the B12 would be a better sell than the AA conference that they're in now. Wouldn't a recruit prefer to play Kansas than UCF?

[Boston Red]

I am Catholic but I don't abide by everything the Vatican says. I can see the same thing with Mormans playing on Sunday. They make peace with their decision and go forward.

I get that, but Xavier plays on Sundays. It's definitely not exactly the same.

[bucksfan2]

I get that, but Xavier plays on Sundays. It's definitely not exactly the same.

Xavier is Catholic, same as ND, BC and a litany of other universities in America. The difference is Xavier isn't controlled by the Vatican, Xavier isn't run by the Pope, Xavier isn't located in the Vatican.

[Assembly Hall]

All I know is that if the Bearcats joined the Big 12, that it would do nothing but enhance the football program. Basketball will take care of itself and always has. I am trying to think of how many conferences they have been in, in my lifetime. I don't know the number, but it is quite a few. I think the Big 12 will provide some stability for them.

[Sea Ray]

All I know is that if the Bearcats joined the Big 12, that it would do nothing but enhance the football program. Basketball will take care of itself and always has. I am trying to think of how many conferences they have been in, in my lifetime. I don't know the number, but it is quite a few. I think the Big 12 will provide some stability for them.

Are we seriously arguing whether the Bearcats should accept a bid to join the B12? What other options do they have? Wait for the B10 to come calling? Seriously?

[wolfboy]

I have to think recruiting to play in the B12 would be a better sell than the AA conference that they're in now. Wouldn't a recruit prefer to play Kansas than UCF?

Nice job cherry-picking the teams. I guess you forgot that the defending national champ is from the American (UConn). And I think a kid from NYC is going to be more excited about playing UConn than Kansas. I'd also argue that despite its terrible monetary payout, the American has incredible coverage for its basketball on ESPN. That matters. Half of the B12's games are on Fox and I'm sure that doesn't help on the recruiting side. But even if all things are equal between the conferences, you can't overlook the fact that Mick has built his entire career at UC on recruiting the NYC/NJ area. It's his bread and butter and it will be very difficult to maintain those relationships with a transition to the B12. And it will also take a great amount of time to build inroads into Texas.

[Assembly Hall]

Are we seriously arguing whether the Bearcats should accept a bid to join the B12? What other options do they have? Wait for the B10 to come calling? Seriously?

Not arguing at all. Seems most want to talk about the basketball side of things. I am looking at it from the football perspective.

And the Big 10 wont be calling!!!!!!!

[CrosleyField]

Houston, Cincinnati and Rice should be considered by the Big 12. Now way Memphis

[Sea Ray]

Nice job cherry-picking the teams. I guess you forgot that the defending national champ is from the American (UConn). And I think a kid from NYC is going to be more excited about playing UConn than Kansas. I'd also argue that despite its terrible monetary payout, the American has incredible coverage for its basketball on ESPN. That matters. Half of the B12's games are on Fox and I'm sure that doesn't help on the recruiting side. But even if all things are equal between the conferences, you can't overlook the fact that Mick has built his entire career at UC on recruiting the NYC/NJ area. It's his bread and butter and it will be very difficult to maintain those relationships with a transition to the B12. And it will also take a great amount of time to build inroads into Texas.

I'm not purposely cherry picking anything. I'll be glad to talk about any AAC teams you want. I don't think UConn is enough to warrant staying in the conference. I grant you they're an excellent BB program but you don't choose a conference based on one team. I agree with Assembly Hall that football is the main reason to switch but I think BB is better off in the B12 too. You mention b12 games being on Fox's networks, well is that worse than the AAC tv contract?

[Sea Ray]

Not arguing at all. Seems most want to talk about the basketball side of things. I am looking at it from the football perspective.

And the Big 10 wont be calling!!!!!!!

Yeah, I hear you and I don't disagree at all. Those that think they're better off in the AAC, the story's a little different

[Stray]

Houston, Cincinnati and Rice should be considered by the Big 12. Now way Memphis

Would Texas wanna let more Texas schools in? I have no idea.

I am loving that Cincinnati's name is being tossed around...and that we actually make sense and are a good fit. I think it'll really happen this time.

[Assembly Hall]

Appreciate it SR. I just scoff at why basketball recruiting is such a big deal. Heck, NYC is like the biggest city we have here. Plenty of basketball players come from there and they end up at several schools. Now, football is a different story. How many upper tier football players come from NYC? Cincinnati is nestled in a recruiting dream. Ohio is a football state, they got two basketball states right there in Indiana and Kentucky. Geez, to me going to the Big 12 makes logical sense. I bet most UC backers would love to see Texas or Oklahoma come to town for football. And on the flip side, I bet they would love for Kansas or Texas to come to town for b-ball. Win-win in my book

[Assembly Hall]

Would Texas wanna let more Texas schools in? I have no idea.

I am trying to think of who was in the old SWC. Somebody correct me if I am wrong. Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Houston, Baylor, SMU, Rice, and Arkansas?

[Boston Red]

I am trying to think of who was in the old SWC. Somebody correct me if I am wrong. Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Houston, Baylor, SMU, Rice, and Arkansas?

TCU was in the SWC.

[Assembly Hall]

TCU was in the SWC.

So it was a 9 team conference? 8 Texas schools and Arkansas?

[Boston Red]

So it was a 9 team conference? 8 Texas schools and Arkansas?

Yup

[CrosleyField]

I really hate what has happened with conferences the last 15 years or so.

[wolfboy]

I'm not purposely cherry picking anything. I'll be glad to talk about any AAC teams you want. I don't think UConn is enough to warrant staying in the conference. I grant you they're an excellent BB program but you don't choose a conference based on one team. I agree with Assembly Hall that football is the main reason to switch but I think BB is better off in the B12 too. You mention b12 games being on Fox's networks, well is that worse than the AAC tv contract?

I was never making an argument that UC should stay in the AAC versus going to the B12. Instead, I was arguing that UC's basketball program could be negatively impacted by the transition. Say what you will about the AAC's contract and its football reputation, but in most years it's still a fine basketball conference, especially amongst its top programs.

- - - Updated - - -


I really hate what has happened with conferences the last 15 years or so.

I agree.

[Caveat Emperor]

Houston, Cincinnati and Rice should be considered by the Big 12. Now way Memphis

Rice? If the B12 wanted to add a high-level academic institution with doormat athletics, they'd be better off adding Tulane and opening up a new market for their media product and their recruiting in Louisiana. Adding another program in Texas accomplishes neither of those goals.

[CrosleyField]

Was mentioning Rice because I was thinking of the SWC. Putting SMU, Houston or Rice in the Big 12 would be putting the band back together in a way.

[Assembly Hall]

So we got the old SWC teams put together. The old Big 8 would have had Nebraska, Oklahoma, Okie St., Kansas, Kansas St., Iowa St., Colorado, and Missouri. Correct? The SWC disbands and they invite 4 schools from the conference...Texas, Texas A&M, and who else? The math aint adding up. When I look now and see Texas Tech, Baylor, and TCU in it.

[IslandRed]

So we got the old SWC teams put together. The old Big 8 would have had Nebraska, Oklahoma, Okie St., Kansas, Kansas St., Iowa St., Colorado, and Missouri. Correct? The SWC disbands and they invite 4 schools from the conference...Texas, Texas A&M, and who else? The math aint adding up. When I look now and see Texas Tech, Baylor, and TCU in it.

TCU wasn't in the Big 12 originally. The first version of the Big 12 had the Big 8 schools plus Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor and Texas Tech. Since then:

Out -- Colorado, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Missouri
In -- West Virginia, TCU

Of the nine SWC schools:

Big 12 today = Texas, Texas Tech, TCU, Baylor
SEC today = Arkansas, Texas A&M
Other = Houston, SMU, Rice

[wolfboy]

TCU wasn't in the Big 12 originally. The first version of the Big 12 had the Big 8 schools plus Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor and Texas Tech. Since then:

Out -- Colorado, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Missouri
In -- West Virginia, TCU

Of the nine SWC schools:

Big 12 today = Texas, Texas Tech, TCU, Baylor
SEC today = Arkansas, Texas A&M
Other = Houston, SMU, Rice

Missouri as current SEC as well.

[IslandRed]

Missouri as current SEC as well.

Correct, but they were Big 8, not SWC.

[Boston Red]

Rice? If the B12 wanted to add a high-level academic institution with doormat athletics, they'd be better off adding Tulane and opening up a new market for their media product and their recruiting in Louisiana. Adding another program in Texas accomplishes neither of those goals.

Yes, but think of the boost to Big XII baseball by adding Rice. Very important stuff there.

[Assembly Hall]

OK, I think I got it now. TCU didn't make the original switch. Or rather weren't invited!

[Assembly Hall]

Yes, but think of the boost to Big XII baseball by adding Rice. Very important stuff there.

Right on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sea Ray]

I was never making an argument that UC should stay in the AAC versus going to the B12. Instead, I was arguing that UC's basketball program could be negatively impacted by the transition. Say what you will about the AAC's contract and its football reputation, but in most years it's still a fine basketball conference, especially amongst its top programs.



I don't think losing UConn is a killer for Mick recruiting on the east coast. I think BB will also benefit from the change although that's not as clear cut as football

[KronoRed]

OK, I think I got it now. TCU didn't make the original switch. Or rather weren't invited!

None of the private schools were, Houston supposedly was but some Baylor grads in the Texas legislature threw a tantrum, Houston out..Baylor in.

[wolfboy]

I don't think losing UConn is a killer for Mick recruiting on the east coast. I think BB will also benefit from the change although that's not as clear cut as football

Revenue. That's it.

[Assembly Hall]

None of the private schools were, Houston supposedly was but some Baylor grads in the Texas legislature threw a tantrum, Houston out..Baylor in.


Interesting to say the least.

[Assembly Hall]

I don't think losing UConn is a killer for Mick recruiting on the east coast. I think BB will also benefit from the change although that's not as clear cut as football


I concur. I think BB might have some sort of transitional period. But I would expect the Bearcats to compete in the Big 12 and quite well right off the get go.

[paintmered]

In the past few weeks, Santa Ono has met with at least five university presidents from Big 12 schools (per his very active Twitter account). He's been spending more time in the Great Plains and Texas than he is Cincinnati.

His normal travels surely wouldn't have him spending this much time there otherwise. And while he's always been a bit of a name-dropper, he's taken it to another level. Something has to be up.

Edit: looks like four presidents instead of five. The guy from Oklahoma he met with today was a Vice President.

[Assembly Hall]

The Big 12 needs to have two. If Cincinnati is indeed one of their choices, who would the next be?

[Caveat Emperor]

The Big 12 needs to have two. If Cincinnati is indeed one of their choices, who would the next be?

Memphis or UCF.

[Assembly Hall]

Memphis or UCF.

I can see Memphis.......but why not a school like Boise St., Colorado St, or Houston? Just throwing stuff out there.

[bucksfan2]

I can see Memphis.......but why not a school like Boise St., Colorado St, or Houston? Just throwing stuff out there.

WVU is already stretched, I don't think Boise St. and WVU are feasible.

Houston would be another Texas school, I can't see that happening.

CSU would be interesting, but again it is heading west instead of east.

I can't speak to the academics of the aforementioned schools, but college presidents want quality academic universities.

[Caveat Emperor]

I can see Memphis.......but why not a school like Boise St., Colorado St, or Houston? Just throwing stuff out there.

For non-revenue sports, adding Boise St. would be a logistical nightmare.

[Tom Servo]

Houston seems like it would be a pretty good addition. Some built in rivalries and they seem to be on a general upswing momentum wise with their new football stadium, new head coach, etc.

[KronoRed]

Houston seems like it would be a pretty good addition. Some built in rivalries and they seem to be on a general upswing momentum wise with their new football stadium, new head coach, etc.

I doubt the Longhorns will allow it, it also doesn't really bring any new TV eyes into the conference.

[IslandRed]

Houston seems like it would be a pretty good addition. Some built in rivalries and they seem to be on a general upswing momentum wise with their new football stadium, new head coach, etc.

I have to think the centerpiece of any expansion discussion -- even more important than the perceived need for a conference championship game in football -- is expanding Big 12 territory, which (in theory) helps them get better TV deals. Hard to see how Houston helps since the Big 12 is already all over Texas. (Edit: Krono beat me to the point, I see.)

[nmculbreth]

Houston seems like it would be a pretty good addition. Some built in rivalries and they seem to be on a general upswing momentum wise with their new football stadium, new head coach, etc.

Logistically Houston makes sense but I'm not sure they'd add any value to the conference.

UCF or Memphis both seem like better fits, though neither of those options are as attractive as adding Louisville and UC with WVU would have been a few years back.

[Assembly Hall]

The Big 12 needs quality. I really don't think UCF brings anything at the two major sports. Colorado St......is pretty decent at both football and basketball. I dunno. I almost wish the Big 12 would have approached Notre Dame.......hell maybe they did?

[KronoRed]

I think they will kick the tires of fsu/miami, then settle for UCF, (if they actually expand) getting the longhorn network on tv in Florida will be too good to pass up.

[Sea Ray]

The Big 12 needs quality. I really don't think UCF brings anything at the two major sports. Colorado St......is pretty decent at both football and basketball. I dunno. I almost wish the Big 12 would have approached Notre Dame.......hell maybe they did?

UCF has great potential. They are the 2nd largest university in the country (Arizona St). Great area for recruiting. They've come a long way since the days of Daunte Culpepper and I think their programs will continue to build especially if given mandates/conditions from the Big 12.

[dabvu2498]

The Big 12 needs quality. I really don't think UCF brings anything at the two major sports. Colorado St......is pretty decent at both football and basketball. I dunno. I almost wish the Big 12 would have approached Notre Dame.......hell maybe they did?

UCF could be competitive in a hypothetical "Big 12 East" right now. The pickins will be pretty slim in that division of they add UC and UCF. You'dhave K-State, KU, WVU, Iowa State, UC and UCF. Id think they could handle that without embarrassment.

[Assembly Hall]

UCF could be competitive in a hypothetical "Big 12 East" right now. The pickins will be pretty slim in that division of they add UC and UCF. You'dhave K-State, KU, WVU, Iowa State, UC and UCF. Id think they could handle that without embarrassment.

In basketball as well?

[dabvu2498]

In basketball as well?
As much as we don't want to admit it, basketball really doesn't matter. See the breakup of the Big East. Until last year, they hadn't been awful (20+ wins three straight years). And there's really no excuse for them to be bad. Newer facilities, location, etc.

[Assembly Hall]

As much as we don't want to admit it, basketball really doesn't matter. See the breakup of the Big East. Until last year, they hadn't been awful (20+ wins three straight years). And there's really no excuse for them to be bad. Newer facilities, location, etc.

Yeah, I know. It is all football driven.

[Slyder]

UCF could be competitive in a hypothetical "Big 12 East" right now. The pickins will be pretty slim in that division of they add UC and UCF. You'dhave K-State, KU, WVU, Iowa State, UC and UCF. Id think they could handle that without embarrassment.

Please no. Most WVU fans were sold on this move that we will be playing Texas and Oklahoma (and little sisters) every year. I don't know how season ticket sales would be affected with that conference schedule.

On a national radar it be viewed as the SEC East (this year), old Big East, etc as being the little sister. If the Big 12 expands for the good of ALL they need to do something different than just North South, East West. We (WVU and UC) be in the lesser division.

Assuming UCF/Memphis and Cincinnati are the additions (in terms of tv/national interest in FOOTBALL):
Tier 1 Oklahoma/Texas
Tier 2 Ok St/WVU/TCU/Baylor
Tier 3 Kansas St (I dont know what KSU has once Snyder ultimately retires)/Tex Tech/Cincy/Iowa State
Tier 4 Kansas/UCF

From this you devise divisions to make BOTH divisions theoretically as successful with TV as possible
Example:
Division 1 ------------ Division 2
Oklahoma------------- Texas
Ok State ------------- TCU
Baylor --------------- WVU
Texas Tech----------- Cincy
Iowa State ----------- Kansas State
UCF ------------------ Kansas

You then schedule like SEC protecting one game as a "rivalry game", 5 divisional games, 2 other division teams. Move teams around on the "rivalry line" if you need but that would be more suitable for everyone IMO.

[Chip R]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/big-12-considering-asking-for-rule-change-so-it-can-hold-conference-championship-game-020616370.html

So, my question is, if something happens in the Big 12 like what happened last year, why not just have an ad hoc playoff game? It may be unsanctioned but when one team beats the other, it's hard to unring that bell.