Conference Expansion Recap

With the weekend here, it's a good time to recap what's happened in conference realignment. Nothing should happen this weekend, but if it did nobody would be surprised.

Nebraska going to the Big 10 (which now has 12) from the Big 12 (which now has 10).

The whole idea of Cornhuskers heading north seems an odd fit in many ways. Television markets are driving most expansion, but not here. The Big 10 already has a network and Lincoln, Neb. is not high on the TV market list.

The Huskers have a big following, but their tradition adds good content for the network. I'd be concerned with losing the Texas recruiting market if I was a fan of the "N."

Big 10 championship game will be at: Lucas Oil Stadium? Soldier Field? Lambeau Field?

Boise State to the Mountain West from the WAC?

While this move is not of the Colorado or Nebraska magnitude, it's significant for a number of reasons.

1. It puts the MWC in a good position to regroup if Utah, BYU and/or TCU bolt.

2. It gives the conference 2 eilte teams (TCU, BSU) and 2 more second tier clubs (Utah, BYU). That is good collateral in the BCS sweepstakes if the B12 goes belly up.

3. BSU has been the darling of college football for the past few years. That cachet is a bonus for the MWC.

4. Boise is a fast-growing area and 10 years down the road will be an even bigger player in college athletics.

Colorado from the Big12 to Pac 11.

The Pac grabs a nice TV market in Denver. They will add one more team to make 12 or, more likely, five more to make 16.

Texas legislators meet on Tuesday to discuss the football futures of UT Austin, Texas A&M and Texas Tech.

(Note: Baylor is a private school and not officially in the mix. The way things work in the Lone Star state, however, back room deals may be occurring but don't expect BU in the P16. Waco to the WAC?)

If Texas is the only one to head west, the Pac 12 has a football championship game. In this scenario, which teams other than the Arizona schools go with Texas and Colorado? Wash and WSU?

Also, if Texas opts out, look for Utah to take spot #12.

We've already discussed the Pac 16 with the other B12 transfers.

Stay tuned for Tuesday. The Longhorns still hold many cards.

Pac 16 a Reality?

Orangeblood.com reports Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, OSU and Colorado to Pac (16).

This is about as good as it gets for the Pac 1o. They don't have to take Baylor and get the Denver TV market with the Buffs. They still get Texas (the state and the U. in Austin) and the other two big schools in the state.

Oklahoma has had a little success, too. With OSU you get a sugar daddy (T-boon Pickens) to rival Oregon's Phil Knight.

This will a boon for Texas schools to tap into California recruiting, and vice versa.

My guess is ASU and U of A foes with newbies to form East Division. Old Pac fans will like this as the original 8 are in the West division. For the far left Pac-ers, good news in football will be to face east champ ONLY in a championship game.

Venues for a championship game: Jerry Jones Palace, U. of Phoenix Stadium or new 49er park (check out the drawings!).

Or, perhaps, this could kick start a new L.A. stadium to house NFL team(s), Super Bowl(s), bowl game (hopefully this news means we're heading to a playoff), etc. That's more wish than reality.

Then again, rumor has it there might not even be a Pac 16 playoff. If that's the case, why even be a conference of 16?!