My conference tidbit
- Thread starter rebecacy
- Start date
Going to the Big East beats joining the MWC, but I suppose I agree with you and others that a BE move doesn't seem "better than all right" (unless some kind of stability move is taking shape w/ that conference as well). And I'm not holding my breath about the Big Ten, although I continue to think it makes sense geographically and somewhat academically, if not $-wise.
As for the Big 12, I can't see it being stable in the long run, even if it did expand to 14 or 16. So unless there's a long-term vision that unifies the schools and somehow balances the Texas power position (what that would entail, I haven't a clue), it doesn't seem like ISU's best possible scenario revolves around the conference staying together.
Better than being left out in the cold, certainly, but it would just delay the process.
Good point. I guess in the world of conference realignment, there are no rules set in stone.
If the Big 12 expands, the conference will be stable. The exit fees and contracts will be as solid as a rock. Teams wouldn't come to a conference that isn't stable.
The mistake Missouri made was showing their hand thinking they had the royal flush. Turns out it was just 4 of a kind and Nebby had the royal Flush. As long as this doesn't deteriorate into "We are going to "X" conference," Or, "We are sick of this and looking to get out of the Big XII now." I don't see how there can be any harm in it. With pretty much every reported scenario putting ISU without a home to land in BCS wise, everyone in the Big XII would be idiots to think ISU hasn't at least made a few phone calls.
Again, as long as it doesn't go into conference specifics I don't see how it could be an issue. Missouri's problem was telling the world they were going to the big 10 before anyone had invited them.
I will say this and I have no idea if it actually means anything or not:
I can't find it right now but I was reading something from a Michigan blog (A very large blog with very connected people running it) very early on in this realignment stuff. This was back when maybe the B1G was going to add another team. Now, remember, this guys is connected and he doesn't just spew stuff out at the second he hears it. If I remember correctly, the possible teams that could potentially come were Nebraska, Rutgers, Pitt, Mizzou, and ISU. Those may not all be correct, but I know ISU was one of them. Of course, he thought ISU would be ridiculous to add (which at that time it would have been) but that doesn't take away the fact that ISu was thrown out there. ISU isn't just a program that comes up in realignment conversation. Take all of that for what it's worth, but I don't think there is zero chance we could get to the Big Ten. It's not a great chance, but it's something.
I can't find it right now but I was reading something from a Michigan blog (A very large blog with very connected people running it) very early on in this realignment stuff. This was back when maybe the B1G was going to add another team. Now, remember, this guys is connected and he doesn't just spew stuff out at the second he hears it. If I remember correctly, the possible teams that could potentially come were Nebraska, Rutgers, Pitt, Mizzou, and ISU. Those may not all be correct, but I know ISU was one of them. Of course, he thought ISU would be ridiculous to add (which at that time it would have been) but that doesn't take away the fact that ISu was thrown out there. ISU isn't just a program that comes up in realignment conversation. Take all of that for what it's worth, but I don't think there is zero chance we could get to the Big Ten. It's not a great chance, but it's something.
This is an honest question; What news outlet would care? It's been BonerJamz 2011 for local hacks hoping that ISU would be demoted and clearly the national media has us being left out if they're talking about us at all.
I don't see anyone caring if it's true or not.
I ask Dr. L if the Big XII would survive and all he would say was "change is good" and "we will be more than just alright." He's 87 and sharp as a tack and is NUTS about ISU. Quietly given millions upon millions. While telling me this, his smile was one of great satisfaction. You can take this or leave it but it made me feel a whole lot better.
Yeah, I can see how an 87 year old alum who smiled with great satisfaction and said, "Change is good. We will be more than all right," could really screw things up.
This is the best news regarding this. I agree with the posters here given the senators involvement and the OP's comments I can think of only 2 solutions: the B12 expands and becomes stable or it completely collapses and we end up being picked up by the B10. Either one would be good.
Here's a third option: ISU has threatened legal action against, UT, OU, OSU, A&M, Neb, CU and TT. All of these schools have agreed to pay ISU $3M/year each (inflation adjusted) for the next 20 years to avoid legal action against them for the $1B they left on the table from the Fox Deal. Then ISU ends up in a Big East conference that will be much easier to win, with an extra $21M per year.
We offer a lot to a BCS conference. Our academics would be very attractive to a conference as well as the OVERALL strength of our athletic department.
