Not enough long-term or history geographic proximity that I view West Virginia as a key rival that must be protected.
If B12 goes to a three-pod system ...
- Thread starter surly
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Sure. The 3-rivals set up is a bit easier, and allows for more consistent matchups with the other conference mates. I have mine here.
And out of boredom, I also put together 3-rival formats for the other P5s. The ACC was really difficult due to really loose history between chunks of the conference. The PAC is essentially pods, but if you look at them on the map it makes too much sense to not do it.
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Hey Farva, what’s that place with the trucks and they drop the moving container in your driveway??
These are impressive, esp. considering amount of compilation time it requires. I think you nailed most of it ... SEC is almost perfect, ACC works well considering some hurdles you mentioned.
BYU and UCF are always going to be having long flights.
I know its popular to say OSU wants a bunch of Texas games, but even with them in a grouping with Texas schools, they're probably not playing more than twice in the state each year and would likely still play there at least once in a year in a grouping that has zero Texas schools. Can someone link me where they have said they would prefer that?
I could also just see the Big 12 just doing a random schedule each year
I know its popular to say OSU wants a bunch of Texas games, but even with them in a grouping with Texas schools, they're probably not playing more than twice in the state each year and would likely still play there at least once in a year in a grouping that has zero Texas schools. Can someone link me where they have said they would prefer that?
I could also just see the Big 12 just doing a random schedule each year
In a 12 team conference playing 9 conference games I could see a random schedule on a 2 year Home/Away cycle.
TV Media deals could impact # of protected rivals as well. The Networks are going to want more competitive games, not less. There are people pushing for only 8 conference games. I don't see the media companies accepting that unless we see Conference Challenges like in hoops. There is NO reason why P5 schools shouldn't play 10 games against P5 opponents each regular season.
I think eight conference games works to the advantage of the Big 12 if 1) the playoffs are expanded and 2) the conference mandates at least two power five non-con opponents.
There's something about the uninterrupted 105 year series with K-State that I would prioritize keeping.
I like this....every year you always play KU/KSU. Then you play two of the other pods. The the final game you could play someone from the last pod that say finished where you did in the year before (1st, 2nd, or 3rd). Kind of like how the NFL does it.
Strategically, nope. The B12 needs to bring compelling matchups whenever possible to draw eyeballs/money, just the opposite of your proposal.
Every week should have the best possible marquee game(s): TCU/Baylor, ISU/K-State, WVC/Cincinnati, Houston/oSu, and so on.
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I think this points to something that doesn't really get acknowledged much in the discussion of conference/schedule format. The schools may have a say, but the broadcasting partners are going to be the ones with the largest say in the decisions, since they are the ones cutting the checks.
Whether it is ESPN/FOX/CBS/etc., whatever arrangement they are willing to agree to the largest payout for is the one that will be adopted by the conference. Divisions vs pods vs rivalries, 8-game vs 9-game, CCG qualification and format. These will all be driven primarily by the broadcasters, with the conference and schools accommodating as best they can.
Current format: 5 matchups per 9 weeks = 45 games
6 matchups per 8 weeks = 48 games
You're already increasing content with an 8 game schedule. If you want more marquee games, make sure rivalries like Bedlam, Holy War, Backyard Brawl, et cetera are continued/protected. 4 non-conference matchups allows for more scheduling freedom.
This is where the broadcasters and the CFP need to weigh in with their schedule preferences. If they were to say on record something like "We would like to see 8-game conference schedules with CCGs comprised of #1 vs #2 in the conference. We also like to maximize the number of premier OOC matchups each year to help drive national interest in the sport." That would go a long way towards establishing more unified scheduling approaches by the conferences.
I want us to play the Big 8 schools every year.
True, but quite often the rivalries drive the viewership interest - they are pretty correlated I would guess.
Paul Bunyan's Axe gives them something to hype, certainly more so that the Minny vs Illinois or Wisky vs NW.
I also am old, so I agree.
If we go to an 8 game schedule and drop EIU...
Imagine a non-con of Nebby, Colorado, Mizzou, and Oklahoma. The Telephone Trophy rides again!
