I have to think that Utah to the Big-12 is all but done. The only question being a full $ share vs a partial one. Perhaps TR and MH didn’t want to appear desperate for this reason.
1 Like
Fair enough on Never say never. Certainly Clemson and FSU seems destined for SEC [ESPN] no question - maybe it happens sooner. There are a bunch of other ACC brands that are easy win win for the SEC either sooner or later.
I just don’t see what the SEC [ESPN] gains with Cal and Stanford. I do believe it’s well within the realm of possibility that they would turn the SEC [ESPN] down because they are extremely relevant without football. ND would be in the SEC [ESPN] tomorrow if they wished.
Here’s a possibly disturbing wrinkle to the FSU situation. Private equity involved in individual sports teams? Takes the grab for cash to a whole new level.
3 Likes
It may be logical to think FSU and Clemson but you have to remember UF and USC don’t want that at all. The logical move for the Big 1G was to push for a Kansas (same as UCLA really) and ACC schools as well as Texas and OU but they went for the LA schools and the PNW ones. Region doesn’t matter anymore. Also, nobody is really expanding to benefit anything but their bottom line and the current members. I’m not joking but did the Big 1G add one real playoff team?
For the record. I think all of this is dumb and damaging the brand of college football in a sport by all metrics had it’s heyday in 2013. The NFL is losing viewers and participation in Youth football is falling.
3 Likes
Hope this isn’t political and taken just as a fact base, but Saudis are flush with cash and hoping to invest in more sports…
lol.
What Conference would have the most connection with Saudi money?
What’s stopping Utah (or ASU) from just submitting a formal application to the Big12? It seems like there are talks, negotiations, some votes here and there, then the application is just the formality. Is it just to save face if it’s rejected?
Sounds like Big12 can expand to 14, but beyond they have to get the tv partners involved? Up to 14 and P5 get full share, G5 get partial share, but after 14, they’ve got to figure it out? Fox is the real villian in all of this. I guess ESPN was the villian in the SEC stuff (taking UT/OU).
2 Likes
Florida State football club sponsored by the Royal Crown Prince has a ring to it is all I’m saying 
Or say, we’re putting in $1B/year, 10 team league, we pick the best. Each gets $100M a year … could happen
True but I was also hinting at those TU and TAMU boys. It’s also going to be interesting if the Big 1G is just going to leave all the Texas schools out of their footprint.
they have their own oil money haha
2 Likes
I agree about football shrinking. I also agree the SEC/ESPN has better teams at the top. However, in the arms race i would expect that the SEC/ESPN would come to terms with FSU and Clemson if it were necessary to stay at the top relative B1G/Fox. Never say never.
I’d much rather have Ga. Tech or UNC/Duke over either FSU (1990s New Money) and Clemson (2010s New Money). Beef up hoops while we are at it. Really, the SEC is fine with football. Focusing on beefing up Hoops with Tobacco Row, WVU and Kansas would be fine with me.
1 Like
Ugh, this week SUCKS!! Potentially being in a worse position than BYU is moronic. Harlan better get this figured out ASAP.
1 Like
You got it wrong. Sponsored by Crown Royal. 
1 Like
The reality is this has moved from the collegiate experience to just plain greed. The highest $ wins. Eventually things will even out. Until then this has become NFL light. Lies do not become us. Greed is destroying the game we love. I’m over it. Had a fun time while it lasted enjoyed the games over the years. But now, . . . I dont care anymore and won’t let it stress me or ruin my day. GO UTES & kick some greedy a$$
6 Likes
The Ivy League
3 Likes
Although I don’t know anything that happened behind P12 CEO Group closed doors, I have ample business and board experience. P12, not the fans, deserves everything that is happening. Below is what I’ve come to know. I think it’s at least relatively objective notwithstanding my being a Utes and P12 fan.
- Hired an incompetent CEO in Larry Scott and gave him a free reign.
- Scott was flailing, but the P12 CEO Group continued to believe what Scott was selling.
- New P12 CEO Group took over, fired Scott.
- Hired GK, who seemed to have the opposite personality as that of Scott. GK never publicly said much at the time of hiring. Did not adopt an aggressive or a progressive position. Let SC block P12 expansion effort.
- GK and his believers, especially Harlan, poo poo’ed B12’s overture and publicly said not to worry and glad they waited because more media suitors came on board.
Here we are, caught with our pants down, again. Am I missing any key events or facts?
7 Likes
That looks like a solid summary. I think Utah would take a 50%-revenue offer from the B12 at this point.
I am trying like hell not to worry about it. And trying to get into the mindset that we will be in some sort of Mountain West type league. That way, I won’t be disappointed. At least that’s what I’m trying to do.
5 Likes
Pac 8/10/12 held on for 108 years.
1 Like