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Boise just doesn't draw well because of their very small population, but I'd sure love to see them in a real conference. Didn't take TCU long to be a real threat when they joined the Big 12.
From a purely competitive standpoint I'd take Boise and BYU. Not the greatest as far as numbers, but you do get two additional markets, albeit smaller ones.
Basically that's what you're looking at here. Two teams from small markets that add to your conference strength of schedule, or two teams that maybe don't have as good of a track record on the field, but have a much larger market...
Boise just doesn't draw well because of their very small population, but I'd sure love to see them in a real conference. Didn't take TCU long to be a real threat when they joined the Big 12.
From a purely competitive standpoint I'd take Boise and BYU. Not the greatest as far as numbers, but you do get two additional markets, albeit smaller ones.
Basically that's what you're looking at here. Two teams from small markets that add to your conference strength of schedule, or two teams that maybe don't have as good of a track record on the field, but have a much larger market...
Boise State should join the Pac-12 and Colorado should go back to the Big-12.
Boise State should join the Pac-12 and Colorado should go back to the Big-12.
No way. Both schools are mediocre sports programs (though CU is actually a good academic school whereas BSU is well, not), but Boulder is a heck of a lot better place to visit. Boise- yuck.
I can see the Big 12 going after Houston. No idea who else though. I just wish UT, OU, OSU, Tech would just come on over to the good ol' Pac 12.
Long story short, headliners are Cincy and BYU. Tulane is an interesting mention though.
My inkling is that if BYU was such a slam dunk then they would be in by now.
Criteria is nebulous but I think the two most important factors are new markets and recruiting territory, balanced with distance from existing schools.
Considering this, I would go with Cincy and Memphis due to the above mentioned criteria. Plus it is on record that FedEX would front some serious money to Memphis and the future Big 12 championship game if they let the Tigers in.
While BYU is undoubtedly the best overall candidate for expansion, but the location has me concerned. I'm a fan of adding Cincinnati and Memphis because of geography (disclaimer: I'm a Mountaineer fan), and I think that both of those schools bring more to the table combined than BYU plus another school. Memphis is going to come along with a great contract from Fedex that will propel Big 12 sports and revenues, while Cincy brings a great tradition, larger TV market, and a rival for WVU. Cincy has been relatively solid in football for the last decade (2 BCS appearances) and their basketball team will fit in well with the quality we already have. Memphis has developed a strong and consistent football program in recent years, and their basketball program is also solid and will fit in well. The value of both of those schools and the position they have in bringing the conference "closer" in my opionion is more valuable than if the Big 12 added BYU plus one of these two or any of the other candidates. Now if the Big 12 went to 14, then by all means bring BYU in, and then the 14th could be Colorado State.
If they're going to effectively be called the Big 12, then it only makes sense for them to have twelve teams. I can see Cincinnati and Boise State coming into the conference to give more diversity to it. Cincinnati's location within a reasonable proximity to West Virginia would be ideal.
If they're going to effectively be called the Big 12, then it only makes sense for them to have twelve teams. I can see Cincinnati and Boise State coming into the conference to give more diversity to it. Cincinnati's location within a reasonable proximity to West Virginia would be ideal.
The Big 10 has 12 schools... Hopefully Boise State isn't added. Decent football team every now and then, but a terrible school. Not sure any of their other athletic programs bring anything to the table either..
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