PonyFans.com

and so it begins...

"There's a pretty high hurdle for us, academically, athletically, geographically," Scott said. "We're hard-pressed to really see how you improve upon the structure of the Pac-10 as it is with five sets of natural rivals in four states."

If that doesn't say, "We would mainly be interested in Utah and BYU," I don't know what would.

Colorado and Utah

SMU and Texas

Statler wrote:SMU and Texas

I believe you meant SMU and Rice.

All this talk of another major restructering of FBS conferences in the next few years makes me nervous. It's too soon. We are just turning the corner now. I'd sure like to have a few seasons of Ws, good crowds, and solid recruiting in the bank before the big boys decide which of the have-nots they are going to allow in their club.

I'll tell you this though, if the power conferences start poaching from one another (ie. Pac-10 and Big-10 stealing multiple Big-12 teams), that is going to be one hell of an interesting scenario. There could be enormous trickle-down implications there.

I'm sure Steve O and Gerald T unlike Pye, probably are very much keeping an ear to the ground. Turner is pals with a lot of the FBS Presidents and should be able to get some intel. Note this is all happening while the NCAA is installing a new President. I would not be surprised to see the Pac 10 expand to 12 and the Big Ten expand to 12. I still think Missouri or Syracuse are the Big Ten targets. I think that Colorado and Utah would be the #1 choices for the Pac-10, although Utah might insist on taking BYU with it. If Missou leave the Big XII and Colorado leaves the Big XII, there will be two new mouths to feed in the Big XII north and not many good looking candidates. Would they look south and pick up TCU, SMU or UH? But why? Would they make a run at LSU and Arkansas? Gotta love this hot stove part of the year.

Let's say the PAC-10 takes Utah and BYU, and the Big-10 takes Syracuse or Pitt. That scenario leaves the Big-12 intact and wipes out the heart of the MWC. What do our Froggie buddies do then?

Let's say the Big-10 takes Missouri and the Pac-10 takes Utah and Colorado. That rips the guts out of the Big-12 north and puts TCU in a very good position. This of course assumes that the Big-12 would be willing to replace Missouri and/or Colorado with a substantially smaller private school that has a small alumni base, doesn't travel well, and plays in a small stadium.

The possibilities are almost endless. Let's just hope there's enough time before anything like this happens for SMU to continue its upward rise and actually look like an attractive target for someone.

Big 10 will likely take Rutgers.

Academics are very strong. Pitt would likely be the 2nd choice.

Big enrollment, the state school of New Jersey (for whatever that is worth), and a strong football base. Big media outlet, big airport, big stadium capability.

Pac 10's best bet is Utah and BYU. Can't see the Buffs leaving the little 12.

AND, there are NO SEC teams leaving for the Big 12. Vandy could bolt to the Big 10. Academics, good basketball, decent football.

Fun to discuss and fun to see everything unfold.

Big 10/11 would surely look at Pitt first after ND. Academics are right there, location works (Penn State wants them). Athletically, Pitt is strong in both FB & BB and has tremendous history. If that happens, Big East may move but may stay pat -- as they don't have a championship for football thus no need for divisional additions.

1983 Cotton Bowl wrote:All this talk of another major restructering of FBS conferences in the next few years makes me nervous. It's too soon. We are just turning the corner now. I'd sure like to have a few seasons of Ws, good crowds, and solid recruiting in the bank before the big boys decide which of the have-nots they are going to allow in their club.

Turner has been President at SMU longer than Pye was....he had PLENTY of time to right this ship but has only recently decided to do so.

We may now get left behind because of this.

Many on this board give Turner a hall pass while continually condemning Pye...I blame BOTH

TCU and SMU both have the Dallas/FT Worth TV market which is when it comes to expansion....as is the Houston TV market.

If things start to fall apart, I think you would also see the WAC and the MWC join forces.

Dwan wrote:TCU and SMU both have the Dallas/FT Worth TV market which is when it comes to expansion....as is the Houston TV market.

If things start to fall apart, I think you would also see the WAC and the MWC join forces.

TCU and SMU are both in the DFW TV market. Neither has the TV market. Nobody is banging down either door for our TV followings.