Chip: TCU increasingly likely favorite to join Big XII

[skyscraper]

http://texas.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1269088

The presidents will also discuss Big 12 expansion and whether to add one school or three schools, sources said.

And TCU may be rising up the list of candidates to become No. 10, two key sources said Thursday.

While BYU has been the popular thought as a replacement for Texas A&M, a key source close to the situation says BYU may no longer be interested in joining the Big 12 because of the recent instability.

While BYU seemed very interested in the possibility of joining the Big 12 a month ago, a key source close to the situation said, that was before all the rancor erupted involving Oklahoma, the Big 12 and OU's attempt to land in the Pac-12.

BYU would stand to grow exponentially financially with a move to the Big 12 because the Cougars made less than $2 million in TV revenue last year and would stand to make $18 million in the Big 12 next year.

But BYU can draw financially from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is not hung up on money, the source said.

TCU is moving up the list of potential candidates because of its presence in college football under Gary Patterson. The Horned Frogs have announced they will leave the Mountain West for the Big East after this season. But those plans could be on hold, sources said.

Expanding outside the current geographic footprint of the Big 12 has always been seen as a priority of the league (it was verbalized by Dan Beebe last year) to draw more television sets. But it appears the TV partners of the Big 12 (ABC/ESPN and Fox) would be comfortable enough with TCU replacing A&M to continue paying out the money in their current contracts with the league, sources said.

[StallionsModelT]

Nightmare scenario.

[Charleston Pony]

I understand why TCU would make an attractive addition...but can't understand why 10 members vs 9 is attractive to anyone.

I've always believed conference membership of 9 or 12 members is best for scheduling purposes.

[skyscraper]

Nightmare scenario.

There are quite a few nightmare scenarios, but Big XII just adding TCU would certainly not be good.

Worst Nightmare = TCU & UH getting in if they go to 12 and we're left out

[SMUPhil]

Just curious, about this, but what happens to the Big East then? I thought they were only able to remain AQ because they would 'inherit' TCU's recent BCS rankings. Even if they raided CUSA or MAC or whatever, pretty sure they lose their BCS points, or whatever they call them.

[Charleston Pony]

Just curious, about this, but what happens to the Big East then? I thought they were only able to remain AQ because they would 'inherit' TCU's recent BCS rankings. Even if they raided CUSA or MAC or whatever, pretty sure they lose their BCS points, or whatever they call them.

Based purely on "results on the field", Big East could be challenged to keep their place at the table...but the goal will be to bring in programs that will bring as much regional/national interest as possible (that's why Navy and AFA are high on their list). Remember...it's ultimately about how many TV sets will be turned on to watch those teams.

[Pony Soup]

The next evaluation of which conferences get AQ status will be calculated based on conference membership on 12/4/11.

[abezontar]

we're boned

[NomAnor]

come on guys chip is only right about 30% of the time.Go back and look at his headlines over the past month the guy is a used car salesman with a blog mack brown doesnt even let him around the program

[smupony94]

What you get for listening to a SMU grad

[Stallion]

If they want to go to 12-don't they need a Southern team to keep Texas/OU and OU/OSU and OSU/Texas in the same Division. Otherwise jeopardizing the Money Games the Networks want

[redpony]

A froggie invite would be just about the worst possible outcome for us.

GO PONIES!!!

[smupony94]

No it would not.

[LA_Mustang]

We need to get with UH and pitch the 11th and 12th schools. That is our best bet. Promise UT and OU that we'll play them at Jerry World and when they play UH, at the Texans stadium.

[redpony]

Yes, it would !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO PONIES!!!