mtrout wrote:If we can get in something with Stanford then I'm in. Otherwise no thanks.
Stanford has the best athletic department in the country. They've gotta be in panic mode right now.
mtrout makes a point I share.
Stanford is a unique university, academically and athletically. At a result, they will act in their own interest and lead the restructuring of the PAC-4.
First, I can’t imagine they would entertain moving to the Mountain West or bringing many of the MWC schools into ΓÇ£theirΓÇ¥ conference. They may have been passive so far, but from now on they will be driving an agenda for a new PAC Conference, which will include Cal, OSU, and WSU.
If I were them, I would work with Apple to create something new with the following criteria.
1. Establish a western coast with pod or core with the other 3 in PAC4, plus SDSU despite the exit fee problem which doubled due to the failure to not invite them before July. (5 schools)
2. Identify universities which are acceptable academically and athletically now or could be if they made the financial commitment. Think SMU, Tulane, and perhaps Rice. (2 or 3 schools)
3. Strengthen MBB. Think Gonzaga, Wichita State, and perhaps Memphis + FB (2 or 3 schools)
4. Add one other MWC school, CSU, to gain Colorado and/or UNLV.
5. USF is a good option and adds Tampa, but Florida is likely too far for Stanford/Cal
6. I like the service academics. Great brands, fan following, and academics. But geographically too far except for AFA.
We should be calling Stanford and stay close to their decision makers. And, the PAC4 may be able to control remaining funds and even the Rose Bowl. They have assets will may accrue to these remaining PAC-12 schools, the Final 4.
P.S. ACC is a preferred destination, but it is hard to see a path there in the near future.