By Chris Williams, CycloneFanatic.com PublisherFollow Chris on Twitter @ChrisMWilliams
10:22 a.m. – Welcome West Virginia to the Big 12?
Chicago Tribune writer Teddy Greenstein is reporting this on Twitter. Stay tuned.
9:50 a.m. – Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame…Basketball, volleyball, track, etc. that is.
Notre Dame to the Big 12 is picking up steam folks. That’s for every sport other than football of course. Here are two good links for you.
CLICK HERE for Blair Kerkhoff from the Kansas City Star.
CLICK HERE for Dennis Dodd of CBSSports.com.
TUESDAY, OCT. 15
6:50 p.m. – It’s baaaaaack. You didn’t think that the running realignment blog had died did you?
So the Big 12’s board of directors met today. The league just sent out this release on what the group of VIP’s discussed.
In a regularly-scheduled meeting today at an undisclosed Dallas area location, the Big 12 Conference Board of Directors reaffirmed previous action to execute institutional grants of Tier 1 (over-the-air) and Tier 2 (cable) television rights to the Conference.
The Board also discussed a wide range of topics including NCAA legislation, the Bowl Championship Series, and exploration of a Conference dedicated TV network. Additionally, a strong desire for the University of Missouri to maintain its Big 12 affiliation was expressed. All 10 member institutions and TCU participated in the meeting.
What did we learn? Not much, other than the fact that the league is now discussing a conference television network.
In other news, conflicting reports surfaced on Monday regarding Missouri’s future with the league. Early in the day, PowerMizzou.com’s Gabe DeArmond tweeted this:
Have received more info confirming what I wrote yesterday that #Mizzou will withdraw from Big 12 today. Only ? is when/how news comes out.
Later in the day, Gabe’s father Mike of the Kansas City Star,wrote THIS.
So at this hour, Missouri has not withdrawn from the Big 12.
If the Tigers do in the near future, most believe that West Virginia (followed by Louisville) will be the league’s top target to replace Missouri.
MONDAY, OCT. 24
7:33 a.m. – Some substantial reports on Missouri’s future started surfacing last night. Multiple Internet reports are now stating that the Tigers will opt to leave the Big 12 for the SEC later this week and that they could join that league for the 2012/13 football season.
Meanwhile, Chip Brown is reporting that West Virginia, Louisville and BYU are the top candidates to replace Missouri, should they leave.
TUESDAY, OCT. 18
6:00 p.m. – The latest tweet from Chip Brown. Check BYU off the list.
Sources tell http://Orangebloods.com#BYU is no longer a candidate to join the #Big12 because BYU wants to be independent.
10:17 a.m. – TCU’s AD and acting Big 12 commissioner Chuck Neinas met with members of the media earlier today.
The most newsworthy item that came out of this event was that with or without Missouri, the Big 12 will compete at 10 teams in 2012-13. That’s according to Neinas.
For other details on the meeting, CLICK HERE for a recap from ESPN.com.
TUESDAY, OCT. 11
8:47 a.m. – Pete Thamel of the New York Times reports that "Conference Instability Is Filtering Down to the Next Level."
8:44 a.m. – According to Louisville columnist Eric Crawford, the Cardinals would accept a Big 12 offer, should one come their way.
8:41 a.m. – Good morning Cyclone Nation.
It looks like today could be a busy one on the realignment front. I’ll get some links posted for you this morning before heading to Paul Rhoads’ weekly press conference in about an hour.
– Expect TCU to formally announce its decision to join the Big 12 later today.
MONDAY, OCT. 10
10:19 a.m. – This is a Chip Brown tweet from yesterday. I thought that it was worth posting.
Sources tell Orangebloods.com West Virginia appears to be rising up the list to replace Missouri in B12 if Tigers leave.
10:13 a.m. – Oklahoma State’s basketball coach Travis Ford is pumped up about the future of the Big 12’s basketball league. Yes. Basketball still does matter to some.
10:09 a.m. – Air Force’s athletic director discusses why the Big East is a better fit for his football program than the Big 12.
This is a fresh approach that I appreciate. For once, somebody is making a decision based off of something other than money.
SUNDAY, OCT. 9
2:41 p.m. – Interesting tweet from Chip Brown:
As Big East destabilizes, sources tell Orangebloods.com Texas is pushing for Notre Dame to move its "other"sports to B12.
2:35 p.m. – An update on Missouri’s current situation from Gabe DeArmond of PowerMizzou.com.
2:15 p.m. – And finally, the Big 12 Conference recently issued this press release:
The Big 12 Conference Board of Directors agreed to a formal grant of television rights for a minimum of six years during a teleconference today. The approval by the Board was unanimous; however the University of Missouri did not participate in the vote on the advice of legal counsel.
Interim commissioner Chuck Neinas was authorized by the Board to immediately distribute legal documents for institutional execution. An earlier vote related to equal revenue distribution becomes effective upon the formal assignment of rights by all institutions. The Board did not set a deadline but indicated a desire to expedite the approval process.
The grant of rights was included in a joint resolution proposed by both the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas. In addition to the grant of television rights for at least a six-year period, the proposal included agreements related to high school content and access to football games for institutional third-tier telecast packages.
Specifics of the resolution included an agreement that during the term of the grant of rights: there will be no changes related to current or future primary television rights agreements or Conference bylaws, rules or policies related to member institution branded outlet rights; Conference bylaws will reflect that no member institution branded outlet will show high school games or highlights, noting that it is permissible pursuant to NCAA interpretation to use scores, standings and statistics of high school games; and, that additional games beyond the one member institution retained football game for telecast purposes must be approved by both institutions and both Conference telecast partners.
2:12 p.m. – From the Twitter feed of Tulsa World columnist Dave Sittler:
Big 12 source: "I think for now we’ll stay at 10. If Missouri leaves we have several candidates."
Bi 12 source: "Louisville next in line."
Bi 12 source: "BYU, West Virginia and Tulane also on list."
Bi 12: source: "Could stay at nine for a year if Missouri leave."
Big 12 source: "Tulane very strong academically. In important media market."
Big 12 source: "BYU still on list, but there are some complications."
TCU has already agreed to Big 12 grant of rights.
2:09 p.m. – So I had to go up to Ames for the Story County Cyclone Club outing and yes, A LOT has happened on the realignment front since my last post at around 8:30 this morning.
According to numerous media reports, the Big 12 has extended a conference invite to TCU.
8:37 a.m. – Well isn’t this interesting. According to this report out of SEC country, Missouri might not have enough votes to join the conference.
8:18 a.m. – Oklahoma’s president believes there is a "50-50" chance that Missouri will stay in the Big 12. He also says that the league’s expansion plans will go into effect rather quickly.
8:06 a.m. – Forgot to throw this in the last update, but Brown is also reporting that TCU, BYU, Louisville and West Virginia are still Big 12 expansion candidates.
8:04 a.m. – It appears that our good friend Chip Brown from OrangeBloods.com is back at it. His latest report is a must read.
According to multiple sources, Texas, after talking to ESPN, has agreed not to air any content involving high school athletics, not even the news-style highlights that had been approved by the NCAA, sources told Orangebloods.com Wednesday night.
According to my calculations, Missouri has got received everything that it asked for. If that’s the case, then the Tigers will stay right?
Stay tuned.
THURSDAY, OCT. 6
9:48 a.m. – The latest from the Oklahoman’s Berry Tramel on realignment…
9:35 a.m. – Keeping an eye on what Louisville media members are writing about the latest drama in the Big 12...
9:05 a.m. – As former NFL head coach Dennis Green would put yet, yesterday "WAS WHAT WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE!"
Missouri’s board of curators granted its chancellor the right to make all conference decisions going forward. It is far from a done deal, but Missouri’s arrows are currently pointed toward the SEC. Some interesting links for you…
— Bill Self’s take on Missouri and the Big 12 is as entertaining as they come. Kansas’ basketball coach says it isn’t likely that the schools will continue to play should Mizzou bolt for the SEC.
— Here’s an informative Q&A with Texas AD DeLoss Dodds, courtesy of the Tulsa World.
— Finally, former Iowa State hoopster Paul Shirley on why Iowa State is important in conference realignment.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 5
9 51 a.m. – The Big 12 just issued this press release on equal revenue distribution.
The Big 12 Conference Board of Directors announced adoption of a position to equally distribute all conference related distributable revenue to include Tier I and II football television, men’s basketball television and NCAA men’s basketball tournament revenues. This action becomes effective after each member institution commits a grant of rights to the Conference for its Tier I and II television rights for at least six years.
It is recognized by the Board that each member is directed by institutional policy relative to pursuing its grant of rights and that process will commence expeditiously at the institutional level.
The Board is encouraged by the number of institutions indicating interest in the Big 12, which reflects positively on the standing of the Conference within intercollegiate athletics. The Board also looks forward to considering the recommendation of the expansion committee regarding future membership options.
12:05 a.m. – Just a quick heads up. I won’t be updating this blog much at all today, if any. I’ll be at a family funeral and don’t play to be at my computer much in the afternoon. It looks like we’ll know a lot more about Missouri on Tuesday. Until then, CLICK HERE for a bit of an expansion update. Check out my latest installment of Monday Musings for my latest thoughts on this very fluid topic.
MONDAY, OCT. 2
11:19 a.m. – Regardless of what Missouri ends up doing, I think it is pretty safe to assume that the Big 12 is on the verge of expanding. Should the league look east or west? Barry Tramel of the Daily Oklahoman investigates.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 30
5:08 p.m. – Tennessee’s athletic director is a bit of a chatterbox. He says that the SEC plans to expand beyond 13. Details here.
11:40 a.m. – Good day Cyclone Nation. I’ve got some links for you today.
— The Big 12’s new commissioner, Chuck Neinas, is "confident" that Missouri will stay in the Big 12 and not bolt to the SEC. Of course he’s going to say that. CLICK HERE for a recap of Neinas’ session with the media from last night, courtesy of the AP.
— Remember that plane that went from Columbia, Mo. to Birmingham, Ala. earlier this week? Yeah, the one that everybody was fired up about? Mike DeArmond reports that it was nothing.
— Let’s say that Missouri does leave. There’s a theory floating around out there that the Big 12 would add TCU and Louisville to the Big 12 South, while shipping Cincinnati and West Virginia to the North.
Stay tuned.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 29
10:39 a.m. – Just a quick heads up. I’ll be away from my computer for the next couple of hours. I have to go film my weekly Channel 13 spot and some other errands in Des Moines. I’ll be on the Miller and Deace Show heard locally on 1460 KXNO today from 1:30 to 2, talking realignment, Clones, etc.
9:23 a.m. – And here we go. Missouri’s board of curators has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday.
9:21 a.m. – Here’s a very strong read on why you can’t trust anybody in college athletics.
9:12 a.m. – Here is the latest from realignment guru Jon Wilner, who appears to have a ton of Pac-12 connections. Wilner writes that he indeed expects Missouri to bolt for the SEC and that the Big 12 is already considering the additions of Boise State, BYU, West Virginia and Louisville.
Boise State to the Big 12 appears to be picking up a little bit of steam, although academically it makes zero sense.
Having said that, Brian Murphy, a columnist who covers Boise for the Idaho Statesman recently tweeted:
I’m taking any Boise State to Big 12 talk with a huge grain of salt. Many, many moving parts. Still a long shot in my opinion.
9:06 a.m. – I’ve got a lot to catch up on this morning. I apologize for not posting anything last night. Some family stuff mixed with my Atlanta Braves issues kept me off of the computer.
For a quick recap, the Big 12 athletic directors met in Dallas on Tuesday. That’s where Iowa State’s Jamie Pollard was reportedly named chairman of the Big 12’s athletic directors. That’s a good thing from and Iowa State perspective obviously, and for the league itself. We all should know by now that Pollard is a master at keeping things under wraps. That’s why I gave him the nickname "stealth" a few years ago.
Some quick links from that meeting, in which Pollard is heavily quoted.
— ESPN.com’s David Ubben writes about progress that is being made.
— More from the meetings, from the AP.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 28
3:09 p.m. – This is a really good read on BYU and the Big 12. Will it happen or not? And why? All here.
9:46 a.m. – Here’s the latest tweet from Chip Brown. Nothing we didn’t already know, but a reminder nonetheless.
Big 12 athletic directors meeting in Dallas today to discuss future plans as the league waits on commitment from Missouri.
9:34 a.m. – Just read an interesting Missouri link from the Kansas City Star. Mike DeArmond writes about the pressure that Gary Pinkel has put on administration to either get things done in the Big 12, or move on.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 27
9:48 a.m. – Here’s a good read and the latest from Kirk Bohls. Bohls tells Big 12 fans to not expect TCU to get a conference invite and more.
MONDAY, SEPT. 26
6:29 p.m. – Here’s a good read for your journalism buffs out there. It’s by the Columbia Journalism Review on ESPN’s conflict of interests when it comes to conference realignment and the Big 12.
6:18 p.m. – It is now official. Texas A&M will join the SEC for the 2012-13 athletic seasons. 6:10 p.m. – Here’s a good read on when/where the Big 12’s issues actually started, by Blair Kerkhoff of the Kansas City Star.
6:07 p.m. – Good Sunday to you all.
I haven’t posted anything in this blog since Saturday morning for a simple reason. I’ve been attempting to not think about conference realignment as much as possible. Point being – if something something big was going down, I’m sure I’d hear about it. Gonna catch up over the next half hour or so. Stay tuned.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 25
9:00 a.m. – Happy bye week Saturday Cyclone fanatics. I’ve got a few updates for you this morning.
Yesterday afternoon, the Big 12’s interim commissioner, Chuck Neinas, held a press conference. Key points that he hit on were:
– Texas A&M is likely gone – Missouri will likely stay – It looks like when the Big 12 expands, it will be to 10 teams.
I disagree with the 10 team method, but nobody asked me what I think.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 24
10:54 a.m. – The Kansas City Star’s Mike DeArmond just posted this Q&A with the Big 12’s interim commissioner, Chuck Neinas.
8:56 a.m. – For the last two hours, I’ve probably read 25 or so different columns on the future of the Big 12 Conference.
The league is absolutely getting hammered after last night.
7:42 a.m. – Last night was crazy. Oklahoma and Missouri both held press conferences. Depending on who you talk to, the future of the Big 12 is either very positive, or not so much. For the most complete recap that I’ve seen anywhere of the night, CLICK HERE for a column from Andy Staples of Sports Illustrated.
Oklahoma appeared to be very committed to the Big 12 last night.
Missouri….Not so much. That’s according to Mike DeArmond of the Kansas City Star.
And then there’s our friend Berry Tramel at the Oklahoman.He says that once again, Texas wins.
With all of the crazy opinions that are floating around the Internet this morning, I am seeking a voice of reason.
Enter the Voice of the Cyclones John Walters and Blair Kerkhoff of the Kansas City Star.
Walters tweets:
Unrealistic to expect the Big 12 to solve all it’s problems in one phone call today, but things appear headed in a much healthier direction.
Kerkhoff says:
Big 12 problems far from fixed. But complete answers unrealistic in short time. Should have announced commish, then more at later date.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 23
6:24 p.m. – Heads up. Tune into the CycloneFanatic.com Call-In Show on 1460 KXNO or KXNO.com from 7 to 8 tonight. I’ll talk a lot of realignment and what all of the latest pieces of news mean for Iowa State.
5:45 p.m. – A couple of new updates. The Dallas Morning News is reporting that Dan Beebe has resigned as the Big 12’s commissioner, confirming the speculation.
Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt spoke to media members earlier today and talked about the future of the league. He’s hoping that the third time is the charm.
5:26 p.m – Chip Brown reports that TCU is the leading candidate to be the Big 12’s newest member.
4:49 p.m. – Oklahoma beat writer Travis Haney gives a pretty good preview to all of these press conferences that will go down in about two hours.
4:10 p.m. – So you thought that this thing was over? Not so fast my friend. Missouri Chancellor Brady Deaton is set to hold a press conference at 6:45 tonight. The problem is, nobody knows what this is about. Keep in mind that Deaton is the chairman of the Big 12’s board of directors. He could announce that the league has a new commissioner. But there is fear out there in Big 12 land that Deaton could announce something along the lines of how the Tigers are looking around. Stay tuned. I for one will be shocked if Missouri leaves the Big 12. But I’ve been wrong before.
1:27 p.m. – I just read this VERY strong column from Ames Tribune sports editor Bobby La Gesse, regarding realignment in general. Very entertaining stuff.
9:15 a.m. – Dennis Dodd of CBSSports.com is reporting that Neinas has formally applied to be the Big 12’s interim commissioner and is expected to be named that today.
9:00 a.m. – This actually happened last night. My apologies for being late on it. What? Do you want me to LIVE on this computer? Anywhoo, Dan Beebe is going to step down as the commissioner of the Big 12. It’s being widely reported that former Big 8 commish Chuck Neinas will step in on an interim basis.
8:58 a.m. – Good morning everybody. I’ve got a lot of realignment stuff to get caught up on here over the next hour or so, so hit refresh often.
I’ll start things off today with the latest realignment update from the New York Times, as Pete Thamel gives us a league-by-league report on what’s happening right now.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 22
7:25 p.m. – It looks like the Big East is making its move. ESPN is reporting that East Carolina has applied to join the conference.
11:54 a.m. – The Tulsa World is reporting that people who are important in the Big 12 will have a teleconference on Thursday to hash things out.
11:40 a.m. – Here’s a good column on what the Big 12 needs to do next from Blair Kerkhoff of the Kansas City Star.
11:23 a.m. – Interesting. The Tulsa World’s Dave Sittler just reported on Twitter that his sources are telling him that former Big Eight commissioner Chuck Neinas is being pushed at Dan Beebe’s replacement.
11:13 a.m. – Best headline I’ve seen throughout this realignment mess.
"The Big 12 Makes Ron and Sammi Look Stable."
Props to Outkick the Coverage for that little piece of gold.
Here’s the latest from that SEC based blog.
10:28 a.m. – Rumor has it, Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel just referred to the Big 12’s situation as "sad" and "embarrassing" on a St. Louis radio station.
He’s right.
9:20 a.m. – Meanwhile, Rivals.com is reporting that BYU is "poised to join the Big 12."
That was awfully fast…Not sure I buy it.
9:13 a.m. – As far as my thoughts on Dan Beebe go, I’ll stick with what I wrote a month ago.
Is all of this his fault? Absolutely not. But it’s a perception thing. In order for this league to be healthy going forward, changes need to be made. That includes the commissioner spot.
9:03 a.m. – So it is all but certain that if the Big 12 stays together that the league will expand right?
Here is what I want. Go back to 12, not 10. Even if it means a little less money for Iowa State, the Cyclones will get that fourth non-conference game back which could be the difference in going to a bowl game or not in many years. Iowa State will make its money back that way. Football success is more important that a million here or there.
It doesn’t sound like BYU is interested. That’s fine.
Take Louisville, West Virginia and Cincinnati and call it good.
Your Big 12 North would be…
Iowa State Kansas Kansas State Missouri Cincinnati Louisville
The South…
Texas Texas Tech Oklahoma Oklahoma State Baylor West Virginia
Or, mix it up. Put the two Oklahoma schools (former Big 8) in the North and place the newcomers in the South.
I don’t really care. Just want that non-conference game back.
8:59 a.m. – I keep seeing tweets about Texas and Oklahoma planning to agree to keep the schools in the Big 12 for "at least 5 years." Really? If you’re coming back to the league, you damn well better make the commitment for longer than 5 years.
8:52 a.m. – Been listening to Chip Brown on ESPN Radio Austin this morning. He’s reporting quite a bit of juicy information this morning. The first is this BYU nugget that Brown just put on Twitter. While some Big 12 sources see BYU as a target, source close to situation says its "doubtful" BYU would want to join volatile B12 right now. What else? Also hearing TCU is exploring the possibility of returning to the Mountain West instead joining the Big East next season. Also… Sources tell Orangebloods.com Big 12 schools have told commissioner Dan Beebe they want a change in leadership…8:50 a.m. – First of all, here is the released that Oklahoma President David Boren released last night regarding the Pac-12’s decision.
“We were not surprised by the Pac 12′s decision to not expand at this time. Even though we had decided not to apply for membership this year, we have developed a positive relationship with the leadership of the conference and we have kept them informed of the progress we’ve been making to gain agreement from the Big 12 for changes which will make the conference more stable in the future. Conference stability has been our first goal and we look forward to achieving that goal through continued membership in the Big 12 Conference.”
8:48 a.m. – Who woulda thunk it? I’ve got a lot to get to over the next couple of hours. Keep hitting refresh.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21
10:30 p.m. – So the Pac-12 just announced that it has no plans to expand.
Really? Really?
After all of this?
One quick thought. On the surface, it looks like the Big 12 has been saved. I’m not on that bandwagon quite yet.
There is A LOT of cleaning up that needs to be done before this league moves forward.
Question – Where does Missouri stand?
What about Oklahoma?
Stay tuned.
6:01 p.m. – A new report from Jon Wilner on what’s going on in Pac-12 country.
5:05 p.m. – According to CBSSports.com, the Big East was on the verge of adding Navy and Air Force to its football conference before last weekend’s bombshell was dropped.
4:18 p.m. – The latest from Chip Brown.
4:00 p.m. – The Des Moines Register’s Andrew Logue reports this via Twitter:
Mnt. West commish says his staff has talked with Iowa State folks. He feels Cyclones are leaning more toward Big 12/Big East.
3:24 p.m. – An unnamed source tells the Oklahoman that if Oklahoma and Oklahoma State were to stick around the Big 12, Dan Beebe would have to be removed as the league’s commissioner.
2:32 p.m. – Andy Katz is reporting that Big East officials will meet tonight in New York City regarding the future of the league.
1:39 p.m. – T.Boone Pickens sounds off on the Big 12.
1:32 p.m. – These Kansas/ACC rumors concern me.
1:23 p.m. – More on Missouri and the SEC. This from the Kansas City Star.
12:39 p.m. – More quotes from President Geoffroy – These come from the Des Moines Register.
12:35 p.m. – PowerMizzou.com reports that should the Big 12 blow up, Missouri will more than likely head to the SEC.
10:59 a.m. – Nothing new here but the Cedar Rapids Gazettehas a quote from President Geoffroy on realignment.
10:53 a.m. – That also means that Missouri is likely the SEC’s next target. At this point, they’d be foolish to not go. To be honest though, I never really figured that Missouri would be a part of this Big 12 – Big East merger anyway. Stay tuned.
10:51 a.m. – The following Brett McMurphy tweet is important in my opinion.
Multiple Big East sources said they have been told by WVU officials that WVU rejected by ACC & SEC
Why? West Virginia is a pretty decent commodity right now. If they’ve really been shot down, this means that they don’t have any other options. This is a school that could (and I stress the word could) entice Oklahoma to take a long hard look at giving the Big 12 another chance.
That’s a long shot though.
West Virginia would make this Big 12 – Big East merger that much more valuable. Nobody in this league would get rich, but having the Mountaineers doesn’t hurt.
10:09 a.m. – Dan Wetzel makes a strong case as to why Notre Dame should join the ACC.
9:20 a.m. – Gregg Doyle from CBSSports.com is my favorite. He takes a shot at OU in this blog.
9:17 a.m. – More on this potential Big 12 – Big East merger from ESPN’s Andy Katz.
8:48 a.m. – A couple of links to get to this morning. The first comes from Chip Brown of OrangeBloods.com. Really, there’s not much new information here. Just an update on where he’s reporting Texas stands at this hour. That is wanting to give the Big 12 a chance, but likely heading to the Pac-12.
Number two comes from David Ubben of ESPN.com. He writes about the irony of the Big 12’s demise.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 20
6:38 p.m. – Big 12 commish Dan Beebe recently issued this statement.
"The actions taken today by the governing boards of the universities of Oklahoma and Texas was anticipated. It is my opinion that the case for the Big 12 Conference continues to be as strong today for all of our current members as it was last year, especially considering the welfare of those to whom we owe the greatest responsibility-the student-athletes. We continue to apply all effort and resources toward assuring our members that maintaining the Big 12 is in the best interest for their institutions."
4:53 p.m. – Gary Parrish offers up his plan to save the Big East. Iowa State is included in this plan.
4:53 p.m. – I am annoyed. Oklahoma’s president is spouting off that he’s upset with Baylor and "other schools" for threatening litigation. This is the same man who started all of this a few Friday’s ago when he opened his mouth and essentially ruined the stability of the league in the first place. What does he expect the little guys to do? Just curl up in the fetal position and take the beating?
4:50 p.m. – Everything that we thought would happen today happened. Presidents at Oklahoma and Texas were given permission to make all conference realignment decisions. In interviews with media, both presidents said that a future with the Big 12 is still on the table.
My opinion? Oklahoma seems destined to leave for the Pac-12. As for Texas, I’m not so certain.
Stay tuned.
3:40 p.m. – An interesting but very expected tweet from the Houston Chronicle’s Richard Justice.
Big East football ADs reached out to Big 12 on Sunday to begin merger talks in case OU-Texas departure becomes official.
3:09 p.m. – Still waiting on news to come out of the big regents meetings in Austin and Norman today.
Meanwhile, Texas Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville took the opposite approach of Gary Pinkel in today’s teleconference.
11:47 a.m. – Here’s one thing about realignment that continues to amaze me. That’s the difference in tone between different sides of the media. By now, you’ve read the Pac-12 reports coming out of Texas. Now, read the latest from Jon Wilner that hails from Pac-12 country.
11:34 a.m. – Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel certainly isn’t optimistic that the Big 12 can be saved.
10:26 a.m. – After reading these quotes from UConn basketball coach Jim Calhoun, it’s hard to imagine a world in which his program won’t compete in the ACC before too long.
9:58 a.m. – Blair Kerkhoff is reporting this Mack Brown quote via Twitter:
Mack Brown: "I think U of Texas wants to stay in Big 12, I want to stay in Big 12. Texas would love to see Big 12 stay together."
9:44 a.m. – This blog update from Oklahoma television personality Dean Blevins says that OU to the Pac-12 is nearly a done deal, with or without Texas.
Tired of conflicting reports yet?
8:44 a.m. – Good morning everybody.
Our first update of the day comes from the Austin American-Statesman. The Texas-based newspaper is reporting that while Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are all in discussions with the Pac-12, this deal is far from being done.
MONDAY, SEPT. 19
7:40 p.m. – Tweet of the day goes to Kansas City radio personality Bob Fescoe:
UT was a lock for the ACC yesterday and now a lock for the Pac today? Really? #wow
7:30 p.m. – This is an interesting read. A Louisville writer looks ahead to that school’s future. More talk of a Big 12 – Big East merger.
7:12 p.m. – Pac-12 beat writer George Schroeder tweets:
Pac-16 not done deal. Stories are a little bit ahead. Remains unclear if Pac-12 presidents want to expand.
6:43 p.m. – Here’s a good read on what’s going on over in Big East country right now from ESPN.com.
6:36 p.m. – Just some thoughts…No reporting of any kind.
The Big East is as good as gone. Right?
It’s looking more and more like the Big 12 "leftovers" will join up with those from the Big East. But a few questions come to mind.
1 – How can you trust anybody to commit to anything at this point? The answer is, you can’t.
2 – How attractive will this sort of a league be to television executives?
Stay tuned. It looks like this will be a wild week.
6:25 p.m. – A lot has gone down since my last update.
The ACC made it official today that Syracuse and Pitt have joined the league. Rumor has it, UConn and Rutgers will be next to jump from the Big East to the ACC.
That news is significant. What’s crucial from an Iowa State standpoint is that Texas now appears to be focused on joining the new "Pac-16." That’s according to Chip Brown’s latest report at OrangeBloods.com.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 18
2:35 p.m. – OrangeBloods.com and other outlets are reporting that Pitt and Syracuse will be announced as new members of the ACC tomorrow.
This probably isn’t a positive thing on the Iowa State front, mainly because it will likley force other conferences to make big moves that could eventually doom the Big 12.
Stay tuned.
11:37 a.m. – Just a quick heads up. I don’t plan on updating this blog much today, as I’m excited to be able to sit in my man cave and watch a full day of college football. However, I will post important updates.
This ACC expansion story is picking up steam.
Now, even reports of Villanova chatting with the league are surfacing. Who knows?
Okay – Great. But like I’ve stated all along, that doesn’t give anybody stability. In fact, one can argue that the Big East is more unstable than the Big 12. Well, maybe that’s going just a little too far.
Stay tuned. Monday might get nutty.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 17
10:07 p.m. – And THIS is why I’ve been telling Cyclone fans for over a year that the Big East will not provide stability for Iowa State.
5:36 p.m. – Bob Fescoe of 610 Sports in Kansas City Tweets.
As of now hearing OU is leaning towards staying put and taking a boat load of cash from #big12. TAMU will leave BYU expects to b added
4:59 p.m. – Chip Brown is on it this afternoon.
Sources tell Orangebloods.com OU regents still focused on joining the Pac-12.
4:49 p.m. – More from Chip Brown.
Orangebloods.com: OU regents will also meet Monday to authorize pres David Boren to make decisions on conference membership/affiliation.
4:45 p.m. – Per Chip Brown on Twitter.
Orangebloods.com: Texas regents will meet Monday to authorize pres Bill Powers to make decisions on conference membership.
4:40 p.m. – For laughs…Per Fake Dan Beebe on Twitter.
Direct Message to Jamie Pollard: Explain to me your intentions in Connecticut.
4:18 p.m. – It now appears that Texas’ board of regents has scheduled a meeting for Monday as well. Due to the bye week, Iowa State won’t have a press conference. To think that I was planning on taking the afternoon off!!!!!
3:05 p.m. – Been a crazy day.
Not a lot to report on the realignment from. We’ll probably have to wait until Monday before hearing anything.
Monday is when Oklahoma’s board of regents will meet to discuss conference alignment. Stay tuned.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 16
5:05 p.m. – This is the best conference realignment column that I have read to date. It comes from one of the most respected writers in the business, Dennis Dodd of CBSSports.com.
2:44 p.m. – This read from the St. Louis Post Dispatch is encouraging regarding the Big 12’s future.
8:47 a.m. – I’m not a big fan of the Sporting News’ Matthew Hayes, but I’ll give him credit for a column well-written here, regarding Texas being the bad guy in college athletics.
Just a heads up. I have to head to Ames here for a 10 o’clock meeting. Gotta go shoot "Tron’s Take" after that. It might be a few hours before I can get back to this blog.
8:45 a.m. – I’m about to publish a series of tweets put out by Kansas City sports radio host (610) Bob Fescoe last night.
Hearing now the #big12 may be giving OU what they want to stay. Hearing UT like dollars to OU to keep them to stay
Also hearing that if they secure OU there will be a "death clause" put in for all the members if they try to leave. up to 70 mil to leave
THURSDAY, SEPT. 15
5:00 p.m. –Andy Katz on the Big 12’s future. A great piece. Katz nails it.
3:25 p.m. – Florida State is forming a "realignment committee."
Wait a minute…So one of the biggest brands (Florida State football) in the ACC is looking at all options while Texas is looking at the ACC? Interesting.
2:05 p.m. – There’s a lot floating around the Internet today regarding the Big 12’s future.
I’ve heard all sorts of rumors.
Some peeps are whispering "Big Ten."
Some peeps are chatting about a brand new look Big 12, consisting of what’s now being called the "Faithful Five."
I’m not sold on anything.
Who knows?
No really. Who really knows?
Nobody.
The only thing that I know is that the very thought of Texas being the trademark program in the ATLANTIC COASTAL CONFERENCE is stupid. That’s all it is. Stupidity and nothing more. That makes as much sense as Oklahoma State being in the Pacific 12, 14, 16, 27 or whatever.
This whole thing is stupid. A few more thoughts…
— What rule says that there have to be four 16 team conferences going forward? Is that a fact or a media creation?
— When I think about the "Faithful Five" creating a "new Big 12," it sounds great.
But what about when these 16 team conferences are forming and the SEC or Big Ten come calling for Missouri? If you’re Missouri, can you really say no? The same somewhat goes for Kansas.
Lastly, I saw this on the net today. Thought it was funny.
Toodles.
1:45 p.m. – Been at meetings/WHO TV 13 shoot all morning. Getting back to the computer now. Have heard a few things. Have a few thoughts. Will update with that soon. Nothing earth shattering BTW.
9:33 a.m. – Bob Fescoe of 610 radio in Kansas City tweets…
Beebe making a last ditch pitch to OU today. Will it work? Stay tuned…
Friday could be decision day for OU and apparently Pickens has ticked off PAC 12…stay tuned
9:15 a.m. – Chip Brown on why the ACC is a fit for Texas’ future.
9:11 a.m. – Just getting back into the swing of things. Fighting a nasty head cold.
Just read this great piece by Tom Dienhart of Rivals.com. He uses the old WAC super conference to warn others of doing the same.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 14
1:50 p.m. – A lot of rumors flying around today. Nothing that I would consider credible though. Not that these sources aren’t any good. It’s just that there are too many variables that can change things at any given moment.
Here’s a new link from ESPN’s Andy Katz. He writes that while Oklahoma is looking towards the west, a move to the Pac-12 is not a done deal.
9:25 a.m. – Good morning Cyclone fans.
As the hours go by, the future of the Big 12 looks dimmer and dimmer.
Still – We’ve been here before right?
This is conference realignment. I’ve yet to hear a fat lady sing.
Here are some links for you to chew on, as I’m sure we’ll see plenty of developments throughout the course of the day.
— Kirk Bohls breaks down Texas’ three options when it comes to realignment.
— Berry Tramel points at Texas for creating the "Big Mess."
— Here’s an interesting tweet from Kristi Dosh.
Even if Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M all leave Big 12, it will stay together if Texas wants it to. Think BYU, SMU, Houston.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 13
6:06 p.m. – This tweet comes from the Austin American-Statesman’s Kirk Bohls. Hearing that Missouri’s regents may meet tonight.5:48 p.m. – Oklahoma’s beat writer for the Tulsa World tweets: What I expect: OU regents will vote on Big12/Pac12 move next Mon. Will be approved. OSU will follow suit. Pac-12 will announce soon after.
5:45 p.m. – I apologize for not updating this more today. It’s been a wild one, not only with football stuff but a few family things as well.
Catching up on realignment "news," it hasn’t been the best day imaginable for the future of the Big 12. That’s according to the Internet. Here are a few quick links.
— According to the Austin American-Statesman, officials from the University of Texas met with Oklahoma officials on Sunday.
— Here’s a recent tweet from Texas A&M insider Billy Liucci.
As we’ve been saying, Pac-12/OU talks so far down the road it’s unlikely they will turn back
— Here’s a tweet from Pac-12 columnis George Schroeder.
If the SEC’s acceptance of Texas A&M becomes official, expect Oklahoma/Oklahoma State to get with the Pac-12 w/in a few days
8:20 a.m. – A fairly significant realignment note is being reported this morning.
According to Chip Brown, Oklahoma will apply to become a member of the Pac-12 at the end of the month.
Read Brown’s report by CLICKING HERE.
If true, this would likely put the Big 12’s future existence in jeopardy.
Key word – if. This is only one report. As you all should know by now, things change.
— Check out THIS LINK that I put up earlier today. I asked a couple of college sports business experts for some thoughts on Iowa State’s future.
MONDAY, SEPT. 12
1:41 p.m. – Not much as far as news goes today, but HERE’S a great read on all of these legal issues that are going on between Big 12 schools and Texas A&M by BusinessofCollegeSports.com’s Kristi Dosh.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 11
10:55 a.m. – Hello from the press box of Jack Trice Stadium.
Quick update for you. The latest news regarding the Big 12 Conference is encouraging.
By no means should you take anything to the bank, but Chip Brown is reporting that eight of the nine remaining Big 12 schools have agreed upon equal revenue sharing going forward within the league. According to Brown, the league is waiting on Oklahoma.
The ball is on their court.
CLICK HERE for the link to Brown’s article.
Gotta get to work. Kind of a big game today.
Toodles.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 10
9:28 a.m. – No real news here. But this read on the Texas athletic department is worth your time, courtesy of Kirk Bohls.
8:15 a.m. – And the Big 12 has some momentum.
Last night was big. The owner of Oklahoma State University, T-Boone Pickens went on national television and told the world that he believes the Big 12 will live on. Not only that, but Pickens went as far to predict equal revenue sharing in the league too. CLICK HERE for a report on that.
There’s more – Realignment ace Jon Wilner sent out the following tweets late last night.
– Heard momentum turning in Big 12. League has chance to survive. OU may be backing down. Good source but ONLY ONE SOURCE. Still digging.
– To be clear on previous post: Source said, essentially, what looked like lost cause is no longer lost. But situation remains very fragile.
– I’m starting to buy the narrative that Texas wants no part of Pac-12 and will do anything to keep B12 alive. (Now watch it implode tmrrw.)
— Here’s a good read by Blair Kerkhoff of the Kansas City Star. Kerkhoff writes that all of the sudden, schools like Baylor and Iowa State have power. Who woulda thunk it?
FRIDAY, SEPT. 9
5:15 p.m. – Per Texas Statesman columnist Kirk Bohls on Twitter: Texas says any rumors connecting it to Big Ten are "absolutely" false.5:02 p.m. – We’re late in the day. Bob Fescoe keeps pumping the BYU information out on Twitter.
Meanwhile, here’s a positive link to read for a change regarding Iowa State’s future.
12:15 p.m. – Per Chuck Carlton of the Dallas Morning News.
Hearing that there was no discussion of Big 12 expansion or possible candidates on Wednesday’s board of directors teleconference.
10:53 a.m. – A couple of possible developments here.
BYUFootball.com is reporting via Twitter that the Cougars will join the Big 12 to replace Texas A&M, based off of Oklahoma committing to the league. Here’s the tweet.
BYU will accept Big 12 offer pending OU signs intent to stay contract… Could be announced as early as Saturday
My take? I looked at BYUFootball.com’s site. It hasn’t been updated since September of 2010.
Not to say that the "report" is or isn’t legit. But this is the second or third time we’ve seen something like this surface this morning.
Who knows?
10:42 a.m. – Baylor to the Big East?
9:26 a.m. – Now a report is out from BearsTruth.com stating that Texas A&M will indeed be allowed to leave for the SEC, as the remaining nine Big 12 schools have agreed to not sue the conference. Stay tuned.
9:23 a.m. – Just thinking out loud here. If the Big 12 does indeed stick together, you almost have to get rid of Dan Beebe as commissioner right? By no means am I blaming Beebe for all of this. In fact, the majority of it is out of his control. He did his job by saving the league initially and following things up with that ridiculous television package. But from a perception standpoint and for the sake of Beebe’s own sanity, it’s probably time to part ways. Anybody agree? Disagree?
9:19 a.m. – This tweet comes from Bob Fescoe of 610 sports in Kansas City. I have worked talk radio with Bob a couple of times. He’s connected. Not sure how to take this tweet though…
hearing TAMU gone, BYU to replace them. To me, that is a better add than TAMU. BYU a better overall program. A win for #big12 if true
8:57 a.m. – The latest from Chip Brown at OrangeBloods.com. Have we hit the pause button on real
