2011 Conference Realignment

11 just seems like a dumb idea. You have to split money more ways, you don't get the benefit of a championship game, and all the plusses of a round robin get lost when a few teams don't play each other every year.

 

PeteThamelNYT Pete Thamel
by ChrisLevel
Just confirmed @McMurphyCBS report. Big 12 had 7 a.m. call. Source said Louisville was informed an hour ago that WVU is in.

 

if they go to 11, I don't think it will be to stay at 11.

I wonder how confident Big 12 is that WV can get out of its 27 month commitment to Big East? because if mizzou leaves next season, not sure what they'll do about that.

 

Yeah - the timing thing is bizarre all around. My guess is that Mizzou leaves next season, and some of their exit fee is paid to the Big East as incentive to let WVU out. At the end of the day, no one wants a lame duck team - but they also want to get something out of it.

But if they end up with 9 next year, I don't see the big deal with that. 8 conference games; everyone can add a non-conference game. UT would have to make up a new excuse not to play A&M.

I'm a little surprised the remaining Big East schools haven't made the Baylor play and threatened lawsuits. Seems like losing a BCS bid would be measurable damages.

 

The Big 12 has a contingency plan if they cannot get another team to commit for 2012.

 

Big 12? Contingency plan!? Ha!

 

BYU football only?

 

There are cougars involved, not sure why BYU would be football only, though.

 

I know, right? As silly as it seems, Chuck Neinas apparently did contact UH's AD about their availability for the 2012 season, where they are on facilities, and other such logistical things about the Big 12. So, at the very least, the Big 12 is very aware of the issue. I have no doubt he's contacted other programs, as well.

 

I was just guessing. My understanding is BYU didn't exactly sell itself very well to the Big 12.

 

No doubt they didn't, and I think it would be a real mess to have 3 timezones in one division in the Big 12. Yuck.

 

I agree. I think adding WV means they're likely looking at EST and CST schools going forward.

 

I guess this make it official:

schadjoe Joe Schad
Big East confirms West Virginia's departure (to Big 12)

schadjoe Joe Schad
Big 12's plan to go with 10 teams for now is positive for Big East's rebuilding concept

 

This has got to be the nail in the coffin on the Big East's AQ status

 

If it weren't for the fact he works for ESPN, I'd believe it, but those guys have been batting .000 so far.

McMurphy and Thamel are the only ones worth a damn at this point.

 

Except for the fact that Boise > WVU.

Oh, and scoreboard.

 

Scoreboard

 

BYU's no play on Sunday is a pretty big obstacle IMO.

 

Yeah, I guess that would make football only more sensible... can't have women's softball gumming up the works.

 

Shoot, the Big 12 is the entity that needs to do the selling.