Super Conferences

All the Oklahoma talk yesterday got me excited to drum up this discussion again.

I think that everyone can agree, that UVA is the crown jewel, especially to the B1G. North Carolina/Duke is another big fish. Both the B1G and the SEC would likely take those teams in a heartbeat. Problem is, the ACC is likely not going anywhere.

There are so many barriers. ESPN has a vested interest in making sure that the SEC and ACC are alive and thriving simultaneously. GOR, the whole story. The B1G/Fox, doesn't have the ESPN problem with the ACC. They can continue to lure those squads because they have no worries if the ACC survives or not.

The ACC survival depends upon UVA, UNC, and Florida State. It might be able to survive if 1 leaves, but not 2.

The more likely of scenarios, is the Big 12 implosion/raids. Again, not saying that these schools are more valuable, just that they are more likely to move conferences. If 1 or two teams start to move, I think the entire conference collapses.

Let's talk about the major and minor players.
MAJOR:

Texas: Everyone knows the story. They could be a legit option for all 4 remaining conferences, with a set up like ND possible, or just strait independent. We all know about their baggage, but everyone would take them with a few concessions on the Horns part. IMO, the PAC is the most likely, as there are no more big fish for the PAC to snag, and if everyone is going to 16, they need to stay viable. SEC and ACC are next. SEC is obvious, and ACC could see a ND set up.

Oklahoma: Not as tied to Texas as everyone thinks. Definitely some baggage, but more leeway with the Sooners. Could become an AAU school (for B1G). I see SEC as option 1, PAC as option 2. B1G is a 3rd option, but I don't see it happening without kansas or someone else first.

kansas: Not because they have a lot of options, but because they could be the first domino. B1G is a clear option, while ACC also might be a possibility. Have AAU, and I'm not sure they are as tied to KState as other baggage schools.

Minor:

Iowa State: No one knows what to do with these guys. I'm not sure the B1G wants them, and I'm not sure where else they would go. A minor player in the fact that they could take up a valuable spot from another baggage school.

TTech/Baylor/TCU: Probably a PAC with the Horns or bust. Texas politics....Go.

Missouri/Vandy: Mostly Missouri here. Despite perceived happiness in SEC, the no buyout makes them a potential target. I have seen the idea floated that the B1G would poach these 2 schools from the SEC. If the B1G can re-up their TV contract and $, they become a viable option for both these schools.

UConn: Could be headed to B1G or ACC. A player for sure.

Conference Round Up

Pac: I really don't know where else they can go besides Texas/Oklahoma if expanding becomes necessary. Low on options.

ACC: Their best strategy, suck up to ESPN. They are their lifeline/lifeblood. Would be special if they could land Texas in ND-style deal. Uconn and kansas are also options for a 16th school. ESPN won't let their brother networks take each other down.

SEC: plenty of options. Assuming all ACC schools are out. Oklahoma schools, Texas schools. I've seen kansas thrown out there (I REALLY doubt that). Not as many options as we think, especially if the ACC stays intact.

B1G: Options on options. Assuming ACC is out. Could swoop on SEC (Missouri/Vandy), Iowa State, kansas (maybe both), Oklahoma, Texas, Uconn. Have said they might go to 20...so who knows?