ISU to the SEC would be amazing, probably my most preferred outcome, even over the B1G.
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Dream scenario is the B1G takes on KU and ISU. Imagine ISU playing in a B1G West with Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Northwestern, and Illinois. I'm not sure there is a better geographic fit. Unfortunately the B1G Network already being on every TV package in Iowa makes ISU even more unappealing.
The University Presidents are going to have their say this round. ISU fits way to well into the Big 10 not to be looked at. ISU also has a good loyal fan base that will buy up any new platform games will be on in the future. That should sit well. But who the hell knows.
TCU will never be in Pac 12. Nor will Baylor or BYU. Notre Dame is not joining a conference in football unless forced to and there is nothing forcing them to.
It stands to reason that if they formed 4 super conferences, that would force Notre Dame's hand. Hard to make a 4 team playoff if there are 4 super conferences. There would be little debate that each of the super conferences gets a playoff spot.
Literally what I predicted would result from total chaos. If Texas or OU bolt from the big 12, the rest of the members will grasp for whatever league throws them a bone, regardless of what they would do now.
Big 10 if they stick to their "AAU requirement" (right now Nebraska violates it, but at the time they joined they were AAU), will literally only be able to pick KU, ISU, or Texas. If Texas bolts to the ACC as many have guessed (due to the ease of them turning longhorn network into an ACC network), then I like ISU's chances a little better to land in Big10. That being said, Big 10 would want to enhance their footprint, and they already have Iowa... so why not break the AAU rule and grab someone else instead. $$$ is the ruling factor these days, not academics.
There will not be a 4-team playoff on 2025. It will be 8 team by then. At that point any reason for Notre Dame to ever join a conference is gone. They will not join a conference.It stands to reason that if they formed 4 super conferences, that would force Notre Dame's hand. Hard to make a 4 team playoff if there are 4 super conferences. There would be little debate that each of the super conferences gets a playoff spot.
Literally what I predicted would result from total chaos. If Texas or OU bolt from the big 12, the rest of the members will grasp for whatever league throws them a bone, regardless of what they would do now.
Big 10 if they stick to their "AAU requirement" (right now Nebraska violates it, but at the time they joined they were AAU), will literally only be able to pick KU, ISU, or Texas. If Texas bolts to the ACC as many have guessed (due to the ease of them turning longhorn network into an ACC network), then I like ISU's chances a little better to land in Big10. That being said, Big 10 would want to enhance their footprint, and they already have Iowa... so why not break the AAU rule and grab someone else instead. $$$ is the ruling factor these days, not academics.
There will not be a 4-team playoff on 2025. It will be 8 team by then. At that point any reason for Notre Dame to ever join a conference is gone. They will not join a conference.
Here is the scenario I see playing out with ISU landing in the B1G.
UT goes ACC, they could also just park the olympic sports there and go indy for football (not likely) I think this is UTs best pick up if the B12 is going to fail. They can still have some weight to throw around, the SEC and B1G would neuter UT, IMHO.
OU Goes to the SEC - This is a natural fit, it gets OU in a good football conference also helps SEC get a little bit more in Texas, OU is huge in the DFW area.
OSU rides OU coat tails to the SEC - This is a little tougher to me, because OSU doesn't really fit in the SEC, in my mind, but i just don't see OK legislature letting OU run away from OSU.
That leaves 6 teams
KU - B1G fit - This hinges on KU being able to break away from KSU, I don't think the B1G would take KU with KSU.
KSU - Not a B1G fit - With KU in, KSU offers nothing to the B1G.
TCU - Not a B1G fit - Don't see them going to a religious school also DFW is way outside the footprint
TT - Not a BIG fit
WVU - Not a BIG Fit - Could potentially be the other SEC team if OU can get unbuckled from OSU.
ISU - Logical BIG fit, just doesn't move the needle much. But there should be plenty of money to go around. Also as you move away from the Cable/Satellite TV model, ISU lack of population gain becomes less of a concern.
It also works in ISU favor if for some reason, UT or OU decide to take 1 or 3 other teams to the Pac12. This is also when the SEC door may open for ISU, but I think if push came to shove, WVU would get in the SEC before ISU.
I really like your thinking, unfortunately its not a zero sum game. Who's to say the B1G doesn't poach (When GOR expire in 2024ish) Pitt or Syracuse from the ACC? Or Colorado from the PAC12? Or Mizzou from the SEC (god knows that's their dream)? (If they are really only considering AAU schools for the B1G.)
I think your logic is right that ISU won't end up on the curb. But there are a lot of other interests at play.
That's the problem. I don't think anything can be done to keep Oklahoma and Texas' egos in check.If the playoff becomes 8 teams, there is very little reason for the Big12 to break apart. As long as egos are kept in check...
I disagree, right now they are a big fish in a small pond, a different conference they are just another fish. If they are smart they will allow 2-4 teams (we need to poach) or atleast extend the GOR. Right now I favor Cinci and HoustonThat's the problem. I don't think anything can be done to keep Oklahoma and Texas' egos in check.
That's the problem. I don't think anything can be done to keep Oklahoma and Texas' egos in check.
Which makes you wonder why they would leave. Any conference they go to would be keeping them in check for sure.