The SEC sure is being quiet on expansion
Okay, I tried to stay away. I tried to be a good boy and take time off and ignore the computer. But the expansion story is just too good. Some quick observations today. You already know most this stuff but I just want a chance to weigh in and get your thoughts.
1. The SEC is being awfully quiet in all this. Various media reports say Nebraska to the Big Ten is done and will be announced on Friday. There are also reports out there that very quietly, Mike Slive and his folks at the SEC could still invite Texas and Texas A&M if the Big 12 breaks up. Would Oklahoma and Oklahoma State come along? Yes, I know about the Pac-10 offer to the six Big 12 teams (Texas, A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Colorado). But as one official put it to me yesterday: Do you think DeLoss Dodds (the Texas athletics director) would rather send his women’s softball team to Pullman, Washington (home of Pac-10 member Washington State) or Tuscaloosa, Ala? I know all about the academic arguments in favor of the Pac-10. I’ll believe it when I see it.
People keep telling me that the SEC should do nothing. But if the Pac-10 and the Big Ten both go to 16 teams, can the SEC stay with a pat hand?
There is absolutely nothing coming out of the SEC on this. This is as locked down as I’ve ever seen them. That should make some people nervous because Slive is one of those “speak softly and carry a big stick” kind of guys.
2. Can Texas, Texas A&M save the Big 12? Various media reports have officials from the two schools meeting today. Understand that Dodds and A&M athletics director Bill Byrne have the juice to hold the league together even if Nebraska and Colorado (to the Pac-10) both leave. The Big 12 can pick up TCU, which further strengthens the Dallas market. I would also pick up SMU. Great academics and a football program on the rise with June Jones as coach. If the Big 12 doesn’t fall apart, then this process could be relatively calm. But Texas could decide that staying in the Big 12 is simply delaying the inevitable breakup.
3. But does the Big Ten stop at 12 teams? In the short term it could happen. Commissioner Jim Delany recently put it out there that expansion for his league could come in stages. Because Delany’s grand plan could put two conferences (Big East, Big 12) out of business, perhaps he decides to go on the installment plan.
4. Forget Notre Dame. With Nebraska set to accept the Big Ten’s offer on Friday, I think it closes the door on Notre Dame becoming a member of that conference. I could see Notre Dame becoming the 12th member of the Big Ten. I can’t see the Irish being the 13th or 14th or 16th member. Now all of that could change if the Big East falls apart. The Notre Dame would have to find another home for men’s basketball and its non-revenue sports.
5. The Pac-10 will expand. Even if the grand plan (inviting six teams from the Big 12) does not come to pass, that conference will still add at least two teams (Colorado and perhaps Utah). The league is getting ready to negotiate its next TV contract in football and it has to bring someting new to the market place. Here is another factor: The Pac-10’s marquee program, The University of Southern California, is about to get hammered by the NCAA. The Pac-10 has gotta do something.
Stayed tuned. The next 24 hours could be really interesting.
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748 comments Add your comment
Let's go Slive
June 10th, 2010
9:31 am
UGA WHO?…you’re an idiot. Nobody with any sense believes any of what you’re spewing. Comparing GT to Texas, Oklahoma, A&M, FSU, and Miami is laughable.
Steve
June 10th, 2010
9:31 am
Just throwing this out there. I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t really thought the logistics of this idea completely through:
SEC expands to 20 teams and creates 4 divisions. The 4 division winners at the end of the season have a Final 4 type playoff amongst themselves (best overall record gets the 1 seed, etc.) to see who gets the Automatic BCS bid.
The four divisions would look like:
SEC East-North Division
Tennessee
Vanderbilt
Virginia Tech
Kentucky
South Carolina
SEC East-South Division
Clemson
Florida
Georgia Tech
Georgia
Florida State
SEC West-North Division
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
Mississippi
Mississippi State
Arkansas
SEC West-South Division
LSU
Alabama
Texas
Texas A&M
Auburn
UGA WHO?
June 10th, 2010
9:31 am
Thesec commissioner also said that gt would fit in because of there rivalrys with alabama, auburn,tenn & uga….georgia tech would be a great fit for the sec. Georgia tech is better then the following…ole miss, south carolina, vandy, miss st, ark,tenn now,uk,and a couple more…so how would they not fit well?
Coach Cool
June 10th, 2010
9:33 am
This just in:
Texas/ aTm and OU/OSU(lite) are tied at the hip.
Where one goes, the other shall surely follow.
bama67
June 10th, 2010
9:33 am
Texas will not come to the SEC as they are hiding behind academics. Please stop discussing them as a possibility and feeding their egos.
A&M is the only reasonable possibility from west of the conference. Baylor, TT, Ok St etc should not ever be considered. You don’t add another small private university and especially not Baylor as they have been a drain on the Big 12 and have not been competitive. Just a matter of time until the NCAA is back investigating their basketball program. Small fan and alumni base.
UGA WHO?
June 10th, 2010
9:33 am
lets go slive…your a moron…nuff said. say all you want ok, i dont care. the talk came out of the sec commissioner’s mouth. thats enough said..your talk and mine means nothing goober
UGA WHO?
June 10th, 2010
9:36 am
Mightydawg do your research on the top 3 tv drawing ratings in the sec….fsu#1, miami#2 gt#3….now keep your hating going goober…who cares what you say. bottom line is the commissioner said that gt is a excellent fit. your words nor mine mean anything. your a uga fan and your gonna hte. just cant get over the fact that georgia tech has more national titles then your choking bullpuppies..
UGA WHO?
June 10th, 2010
9:39 am
I think texas is te key to all of this though.
UGA WHO?
June 10th, 2010
9:40 am
Texas will be the key to all of this
UGA WHO?
June 10th, 2010
9:40 am
nebraska will be a great fit for the big 10
Coach Cool
June 10th, 2010
9:42 am
Hello!!!!
Vandy and Arkansas are NOT going to be leaving the SEC anytime soon.
You do know about the TV deal with CBS and ESPN, right?
TMoney
June 10th, 2010
9:42 am
I’ve been posting this same idea in a bunch of places, why not here as well. It seems inevitable now that these conferences are going to expand. Seeing as I believe now that the “PAC-16″ is coming, I’d actually like to see 3 other super conferences emerge. What I have in mind looks like this:
PAC-16 East: Arizona, Arizona St., Colorado, Oklahoma, Oklahoma St., Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech.
PAC-16 West: California, Oregon, Oregon St. Stanford, UCLA, USC, Washington, Washington St.
Big Ten East: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan St., Northwestern, Ohio St. Penn St., Purdue.
Big Ten West: Iowa, Iowa St. Kansas, Kansas St. Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Wisconsin.
SEC East: Clemson, Florida, Florida St., Georgia, Georgia Tech, Miami (FL), South Carolina, Tennessee.
SEC West: Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi St., Vanderbilt
Big East North: Boston College, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Syracuse, West Virginia.
Big East South: Duke, Louisville, NC State, South Florida, UNC, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest.
I’m even wondering if a fifth super conference couldn’t be created with teams from the Mountain West and the WAC.
UGA WHO?
June 10th, 2010
9:42 am
Fact is…everyone has there own opinion of this, one opinion will not make anyone right here.
PeteWill
June 10th, 2010
9:43 am
As a Maryland and ACC guy I would like to see the ACC move more proactively. The two schools at the top of my list are Rutgers and UConn, which would soldiify the Eastern Seaboard and help with the NY market. I would start with those two and be okay with 14, but if 16 becomes “necessary” then I would look to Syracuse, Piit and WVA. WVA is not a good fit academically nor does it bring enough incremental revenue potential to matter much, so it’s at the bottom of my list. As far as the ACC schools that could be poached by the SEC, the only real threat in my view is Georgia Tech and that would be a big academic comedown for them…
Beating Tech is our Birthright!
June 10th, 2010
9:44 am
UGA WHO?
Allow me to NOT type in all capps as it moronic. I guess that coat hanger dig really hit you hard.
Tech Champs, 1917, 1928, 1952, & 1990
UGA Champs, 1927, 1942, 1946, 1968, 1980
If wanna claim 1990 then that opens doors cause all it takes is for ONE poll to name you #1 at the end of the season to proclaim champions. And colorado played a much tougher schedule than you did that year. Or where you counting titles in other sports, you can keep them to yourself, the majority doesn’t want to hear it. Stick to the most important sport.
I’ve been to your stadium 5 times and never seen it full bud. One good year does not sell out crowds consistantly make.
If if I recall from the postings of your fellow bumbling bees on your own boards, your athletic department is indeed in financial trouble… Sorry haven’t bothered to delve depper b/c I honestly give two squats whether you can afford gatorade or not.
Get over it and accept it already. You guys always have been and always will be second fiddle in this state. Regardless of whether you got back into the SEC or not. It will always be that way, somethings run in cycles, but Tech football always taking a backseat to Dawg football is as constant as death and taxes.
Mook
June 10th, 2010
9:45 am
Nebraska > Notre Dame
Good move Big Ten
Colorado & Utah —> Pac-10
Big XII adds TCU
Expansion ends… for now
Notre Dame football gets a sitcom after 30 Rock on NBC, is cancelled after five episodes, shows up as featured guest on Conan’s new late night talk show on TBS, then fades into obscurity after being busted for propositioning a minor for sex.
Reappears after 15 years on the minor hit “So you think you can play football” with Jimmy the Greek
gtech
June 10th, 2010
9:47 am
VT will not go to the SEC b/c UVA put their neck out and demanded that VT be included when the ACC expanded. ACC was originally wanting Syracuse until Virginia political leadership stepped in. So UVA has a “you owe me one” on VT. And the SEC would likely not take UVA in some type of deal with VT.
Will
June 10th, 2010
9:49 am
Money and greed are about to ruin college football forever.
kgator79
June 10th, 2010
9:49 am
From what I hear, Florida and AD Jeremy Foley will not sign off on the SEC adding FSU and Miami to the SEC. Foley of course has significant power within the SEC, so if he says no, it would probably not happen. Foley’s reasoning is Florida has a edge when it comes to recruiting prospects in the state of Florida selling them on UF being the only SEC school within the state.
GeezusDawg
June 10th, 2010
9:52 am
Adding Tech (GA) to the SEC is important because it allows you to lock out the Atlanta market. The perception is that ATL is an SEC/ACC lock, but what if the Big 10 sneaks an offer to Tech. The ATL market becomes suspect.
Preference: Add Texas an A&M in the West
Add GA Tech and VA Tech in the east
Ga Tech locks the ATL market and Va Tech gets us closer to DC (yes, there is a lot of support for the Hokies in DC).
Yeppie
June 10th, 2010
9:53 am
How IRONIC.. Lane Kiffin must be worried.
1. NCAA sanctions??
2. The potential of Texas joining the Pac 10. Kiffin would have to take a back seat to Mack Brown/Will Muschamp Longhorns…
DP
June 10th, 2010
9:53 am
Tony, I don’t think the Texas AD has to worry about sending the women’s softball team to Pullman, WA if Texas moves to lead the formation of a Pac 16. A 16 team conference is effectively a split into 2 conferences. I know you’ve been around long enough to remember that the Pac 10 used to be the Pac 8 before Arizona and Arizona State were added (in the late 70’s or early 80’s if I recall correctly). In a Pac 16, the old Pac 8 would be restored as the Western division and the 6 teams from the Big 12 would form the Eastern division along with Arizona and Arizona State.
There simply can’t be a lot of play across divisions in any sport. In football, if you play 8 conference games plus a championship game, that means 7 regular season games against your division rivals and 2 games every 16 years against the teams in the other division. In basketball, if you play home and home against your division you’d have to play 22 conference games plus a conference tournament to play everybody in the opposite division once. That’s not going to happen.
Most of the minor sports would only compete within their division except for conference tournaments, so the Texas AD will only have to worry about sending the women’s softball team as far as Arizona, not Pullman, WA.
Even if Texas and 5 other Big 12 teams form a Pac 16, why does the SEC need to do anything? I still say the SEC should only expand if they can get Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Those 4 along with Ole Miss, Mississippi State, LSU and Arkansas could form a new SEC West, Alabama and Auburn move to the East.
Adding Georgia Tech, Clemson, FSU and Miami does not bring any new geography and I suspect would water down the revenue per SEC team.
RxDawg
June 10th, 2010
9:53 am
“If their first moves are successful, it doesn’t leave a lot for the SEC to pick up”
Kevin, the SEC doesn’t have to pick up much, if anything at all. We control the south eastern united states. That’s pretty darn good. Especially when you consider where the majority of top rate football talent is grown. The SEC will be fine becuase these other conferences are trying to keep up with us.
Charlie B
June 10th, 2010
9:55 am
Georgia Tech would be a decent add as long as it is coupled with a school or schools that expand the conference geographically.
For example, bringing in Texas A&M and possibly Oklahoma would make it okay for Georgia Tech and maybe Florida State.
The tv contracts are a function of both geography and content. GT and FSU would create some attractive tv rivalries for UT, UGA and Auburn.
Georgia Tech would really need to step up in terms of facilities and their overall program. Do they still play basketball in that little gym?
Hareball
June 10th, 2010
9:56 am
If they’re looking at expanding to 16, the SEC would be wise to think beyond football. Grab UNC and Duke first – then you have three of the most storied basketball programs in the country to combine with UK. In FB, UNC is no worse than the middling section of the SEC – USC, Arky, MSU, Ole Miss, etc. Duke adds another football patsy, but if all the SEC schools eliminate one of the IAA games each year it’s about the same level of competition. Then you can go ahead and pick from two of the following to get some Football – GT, Clemson, VaTech, FSU, Texas A&M (i say no way Texas comes), Miami (although the attendance is pitiful – just better than FSU, in fact). You could even consider Maryland or Louisville. I think something with two of those four remaining teams would make for a really nice rounded conference.
P-Man
June 10th, 2010
9:56 am
You know, blogs like this would be a lot better without idiots like UGA Who? and Beating Tech is our Birthright getting into a pissing match with each other. Please get a clue- no one cares! Blogs are for informed discussion, not spouting inaninities back and forth. Please find somewhere else to do that.
Would GT be a good fit? I don’t know, but being a purist, I would love to have them back in the SEC.
I hope none of this expansion happens, except maybe the Big Ten adding Notre Dame, and the Pac 10 adding 2.
Oh, and UGA WHO?- UGA has one multiple national championships in several sports, but don’t let the facts get in the way of your opinions.
DP
June 10th, 2010
9:57 am
GeezusDawg, people in the Atlanta TV market aren’t any more likely to watch Minnesota play Iowa because Tech is in the Big 10 (or whatever it would be called) than they currently are to watch Boston College play N.C. State because Tech is in the ACC.
LonghornSean
June 10th, 2010
9:58 am
The Big 12 will still be a failure if it picks up TCU and SMU. Those schools add NOTHING. They won’t get the Big 12 a television contract comparable to the SEC, ACC, or Big 10. Additionally, the Dallas/Ft. Worth market is ALREADY COVERED thanks to Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Texas A&M. There’s no part of the Dallas market that is left to “further strengthen.” TCU and SMU make the Big 12 more regional, which is the exact reason the SWC failed.
When will Barnhart choose to start comprehending this?
UsmcDawg
June 10th, 2010
9:58 am
I know we are supposed to “hate” each other, but I would love to see GT in the SEC. As a Georgia alum and native Atlantan, I have a great respect for GT(even though I want to beat them when UGA plays GT). They are a classy organization with deep roots in College Football history and a great future with their Football program, etc. They would add tons of upside if they come to the SEC.
The Dude
June 10th, 2010
9:59 am
kgator79- Don’t forget the history between UF & FSU. Florida has always looked down on FSU. In fact, an intervention by the state government was the only reason the yearly series between Florida & FSU ever started.
kgator79
June 10th, 2010
9:59 am
I think this expansion thing is all about stepping outside your current foot print. So markets like Clemson and GT which people seem to think the SEC should add, really do not add much to the conference. I kind of think the SEC should do what the Pac 10 is potentially thinking of doing, which is pretty much raid the entire state of Texas. Take Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and Baylor. Then you would change the divisions up like this.
SEC West:
Texas
Texas A&M
Texas Tech
LSU
Baylor
Arkansas
Mississippi
Miss. St.
SEC East
Florida
Georgia
Alabama
Auburn
Tennessee
Kentucky
Vanderbilt
South Carolina
Certainly makes the SEC East quite tough. But in any of these expansion scenarios its going to be tough.
Yeppie
June 10th, 2010
10:00 am
I think the SEC is in good condition. Something tells me that the Big 12 will add another school. TCU, BYU, Utah or Boise??? What would make sense would to have Arkansas to the Big 12 and the SEC add Georgia Tech.
Otto
June 10th, 2010
10:01 am
Miami brings as much to the SEC as Nebraska to the Big10.
You say Nebraska travels better, true… but Miami will get TV ratings.
I don’t like the SEC sitting and watching and hope Slive is up to something. Texas, OU, Tx A&M, and Okie St. are the 4 I’d like to see. It get the bulk of the Texas and Oklahoma TV market. DFW is about 50/50 between OU and UT anyways. OU/Texas is one of the biggest yearly matchups around.
If the SEC does not get the Big12 teams Slive may really up the stakes by taking most of the ACC for a conf. even bigger than 16.
The fallout from this will be interesting and if the SEC does not get the Big12 teams the dust may not settle for another year.
I’d rather take 4 Big12 teams than see a 20 team super conf. Don’t say it isn’t possible…… Slive dropped a bomb using a little known NCAA clause to get the SECCG, something bigger maybe around the corner.
Another thing to think about a Big12 South / Pac10 merger would unite 2 of the 3 biggest talent hotbeds in the country. It could create a uphill battle for the SEC.
Also various blogs have blown up the PAC10 academic claims. Its all money and power at this point.
Mook
June 10th, 2010
10:01 am
DP-
Amen to that. I check to see when those Big Ten games are on so I know when to cut the grass (in September when they are playing in snow).
Buck Nut
June 10th, 2010
10:01 am
When all is said and done there will be four major conferences that are not associated with the NCAA (like college hockey). Pac 10, ACC, Big 10 and SEC will all have 12 or 16 teams. They will play a conference championship game and each conference champion will play in a 4 team tournament. Each confrence will have a specialty academically as well. For example, the Big 10 will specialize in Research. Say goodbye to Northwestern and welcome schools like Notre Dame, Pitt, and others.
GeezusDawg
June 10th, 2010
10:02 am
DP
It’s about the Big 10 network.
Also, there are a TON of Big 10 folks in and around ATL.
Otto
June 10th, 2010
10:03 am
The SEC would give up more in Arkansas than it would gain in GT.
Also who would shift to the West?
Beating Tech is our Birthright!
June 10th, 2010
10:03 am
okay, sorry P-Man, your right, I got caught up in trying stir the pot with a bumble bee.
But, I am sorry I disagree that GT would be a good fit. They left and we honestly do control that market. There are more fans from other SEC and ACC schools there than Tech fans. Smaller student body so it happens. I’ll ignore him.
Personally I think if SEC expands it only needs 2 teams. A & M would be a prize, yes Texas looks better but its like choosing to ask out either the supermodel or the cute one who would actually make a good wife.
For the 2nd, go Louisville, locks down kentucky and the southern Ohion market, up + comming program, and adds to B-Ball depth.
Want an outside the box idea Cinncinatti Bearcats. Why not? out side the realm of the geography yes, but access to southern ohio and a toe hold in Big-10/11 country. Not that far from UK…
PMC
June 10th, 2010
10:04 am
Expansion to a major football conference hasn’t worked out as well as hoped for the ACC.
I wonder if the SEC doesn’t look at the 17.4 million to each squad and think “why fool with a good thing?”
The Big 10 HAD to expand to get a championship. Thier network is awesome and making them money but they needed a championship game.
The Pac 10 is almost completely invisable in the landscape because of thier horrid TV deals. Yes the games would be on late… but they should be on TV nationally lot more than they are. They need the exposure.
PMC
June 10th, 2010
10:05 am
16 teams breaks up whatever money is available quite a bit. They would have to make a ton more money.
kgator79
June 10th, 2010
10:06 am
Florida has looked down on programs like FSU and Miami because quite honestly playing them does nothing for UF financially. Both schools have fair weather fan bases that a lot of times struggle to sell out their stadiums, Miami more so. So when Florida travels to play them at their stadiums the games end up being a sell out, but UF feels its more so because they are there, bringing their large fan base and is only helping to line the pockets of FSU and Miami’s athletic departments.
Otto
June 10th, 2010
10:08 am
PMC, Packaging the CFB crazy states of Texas and Oklahoma with a package that currently has the biggest contract with a major network in the SEC would get that money.
DP
June 10th, 2010
10:08 am
kgator, if the SEC or any other conference brings in Texas it makes no sense not to bring Oklahoma with them to preserve the great rivalry between them and bring in another one of the most storied programs in college football. When you look at the tradition, size of the stadiums and passion of the fan bases, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are no brainers versus Texas Tech and Baylor.
SECSUPPORT
June 10th, 2010
10:09 am
I would like to see the SEC bring in UNC, DUKE, FSU, and Miami.
SECSUPPORT
June 10th, 2010
10:10 am
or Texas, Texas A&M, UNC, DUKE
kgator79
June 10th, 2010
10:10 am
DP…true. Thats the problem with all these scenarios. In the end what ever happens, some where long time rivalries are probably going to end, just like is happening now with Nebraska going to the Big 10. Gone will be the days of Nebraska/Oklahoma, Nebraska/Texas, Nebraska/Colorado ect…
kgator79
June 10th, 2010
10:12 am
everyone can just forget about Miami coming. They are again one of those schools who add nothing to the SEC. They are a private small school who has a bankrupt athletic budget. The SEC already has the south florida market with the large Gator fan base down there.
Yup
June 10th, 2010
10:13 am
I agree. North Carolina and Texas markets would big a ton of new revenue to the the SEC.
Otto
June 10th, 2010
10:13 am
DP agreed, Texas Tech has been a bottom feeder up until recently and was somewhat of a surprise to be in the Big12. Baylor brings nothing to the table other than the blessings of elected Texas officials.
OU is a team that can get a primetime kickoff just about any year and in most TV markets.
JASon
June 10th, 2010
10:15 am
Thanks, Tony, I will be sure to “stayed tuned”
I thought you were gone until July 5th?