NCAA Conference Carosel: BIG XII admits West Virginia, tells Mizzou to take a hike. [Archive]

Will

09-18-2011, 9:04am

ACC Extends Formal Invitations for Membership to Pittsburgh and Syracuse

The Atlantic Coast Conference will become a 14-member conference.

Sept. 18, 2011

The Atlantic Coast Conference Council of Presidents has unanimously voted to accept the University of Pittsburgh and Syracuse University as new members. The invitation followed the submission of letters of application from both universities.

“The ACC is a strong united conference that is only going to get better with the addition of the University of Pittsburgh and Syracuse University,” said Duke University President Richard Broadhead, chair of the ACC Council of Presidents. “Both schools are committed to competing at the highest level of academics and athletics. We welcome them as full partners in the ACC.”

“The ACC has enjoyed a rich tradition by balancing academics and athletics and the addition of Pitt and Syracuse further strengthens the ACC culture in this regard,” said Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner John Swofford. “Pittsburgh and Syracuse also serve to enhance the ACC’s reach into the states of New York and Pennsylvania and geographically bridges our footprint between Maryland and Massachusetts. With the addition of Pitt and Syracuse, the ACC will cover virtually the entire Eastern Seaboard of the United States.”

“This is an exciting day for the University of Pittsburgh. We have a long history of competing and collaborating with the distinguished universities that already are members of the Atlantic Coast Conference, and have enormous respect for both their academic strengths and their athletic accomplishments,” said University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg. “In looking to our own future, we could not envision a better conference home for Pitt and are grateful to the Council of Presidents for extending an invitation to join the ACC community.”

"We are very excited to be joining the ACC. This is a tremendous opportunity for Syracuse, and with its outstanding academic quality and athletic excellence, the ACC is a perfect fit for us," said Nancy Cantor, Chancellor and President of Syracuse University. "The ACC is home to excellent national research universities with very strong academic quality, and is a group that Syracuse will contribute to significantly and benefit from considerably. As a comprehensive, all-sports conference, the ACC provides Syracuse tremendous opportunities for quality competition and growth in all sports, while also renewing some of our historic rivalries. This move will also bolster our continued efforts to look outward, engage, and extend Syracuse’s reach to key areas of the country, including the southeast, as we grow and expand our national connections to alumni, partners and the students of the future. We are pleased that Syracuse adds a New York City dimension to the ACC, a region in which we have built strong identity and affinity, and we look forward to bringing ACC games to the Big Apple. Overall, for Syracuse, this opportunity provides long-term conference stability in what is an uncertain, evolving, and rapidly shifting national landscape."

“This is a very significant day for all of our student-athletes, coaches and staff at the University of Pittsburgh,” said Steve Pederson, University of Pittsburgh Director of Athletics. “The strength and quality of the ACC is highly regarded by everyone at Pitt. When we set high expectations for our student-athletes in their academic, athletic and personal goals, it is important to provide every opportunity and resource to enable that success. Joining the ACC and the outstanding institutions in this conference will give every Pitt student-athlete the chance to achieve their highest aspirations.”

Daryl Gross, Syracuse University Director of Athletics said, "Today is a day that we will remember for years to come. We are truly excited that academically and athletically we will be a member of the ACC, one of the nation's premier collegiate athletic conferences. As New York's College Team, we plan to compete at the highest level across all of our sports and help to enhance this great conference."

ACC Extends Formal Invitations for Membership to Pittsburgh and Syracuse - The Official Athletic Site of the Atlantic Coast Conference (http://www.theacc.com/genrel/091811aaa.html)

Will

09-18-2011, 11:41am

Conference Outlook as of 9/18/2011:

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u138/willbridges1982/Z%20-%20Food/ConferenceOutlook9-18-2011.png

You can experiment with conference realignment and play with the above interactive chart here: NCAA Big 12 Realignment (http://res.dallasnews.com/graphics/2011_09/realignment/)

TexasBulldog

09-18-2011, 11:56am

who the eff is that last team in the "Other teams in limbo"?

JOe

Will

09-18-2011, 12:15pm

who the eff is that last team in the "Other teams in limbo"?

JOe

Houston Cougars. Both they and SMU would want to be in the BIG 12.

I suppose the other two Texas teams would as well, but they're too small time to even be considered.

Will

09-18-2011, 12:25pm

My prediction as of now:

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u138/willbridges1982/Z%20-%20Food/Myconferenceprediction.png

Word is Rutgers and UCONN would be #15 and #16 if the ACC decides to go to 16. This would basically give the ACC complete dominance over the eastern sea-board from Maine to North Carolina, and of course they split the rest of the coast from SC to Florida with the SEC. Pitt obviously gives the ACC the Pennsylvania market as well.

West Virginia just fits in the SEC, who needs another east division team for #14.

Oklahoma and Oklahoma State bolt for the Pac-12, but Texas refuses to, wanting to maintain Long Horn network and their dominance. With the collapse of the Big East, the Big 12 survives thanks to Texas staying, the SEC opting for WVU over Missouri, and Big East cast-offs needing a new home. Louisville and Cincinnati expands the conferences reach to the Ohio and Kentucky Markets, TCU and the Big 12 finally get together, for their 11th and 12th teams to get a conference title game again, the Big 12 goes after BYU and Boise and expands their territory into the Mountain West region once again after the departure of Colorado.

The BIG 10 is SUPER picky about academics, and they want Notre Dame + Texas or would settle for Notre Dame + another. Notre Dame refuses to join a conference, Texas creates their own fiefdom out of the Big 12 remains, so the Big Ten actually just stays put.

Houston and SMU remain slighted by the Big 12, as the Texas market is already covered and Boise + BYU are better programs anyway.

South Florida is the big loser left out in the cold, and endures the march of shame back to Conference USA HQ to reapply.

Of course, there is a 99.99% chance that I am completely wrong and this all shakes out in some other bizarre way.

Entropy

09-18-2011, 2:38pm

I'd rather see Iowa State in the Big 10 rather than a completely neutered Big 12. It's just a matter of who joins with them.

Chris Fowler

09-18-2011, 3:46pm

OU leaves the Big 12 I don't see it surviving.

PAC-16 is looking like the most likely scenario, with OU, OSU, Texas and TT joining, IMHO.

Will

09-18-2011, 3:55pm

I'd rather see Iowa State in the Big 10

:rofl:

I'd rather win the lotto than work for the rest of my life.

69camfrk

09-18-2011, 5:14pm

I would much rather see VT in the SEC than WVU. Suppose that is out though, but living in GA, it's damn hard to pull for a team outside the SEC. Wife is a VT grad and my step Grandfather was a professor there, so I always went to the games, and believe me, back in the day, they sucked.

Will

09-18-2011, 8:29pm

From the same guy who broke the story about Dana Holgorsen going to West Virginia:

Same university source who told me Dana was getting hired--& was spot-on re: everything--says WVU sent paperwork to SEC today. We'll see.

Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/colin_dunlap)

Chris Fowler

09-18-2011, 8:36pm

Apparently some Texas officials spent a lot of time with Larry Scott of the PAC-12 while in California for the UCLA game this weekend.

Will

09-18-2011, 8:41pm

A Pac-12 move for Texas seems to be back on the table. Apparently the Pac is willing to sweeten the deal by working with Texas on an agreement around Long Horn network that would be amenable to both sides.

Texas to the Pac-12 Reportedly Gaining Steam

Texas would have to add Pac-12 (soon to be 16) content to the LHN programming. The Longhorns would be able to keep all of their revenue from the network. However, if one-sixteenth of the money the Pac-12 receives from third-tier rights ends up being a larger amount, the schools would divide the revenue evenly and everybody would receive the same amount, the source said....

....That's a change from the previous conventional wisdom regarding the Longhorn Network morphing into a regional network shared with Texas Tech -- not an appealing alternative for a Texas administration that appears intent on keeping the network in its current form to the extent possible. This compromise represents such a major step because it solves the problem of equal revenue sharing and allows Texas what it wants in keeping the Longhorn Network essentially a Longhorn-only entity.

The other rumored development is the use of a four-team pod system for the new Pac-16-to-be, with Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, and Texas Tech in one pod. In the previously mentioned Hookem.com report, sources indicated that the team with the best record from two aligned pods would play the team with the best record from the other two aligned pods for the conference championship game, with conference members playing the teams in their own pod each season and two teams from each of the other three pods....

Texas to the Pac-12 Reportedly Gaining Steam - Burnt Orange Nation (http://www.burntorangenation.com/2011/9/18/2433428/texas-to-the-pac-12-reportedly-gaining-steam)

A source close to Texas repeated to me today the Pac-12 may now be the Longhorns' top option in terms of finding a new conference home.

The Pac-12 might be willing to accept a "modified" version of the Longhorn Network, the source said.

This development was first reported by Orangebloods.com on Saturday, when the Atlantic Coast Conference began moving in a different direction, according to a Big 12 administrator.

Multiple sources said Texas was banking on ESPN to make a marriage between the ACC and Texas that would allow the Longhorns to keep LHN. But that appears to have failed, the sources said.

PAC-12 Could Be Texas' New Conference - SB Nation Dallas (http://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-longhorns/2011/9/18/2433562/pac-12-could-be-texas-new-conference)

Pac-12 presidents on teleconf this afternoon to discuss Texas. Looking like Longhorns are in. Would go with OU, OSU, TT.

Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/BlairKerkhoff)

VatorMan

09-18-2011, 8:41pm

From the same guy who broke the story about Dana Holgorsen going to West Virginia:

Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/colin_dunlap)

So the Georgia rednecks get to meet their ridgerunner cousins every year. :lol:

Will

09-18-2011, 8:42pm

Entropy, let me be the first to wish your beloved Iowa State Cyclones a bright future in Conference USA.

Will

09-18-2011, 8:48pm

UCONN busy giving the ACC a blowjob, hoping to compensate for not being as pretty as Pitt or Syracuse:

UConn president Susan Herbst is aggressively pursuing membership in the ACC to become the 15th or 16th member institution in the conference, according to a source with direct knowledge of UConn's situation.

According to the source, Herbst was having conversations recently but in light of Pittsburgh's and Syracuse's defections from the Big East, the talks have accelerated in the last 48 hours.

In a statement earlier Sunday, Herbst said that although UConn was "a proud charter member of the Big East" the school was staying "actively involved in discussions with our counterparts from around the country to ensure the successful long-term future of our university's athletic program."

Earlier Sunday, ACC commissioner John Swofford said the league was comfortable with 14 schools but not philosophically opposed to expanding to 16.

Both Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski and North Carolina coach Roy Williams have told ESPN.com that they would endorse the ACC expanding to 16 teams comprised of two eight-team divisions.

UConn Huskies aggressively seeking ACC move, source says - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story/_/id/6989031/uconn-huskies-aggressively-seeking-acc-move-source-says)

VatorMan

09-18-2011, 8:50pm

The ACC sucks for football but OMG for basketball....

Entropy

09-18-2011, 8:52pm

Entropy, let me be the first to wish your beloved Iowa State Cyclones a bright future in Conference USA.
What gets me is that we stick to our academic rigor, which ****s us on the sport front. Schools like many from the SEC and the Big 12 South will accept any knuckle dragging mouth breather who can run a 40 under 4.5 even if they are declared clinically retarded.

If we lose our Big XII standing this will also affect our ability to attract the smart (yet slow running) people who help with many of the academic advances that come out of Iowa State.

Might as well go independent and turn into a pure research and zero sport institution. Anyone want a deal on a stadium? Will give away for free, new owner responsible for moving.

Will

09-18-2011, 8:56pm

The ACC sucks for football but OMG for basketball....

Eh, ebbs and flows. Florida State and Miami have the right guys at head coach now, and will eventually both be perennial powers again. recruiting base is just too good.

Clemson is always loaded with talent, North Carolina could be a player with the right coach. And of course there's Virgina Tech.

Poaching the Big East is for the best. The ACC and Big East were too weak to compete. Now, the ACC and the new teams coming in should really improve each-other. The ACC will OWN northeast recruiting, and while not Texas or Florida or California, there is plenty of talent up there.

ACC basketball will be INSANE, especially if they add UCONN. Rutgers sucks, but Rutgers + Syracuse = OWNING the tri-state TV market, so Rutgers would make a lot of sense.

Will

09-18-2011, 8:58pm

What gets me is that we stick to our academic rigor, which ****s us on the sport front. Schools like many from the SEC and the Big 12 South will accept any knuckle dragging mouth breather who can run a 40 under 4.5 even if they are declared clinically retarded.

If we lose our Big XII standing this will also affect our ability to attract the smart (yet slow running) people who help with many of the academic advances that come out of Iowa State.

Might as well go independent and turn into a pure research and zero sport institution. Anyone want a deal on a stadium? Will give away for free, new owner responsible for moving.

How good are you guys academically? Top 100 US News? If so, the BIG 10 might be a slim possibility. Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, and Missouri would fit geographically, it's just a matter of Academics. The BIG Ten will not admit any schools that will drag down their academic prestige.

Will

09-18-2011, 8:59pm

Entropy

09-18-2011, 9:04pm

How good are you guys academically? Top 100 US News? If so, the BIG 10 might be a slim possibility. Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, and Missouri would fit geographically, it's just a matter of Academics. The BIG Ten will not admit any schools that will drag down their academic prestige.
Yes we are. :smash:

Ranked higher than Nebraska, who just got in.

Entropy

09-18-2011, 9:06pm

Also there's the possibility of the Big East rejects who get left out in the cold teaming up with the Big 12 rejects and poach some Conference USA teams to form a special olympics super conference. :rofl:
That's been blowing up all over the Iowa State boards, and there's one guy who's absolutely convinced that conference will be awesome sauce. :ack:

Oh, and here's a funny graphic that's been floating around as well.

http://i52.tinypic.com/2gt99w2.jpg

Will

09-18-2011, 9:22pm

Maybe ???

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u138/willbridges1982/Z%20-%20Food/ConferenceOutlook9-19-2011.png

bsmith

09-18-2011, 9:58pm

-Texas apparently has an interest in joining the ACC. Big 10 seems more likely, may just flirt with the ACC idea to get the best possible deal ???

I'm a casual college football fan...but I can't see any chance that the Big10 would take Texas.

Will

09-19-2011, 10:15am

.....

Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech are in talks with the Pac-12, multiple sources tell Orangebloods.com.

A source close to Texas and another one of the four schools says if Texas was to go to the Pac-12 it would be allowed to keep a "modified" version of the network.

Texas would be allowed to keep most, if not all, of its third-tier revenue under a formula being devised as long as the other schools in the Pac-16 meet a certain threshold of revenue, sources said.

As Orangebloods.com reported earlier today, the network would likely be renamed the Pac-16 Texas Network.

The Pac-16 would most likely be divided into four-team pods with Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech in one pod; Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah in another pod; Oregon, Oregon State, Washington and Washington State in another pod; and USC, UCLA, Cal and Stanford in the other pod, the sources said.

The sources said the schools would play every other school in their pod and then face two other schools from the other pods (with those two teams from the other pod rotating every two years, so there would be home and away games) to form a 9-game conference schedule.

The conference would try to limit long road trips as much as possible, the sources said....

....And as reported by Orangebloods.com on Friday, both Texas and Oklahoma regents on Monday (in separate meetings) are expected to give their presidents the authority to make decisions about conference affiliation.

Texas president president Bill Powers, a Cal graduate, was a leading proponent of going to the Pac-12 a year ago. But Texas decided to try and hold the Big 12 together after it became clear Texas A&M would not follow Texas, Texas Tech, OU and Oklahoma State to the Pac-10 with Colorado.

Texas said in holding the Big 12 together it didn't want to travel its students across two time zones to the west, resulting in student-athletes arriving back on campus in the middle of the night.

But if Texas can hold the Longhorn Network together in a "modified" version, the Pac-12 will end up being the best course of action for UT, the source close to Texas said.

Orangebloods.com - Sources: Texas focusing on 'Pac-16' (http://texas.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1266871)

Will

09-19-2011, 10:22am

LOL Villanova.

Confirmed: Villanova Has Applied For ACC Membership

Nothing major (yet), and something we kind of knew already, but it is nice to hear an ACC official (better yet, the commissioner) come out and say that the ACC has been in contact with 10 additional schools, and a source confirming that Villanova did officially apply to join the ACC.

ACC Commissioner John Swofford said during a teleconference Sunday the league received more than 10 applications from schools hoping to join the league. Orlando Sentinel sources confirmed multiple Big East members applied to join the league, including Villanova.

When news first broke on Saturday that Pittsburgh and Syracuse were bolting for the ACC - the ACC confirmed that it had talked with 10 schools - but did not confirm whether Villanova was in that group. A source told us that Villanova had been in discussions with the ACC, but it's hard to take any of that seriously when we don't have an FBS football program (yet).

Right now, I think our best best of getting to the ACC would be joining with another basketball-only member (think St. John's or Georgetown) so that they wouldn't have to add more football but could continue to increase the value of their basketball product.

VUHoops reported on Saturday that Boston College Gene DiFilippo is in favor of adding Villanova to the ACC, so we have that going for us. If we're going on common sense as well, you'd imagine that BC would be against adding UConn (would split the New England market).

If there is one thing that this weekend's events showed, it's that the ACC does care about basketball. Syracuse and Pitt are okay football programs, but they are phenomenal basketball programs. That's one of the big reasons the ACC wanted them.

Hopefully, they'll want Villanova as well, because the Big East's days are numbered.

Confirmed: Villanova Has Applied For ACC Membership - The Nova Blog (http://www.thenovablog.com/2011/9/19/2434449/acc-commissioner-john-swofford-villanova-acc)

Joecooool

09-19-2011, 10:47am

Teams trying to get into the SEC are nuts. The money must be huge because any team that joins will see their win ratio drop in an epic way.

Will

09-19-2011, 10:57am

The money must be huge.

This is ALL about MONEY, MONEY, MONEY.

None. ZERO of these conference moves are predicated on competition, or anything football related, other than the MONEY that will be generated by their programs.

MattW

09-19-2011, 11:28am

cmb396

09-19-2011, 11:58am

As with Corvette owners who choose usernames based on a current car... the conferences must learn to choose conference names which make no reference to the number of schools in the conference.

That said... the SEC shouldn't be able to take A&M, or WVU, because those schools are not in the Southeast.

The "Southeastern, Texas and West Virgina Conference" is kinda wordy, though. Heh.

:)

Just curious, WV is south of the Mason Dixon line, isn't any state below it considered a southern state? There is obviously nothing "east" about Texas, so I'll give you that one...but, neither is there about Missouri and it looks like they are on their way to the SEC.

NEVRL8T

09-19-2011, 12:04pm

West Vagina will nor be coming to the SEC. What TV market do they have? D.C.? No way. Florida State, maybe.

cmb396

09-19-2011, 12:11pm

NEVRL8T

09-19-2011, 12:13pm

Learn to spell douche!! FSU will never leave the ACC, they already pussed out on going to the SEC once, and it was a good decision for them. I bet you see something on WVU to the SEC before weeks end.

But to answer your question, obviously WV, NJ, DC, Pittsburg and other parts of PA.

You're crazy if you think West Virgina will grab those markets. VA Tech has most of that area.

cmb396

09-19-2011, 12:18pm

You're crazy if you think West Virgina will grab those markets. VA Tech has most of that area.

You're right, they do, but WVU grabs a large portion of them too. Trust me, I live in WV, and worked in marketing and advertising for several years, not to mention my marketing degree from Marshall. I know the DMA of Mountaineer football and the markets they grab!!

VaTech is another school that will never leave the ACC, and have already stated so.

NEVRL8T

09-19-2011, 12:27pm

You're right, they do, but WVU grabs a large portion of them too. Trust me, I live in WV, and worked in marketing and advertising for several years, not to mention my marketing degree from Marshall. I know the DMA of Mountaineer football and the markets they grab!!

VaTech is another school that will never leave the ACC, and have already stated so.

I agree that VA Tech isn't coming to the SEC. WVA would be a nice addition, we need more easy wins. :D

VatorMan

09-19-2011, 12:33pm

In the DC area, it's Maryland, VT, VA and a bit of WVA. WVA is bigger in Southern Ohio and Pennsylvania than here.

Tossin

09-19-2011, 5:07pm

I'm looking forward to ND sitting there BEGGING a conference to take them....if Big East football goes, they will be left holding the bag when it comes to bowl affiliations.

WVU will fit in well with the SEC...and that's not a compliment.

Will

09-20-2011, 3:34pm

Hahahahahaha. Poor West Virgina. :rofl:

West Virginia turned down by ACC, SEC

With the uncertainty of the future of the Big East, it's no secret several schools are seeking conference membership elsewhere. West Virginia, however, appears like it will remain in the league as Big East sources told CBSSports.com that the Mountaineers will not be accepted into either the Atlantic Coast Conference or Southeastern Conference.

WVU had enquired with both leagues, but WVU officials told representatives of the Big East those overtures had been denied and they were remaining in the Big East.

West Virginia athletic director Oliver Luck released a statement on Sunday concerning conference realignment and ironically did not mention the Big East once in his statement.

"There is no question that the landscape of college athletics is once again changing," Luck said. "West Virginia University has great tradition as the state's flagship land-grant institution and we will continue working to do what's best for our University and its athletic teams. No matter how the college athletic landscape changes, there is no doubt WVU is and will remain a national player."

After Saturday’s news that Pittsburgh and Syracuse were headed to the ACC, there have been various reports that UConn and Rutgers are likely candidates to join the ACC

Both schools have released statements about conference realignment, leaving open the possibility either or both would leave the Big East if extended an invitation to the ACC....

West Virginia turned down by ACC, SEC - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/29532522/32130111)

NB2K

09-20-2011, 3:46pm

Tossin

09-20-2011, 3:51pm

Hahahahahaha. Poor West Virgina. :rofl:

From what I understand, the ACC turned them down because of academics (they have academics?!?) and the SEC turned them down because they don't bring enough in TV audience. I have no sympathy for them. On their forums, the fans are saying that it's not over, that they just lost out on this round of expansion. Unless the ACC or SEC gets desperate, they won't be getting any other invites.

jaxgator

09-20-2011, 4:04pm

Eh, ebbs and flows. Florida State and Miami have the right guys at head coach now, and will eventually both be perennial powers again. recruiting base is just too good.

This. FSU is back on the rise, even though they lost to #1 this past week.

Teams trying to get into the SEC are nuts. The money must be huge because any team that joins will see their win ratio drop in an epic way.

That is exactly it. Why do you think that schools like Florida Atlantic and UAB (the Gators 2 pre-season matchups) accept the challenge? Because they think they might win? :rofl:

As with Corvette owners who choose usernames based on a current car... the conferences must learn to choose conference names which make no reference to the number of schools in the conference.

That said... the SEC shouldn't be able to take A&M, or WVU, because those schools are not in the Southeast.

The "Southeastern, Texas and West Virgina Conference" is kinda wordy, though. Heh.

:)

This is really bugging me. All these conference changes blowing the conference names out of the water. Can you say, "Money, money, money, money...Money!" ?

Entropy

09-20-2011, 4:31pm

jaxgator

09-20-2011, 4:32pm

This is the reason why I keep hoping Iowa State can make it into the Big 10+2. We have the academics to hang with them.

But do you have the football team to hang with them? :D :leaving:

Entropy

09-20-2011, 4:35pm

But do you have the football team to hang with them? :D :leaving:
Compared to Minnesota, Northwestern, and Indiana from year to year: Yes. :lol:

Our basketball will be okay, and we'll bring the thunder when it comes to wrestling. No baseball (cancelled 10 years ago) or hockey to speak of (we have a very competitive club hockey team) but that might change in a different conference.

jaxgator

09-20-2011, 4:41pm

Compared to Minnesota, Northwestern, and Indiana from year to year: Yes. :lol:

Our basketball will be okay, and we'll bring the thunder when it comes to wrestling. No baseball (cancelled 10 years ago) or hockey to speak of (we have a very competitive club hockey team) but that might change in a different conference.

Ok, well, best of luck to you if that is your choice. I still don't see your school doing very well football-wise in that conference. But I could be wrong. :leaving:

Entropy

09-20-2011, 4:45pm

Ok, well, best of luck to you if that is your choice. I still don't see your school doing very well football-wise in that conference. But I could be wrong. :leaving:
We'll get our ass beat for sure, not that that's any different than where we are at currently (the Big XII North has been the weaker division for the last 10 years).

I'm more concerned with us staying in a major conference and the prestige that brings to the institution. That will make a difference when it comes to attracting talent, both on and off the field. That will affect Iowa State's ability to obtain grants, make discoveries, stimulate the economy, etc.

Dropping down to something like Missouri Valley or C-USA will do us good for a few years for our football team, but we'll do long term damage to the reputation of the institution.

jaxgator

09-20-2011, 5:14pm

We'll get our ass beat for sure, not that that's any different than where we are at currently (the Big XII North has been the weaker division for the last 10 years).

I'm more concerned with us staying in a major conference and the prestige that brings to the institution. That will make a difference when it comes to attracting talent, both on and off the field. That will affect Iowa State's ability to obtain grants, make discoveries, stimulate the economy, etc.

Dropping down to something like Missouri Valley or C-USA will do us good for a few years for our football team, but we'll do long term damage to the reputation of the institution.

Ok, now I get your point. :yesnod: Couldn't agree more.

Will

09-20-2011, 7:02pm

Entropy. Buddy. STOP setting yourself up for disappointment. IF the Big 12 as we know it dies, the only place Iowa State is ending up is the Sun Belt conference. :sadangel:

Entropy

09-20-2011, 7:11pm

Entropy. Buddy. STOP setting yourself up for disappointment. IF the Big 12 as we know it dies, the only place Iowa State is ending up is the Sun Belt conference. :sadangel:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h18/twieland/Fire_Window_Fall.gif

cmb396

09-20-2011, 7:50pm

From what I understand, the ACC turned them down because of academics (they have academics?!?) and the SEC turned them down because they don't bring enough in TV audience. I have no sympathy for them. On their forums, the fans are saying that it's not over, that they just lost out on this round of expansion. Unless the ACC or SEC gets desperate, they won't be getting any other invites.

From the NY Times...

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/09/19/us/fivethirtyeight-0919-geocolfootball-sec/fivethirtyeight-0919-geocolfootball-sec-blog480.png

The S.E.C. has few large media markets — Atlanta’s Georgia Tech is in the A.C.C., as is the University of Miami. But if it adds Texas A&M, it will be up to 15.6 million fans total, just barely behind the Big Ten (17.5 million). The enthusiasm for college football in the Southeast and a lot of mid-sized markets with decent population growth adds up to a very valuable brand — as, of course, does the exceptional quality of the product on the field.

Still, the S.E.C.’s average of about 1.1 million fans per team — not counting Texas A&M — sets a slightly lower bar than the Big Ten’s. Clemson (1.8 million fans), Georgia Tech (1.7 million) or Virginia Tech would improve upon it, while Missouri and West Virginia (1.0 million) are aren’t far from the league average and would do more to expand the conference’s geographic footprint.

The Geography of College Football Fans (and Realignment Chaos) - NYTimes.com (http://thequad.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/19/the-geography-of-college-football-fans-and-realignment-chaos/?ref=sports)

Not so sure that is a valid argument. Don't forget, the SEC denied that they accepted aTm at first too. All this he said she said shit is getting hard to follow!!

Will

09-21-2011, 7:49am

WELP. The Pac-12 has dashed our hopes of complete armageddon and mayhem. Looks like they're standing pat, and the Big 12 will survive.

This could be good news for West Virginia, as the SEC still needs a 14th team, and Missouri will likely stay put in the Big 12 with Texas and Oklahoma staying put.

Looks like the Pac-12 has spared you the embarassment of applying for the MEAC Entropy. :cheers:

WALNUT CREEK, Calif.-- In light of the widespread speculation about potential scenarios for Conference re-alignment, the Pac-12 Presidents and Chancellors have affirmed their decision to remain a 12-team conference. Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said, “after careful review we have determined that it is in the best interests of our member institutions, student-athletes and fans to remain a 12-team conference. While we have great respect for all of the institutions that have contacted us, and certain expansion proposals were financially attractive, we have a strong conference structure and culture of equality that we are committed to preserve. With new landmark TV agreements and plans to launch our innovative television networks, we are going to focus solely on these great assets, our strong heritage and the bright future in front of us.”
- Pac-12 -

GO TO HELL PAC-12. YOU ASS-HOLES HAVE RUINED EVERYTHING !!!

Will

09-21-2011, 8:49am

Superconferences still on hold as Pac-12 stays put

NEW YORK (AP)—The seismic shift in college athletics has once again been diverted.

Unless there is a major surprise looming, the latest round of conference realignment will only produce a handful of changes. The 16-team superconference is again on hold.

The Pac-12 presidents and chancellors decided late Tuesday night not to expand, leaving Texas and Oklahoma to figure out a way to get along in the Big 12.

“After careful review we have determined that it is in the best interests of our member institutions, student-athletes and fans to remain a 12-team conference,” Commissioner Larry Scott said in a statement. “While we have great respect for all of the institutions that have contacted us, and certain expansion proposals were financially attractive, we have a strong conference structure and culture of equality that we are committed to preserve.”

Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech were considering a move from the Big 12 to the Pac-12—a move that could have killed the Big 12. After expanding from the Pac-10 with new members Utah and Colorado last year, members of the new Pac-12 decided not to stretch the league farther east.

“We were not surprised by the Pac 12’s decision to not expand at this time,” Oklahoma President David Boren said. “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.”

Meanwhile, across the country in New York, Big East Commissioner John Marinatto emerged from a three-hour meeting with officials from the league’s football schools to say his members “pledged to each other that they are committed to move forward together.”

The Big East also has been staring at an uncertain future after Pittsburgh and Syracuse announced last weekend they are moving to the Atlantic Coast Conference.

But now it appears the Big East, like the Big 12, stands a good chance to survive, too—for now.

Marinatto said all the league’s members—including Notre Dame and the seven other non-football members—are committed to aggressively recruiting replacements for Syracuse and Pittsburgh, though he would not indicate which schools are candidates.

He said the league will enforce the 27-month notice agreement in its bylaws and not allow Syracuse and Pitt to leave until the 2014-15 academic year.

He also said he expects TCU to join the league in 2012 as previously agreed upon.

As for the Big 12, the board of regents at Texas and Oklahoma voted Monday to give their presidents the right to choose a new conference.

Oklahoma State was going to follow Oklahoma’s lead and Texas Tech planned to do the same with Texas.

Texas and Oklahoma were not acting together. Texas officials had stated several times it wanted to keep the Big 12 alive.

Oklahoma officials said they were looking for stability and equal revenue sharing, which does not occur in the Big 12. Texas has its own cable television network and gets the biggest cut of the Big 12’s revenue.

The Pac-12 has equal revenue distribution and would not change that for Texas. Without Texas in the deal, the Pac-12’s leaders didn’t have quite the appetite for expansion.

The Sooners and Longhorns, bitter rivals on the field, now need to work out some differences off it.

A person familiar with the schools’ discussions said Texas and Oklahoma officials are expected to meet in the next few days to negotiate an agreement to keep the universities in the league for at least the next five years. The person requested anonymity because the meeting had not been announced.

Whether other schools would be invited to join that meeting was unclear Tuesday night.

Scott tried to bring Oklahoma and Texas into his conference last summer, but his bid to create a superconference called the Pac-16 fell short when Texas decided to stay in the Big 12, in part to start its own network.

Nebraska and Colorado did leave the Big 12, but Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe managed to keep the conference together.

When the Longhorn Network became a reality, Texas A&M had had enough.

A&M, which flirted with the Southeastern Conference last year, reached out to the SEC and ended up being invited to join that league earlier this month. That deal has not yet been finalized because some Big 12 members, such as Baylor and Iowa State, have not waived the right to possibly sue Texas A&M and the SEC.

But if the Big 12 and its new 13-year, $1 billion television deal reached with Fox Sports in April survives, the exit should be clear for Texas A&M. And the rest of the Big 12 can go back to looking for a replacement.

Maybe newly independent in football BYU?

After the Pac-10 grew by two, adding Colorado and Utah from the Mountain West, the league negotiated a landmark 12-year television contract with Fox and ESPN worth about $3 billion, allowing the conference to quadruple its media rights fees and start its own network.

“We have a very good situation and a bright future,” Stanford athletic director Bob Bowlsby said.

It’s hard to say for sure if this will put an end to conference realignment for a while. Many thought after last summer’s maneuvering, things would settle down—and that barely lasted a year.

ACC Commissioner John Swofford has said his league is comfortable with 14 members, which it will have when Pitt and Syracuse join, but is not “philosophically” opposed to expanding to 16.

Despite their latest pledge to work together, the Big East still seems susceptible to another raid by the ACC or maybe the SEC.

Adding UConn and possibly Rutgers, located in New Jersey, would allow the ACC to further extend its reach into the Northeast and the New York City television market.

The SEC will be up to 13 schools when Texas A&M’s move becomes official and even though it has said it can stay at the number, it seems logical to go to 14.

West Virginia and Missouri have both been speculated to be candidates and there were reports earlier Tuesday that the SEC and Missouri had a tentative agreement.

The SEC shot that down.

“The Southeastern Conference has not agreed formally or informally to accept any institution other than Texas A&M, and there have not been conference discussions regarding changes in divisional alignments,” SEC associate commissioner Charles Bloom said.

With Texas and Oklahoma still around, there might not be a reason for Missouri to relocate.

Despite all the angst that realignment has caused many in major college athletics over the past month, sweeping change has seemingly been avoided.

Superconferences still on hold as Pac-12 stays put - College Football - Rivals.com (http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=ap-conferencerealignment)

Chris Fowler

09-21-2011, 9:27am

Love the games going on.

Pac-12 tells OU and OSU to f-off.

OU comes back and says, "We're thinking about not going to the PAC-12, but we have some demands."

:rofl:

Entropy

09-21-2011, 9:42am

Looks like the Pac-12 has spared you the embarassment of applying for the MEAC Entropy. :cheers:

:hurray::hurray::hurray::hurray:

Will

09-21-2011, 6:29pm

The latest rumor is that West Virginia AD Oliver Luck has met with Big XII officials in Dallas.

The Big East is looking to recruit the three service academies (Army, Navy, Air Force)

Meanwhile....

East Carolina applies to join Big East

East Carolina of Conference USA announced on Wednesday it has applied for membership in the Big East Conference.

"While we have formalized our interest in Big East Conference membership as a viable option, ECU will remain focused on competing at the highest level through the efforts of Conference USA," chancellor Steve Ballard and athletic director Terry Holland said in a statement Wednesday.

The Big East is regrouping after Syracuse and Pittsburgh joined the Atlantic Coast Conference.

A source told ESPN's Joe Schad on Tuesday that the Big East's initial expansion targets would be the service academies -- Army, Navy, and Air Force -- with Central Florida and East Carolina as second-tier possibilities.

The Associated Press, citing a person with knowledge of the discussions, reported Wednesday that Navy and Air Force are the top choices, but as football-only members.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity on Wednesday because the conference does not want to publicly disclose its plans.

Navy is an independent and Air Force plays in the Mountain West Conference.

Leaders from the Big East football schools and TCU, which is to enter the league in 2012, met with commissioner John Marinatto in Manhattan on Tuesday night. All the league's members, including the eight nonfootball-playing schools, committed to recruit new members.

But the league's status is still less than stable, especially with another piece of the realignment puzzle missing.

Once Texas A&M makes a clean break from the Big 12, the SEC will be at 13 teams, and likely looking for No. 14. Missouri seemed a candidate, but Big 12 officials are working to save that league.

There has been speculation the SEC could have West Virginia of the Big East as a target to be the 14th school.

"As I stated before, WVU is an excellent flagship, land-grant University, with national-caliber athletic and academic programs," West Virginia athletic director Oliver Luck said in a statement Wednesday. "We are, and will remain, a national player in college athletics."

There also has to be concern in the Big East that the ACC could come back for more of its members.

A source with direct knowledge of the meeting told ESPN.com's Andy Katz that UConn didn't commit to remain in the Big East and is still actively pursuing membership in the ACC.

UConn president Susan Herbst addressed her school's future in a statement released Wednesday.

"The past several days have magnified the period of instability that exists today in the world of college athletics. I want to say thank you to all of our loyal supporters and fans of UConn and our athletic programs for their patience during this time," she said. "Please know that we will always do what is in the best interests for the University of Connecticut."

West Virginia athletic director Oliver Luck commented on Tuesday night's Big East meeting in a statement released Wednesday.

"The group concluded the meeting with a strategy to recruit top level BCS-caliber institutions that match the league's strong athletic and academic histories and traditions," Lucks said. "As I stated before, WVU is an excellent flagship, land-grant university, with national-caliber athletic and academic programs. We are, and will remain, a national player in college athletics. The conference office will coordinate any further discussion on this issue."

Villanova, a Colonial Athletic Association team in football that won the FCS championship in 2009, wants to be considered as a candidate for the Big East, according to a source. The Wildcats already are in the Big East in basketball.

But the source said that with the Big 12 likely staying intact, at least nine schools other than the Huskies may have to wait for the ACC to decide if it will add two more schools to extend the league's membership to 16.

"The ACC is the preferred place for (Connecticut)," the source said. "That hasn't changed."

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Wednesday he doesn't foresee involvement from congressional leaders in current issues facing college athletics.

"I don't think the universities need any advice from Congress about how to run their business," McConnell, a Louisville alumnus, told ESPN.com's Pat Forde. "I have concerns about it, but I'm not an expert on why the universities are doing what they're doing. I assume it is in their own best interests. From a fan perspective, it is a little perplexing. I don't know what's going to happen to traditional rivalries when they're traveling thousands of miles to play."

East Carolina applies for Big East Conference membership - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story/_/id/7001803/east-carolina-applies-big-east-conference-membership)

NEVRL8T

09-21-2011, 8:04pm

West Vagina will nor be coming to the SEC. What TV market do they have? D.C.? No way. Florida State, maybe.

Learn to spell douche!! FSU will never leave the ACC, they already pussed out on going to the SEC once, and it was a good decision for them. I bet you see something on WVU to the SEC before weeks end.

But to answer your question, obviously WV, NJ, DC, Pittsburg and other parts of PA.

Hahahahahaha. Poor West Virgina. :rofl:

West Virginia turned down by ACC, SEC

West Virginia turned down by ACC, SEC - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/29532522/32130111)

Hey cmb396, TOLD YA!

Entropy

09-22-2011, 12:22am

From Everyday Should be Saturday

DAN BEEBE'S QUANTUM LEAP

Theorizing that one could time travel within his own lifetime, Dr. Sam Beckett led an elite group of scientists into the desert to develop a top-secret project known as Quantum Leap. Pressured to prove his theories or lose funding, Dr. Beckett found a glue-sniffing vagrant, threw him into the project accelerator, and watched as he vanished.

That vagrant was Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe, passed out after drinking himself purple on fortified wine after a very rough Monday night in 2011. Beebe awoke to find himself in the past, suffering from partial amnesia and facing a mirror image that was not his own. Fortunately, contact with his own time was maintained through brain-wave transmissions with Al, the project observer, who appears in the form of a hologram, that only the vagrant can see and hear. Trapped in the past, Dan finds himself leaping from life to life, putting things right that once went wrong, and hoping each time that his next leap will be the leap home.

http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/813717/Quantum-Leap_medium.jpg

That looks a bit too ripped to be Beebe, but whatever. Maybe he just got done with a cycle of Insanity or something.

Star-divide

FLASHES OF LIGHT. Dan Beebe finds himself standing in a hospital operating room. He looks down and sees his arms covered in surgical blue scrubs. His hands have the gloves of a surgeon on them, and a circular section of belly described by a coating of blue surgical linen sits below him. Nurses look at him intently.

Beebe: Oh boy.

Nurse: Dr. Zander, we need you to begin the surgery. The prime minister does not have long to live.

Al: You appear to be Dr. Jim Zander, Dan, a thoracic surgeon and the man who operated on Prime Minster Winston Churchill during a secret emergency appendectomy in 1945. The historical implications could be huge, Dan!

Beebe: Um, yeah. Hand me that. I got this.

http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/813729/Beebe_Surgeon_medium.jpg

Al: Hey, um, Dan, that's--

Nurse: OH GOD--

http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/813735/6a01156f2c3287970c0120a8ddc00b970b-800wi_medium.jpg

http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/813740/russian_moon_landing_medium.jpg

FLASHES OF LIGHT.

Al: Okay, Dan.

Dan: Whoa.

http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/813756/Beebe_Quantum_Leap_medium.jpg

Dan looks down and finds out he is A CHIMPANZEE IN A NASA TESTING FACILITY.

Al: Okay, you got this one. All you have to do is pilot a rocket with those strong chimpanzee arms of yours. Apparently, you already have the training, and can remember almost all of it.

Dan: Okay. That's it?

Al: Yes. That, and you have to fend off the romantic advances of that lady-chimp you're holding.

Dan: Afraid I'm only going one for two on this mission, Al.

DAN is grabbed by powerful and amorous female chimp

[SCENE CENSORED FOR SCENES OF AN EROTIC AND BESTIAL NATURE]

Al: [finishes vomiting]

Dan: Okay, let's see what this baby can do!

http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/813750/gsatcvr1_medium.jpg

FLASHES OF LIGHT

Al: [still vomiting]

Dan: They share 96 percent of our DNA, Al. Come on.

Al: I think you shared 100 percent with that chimp oh god it's coming back no wait dry run it's cool. You're that guy in Valkyrie now.

http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/813759/Beebe_Valkyrie_medium.jpg

Dan: I'm sorry, I don't do gay scenes. A chimp is one thing, but at least it doesn't expect me to go to the gym twice a day and shave my personal hair.

Al: All you have to do is leave the bomb in the right place and kill Hitler, Dan.

Dan: Oh, that sounds easy. With what briefcase, again?

Al: Wait, I thought you had it. I can't carry things. I'm a hologram.

Dan: Is that what that is? Shit, I thought it was a vitamin deficiency or lupus or something.

Al: Dan, where is it.

Dan: Wait, did I leave it back in my last...remembering something about monkeys and rockets here...

A room full of chimpanzees in cages eye a briefcase on the table of a NASA Research Lab. One covers its eyes

[A SOUND OF EXPLOSIONS AND MONKEYS SCREAMING]

[STILL MORE FLASHES OF LIGHT]

http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/813777/Beebe_Oswald_medium.jpg

Dan: Oh boy.

Al: Okay, this one's tricky. You're Lee Harvey Oswald, and you don't have full control here for some reason. I'm sorry Dan, but I think you have to try and kill the President.

Dan: I understand.

[Dan Beebe fires no fewer than 16 bullets and misses with all of them.]

http://i.imgur.com/Num3Q.png

President Kennedy sexes the world into a state of peace.

[FLASHES OF LIGHT OH SO MANY FLASHES OF LIGHT]

http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/813783/43477_Big_12_s_Savior_Dan_Beebe_medium.jpg

Beebe: Oh boy.

Al: It seems you are the Commissioner of the Big 12 conference.

Beebe: No, I remember this.

Al: You do?

Beebe: Oh yeah.

Al: Well, this one seems pretty easy, then. All you have to do is rearrange the conference to keep Oklahoma in it, and thus save the day. Seems easy.

Beebe: ...

Al: Right?

Beebe: ....

Al: Dan?

Beebe: Can I go back to the one where I had to make chimp love and fly a rocket? Because that was, like, way easier than this, Al.

Al: I suspect you have ulterior motives for this.

Beebe: Don't judge me, Al. There's two things you've never done in this world. One is felt the strong, barrel-crushing embrace of a chimpanzette in the full flush of romantic rage-lust. The other is trying to bleed a nickel off Deloss Dodds and Texas.

Al: What on earth do either of those have to do with anything?

Beebe: Both leave you bloody and in pieces in the end, Al. Both leave you bloody, and in pieces.

jaxgator

09-22-2011, 6:54am

From Everyday Should be Saturday

:lol: :lol:

Will

09-22-2011, 7:05am

Something else funny I never bothered to post: Fake Dan Beebe's twitter. It has been hilarious:

Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/DanBeebe)

Will

09-22-2011, 7:17am

And I'm pretty sure the same guy is behind the new Chuck Neinas twitter. (New Big XII commish)

Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/ChuckNeinas)

:rofl:

Entropy

09-22-2011, 7:47am

And I'm pretty sure the same guy is behind the new Chuck Neinas twitter. (New Big XII commish)

Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/ChuckNeinas)

:rofl:
Now that's solid. :rofl: :rofl:

This DeLoss Dodds account is cracking me up.

http://twitter.com/#!/DeLoss_Dodds

Will

09-22-2011, 8:30am

Now that's solid. :rofl: :rofl:

This DeLoss Dodds account is cracking me up.

Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/DeLoss_Dodds)

@_ChuckNeinas you were hired to be my puppet. Dan can fill you in tomorrow.

:rofl:

Will

09-23-2011, 9:09am

LOL

Perry ally Kimbrough abruptly fired by new Texas A&M Chancellor Sharp
After flashing a knife in exit interview, outgoing deputy escorted out by security

An email from new chancellor John Sharp Wednesday, surprised A&M System office employees with the news that Sharp’s predecessor, the number-two man in the system, was being fired:

Subject: Deputy Chancellor

I have decided that the position of Deputy Chancellor is not necessary to meet the needs of the Office of the Chancellor and The Texas A&M University System. I wish to thank Jay Kimbrough for his service in that role during my initial days as Chancellor. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

John Sharp
Chancellor
The Texas A&M University System

Kimbrough served briefly as interim chancellor over the summer, before taking the deputy chancellor job when Sharp replaced him.

Kimbrough told the Texas Tribune he was blindsided by the firing, when he was summoned into the general counsel’s office and told that Sharp, who took over at the beginning of September, no longer had use for his position.

During that meeting, according to reports, Kimbrough brandished a pocketknife — a gesture he told Tribune was just his way of saying that he “was not going to be intimidated,” but wasn’t meant as a threat. Kimbrough told the Bryan-College Station Eagle he was just “being cynical and comical.”

http://images.americanindependent.com/Jay_Kimbrough-150x150.jpeg
Jay Kimbrough says he pulls out his pocketknife at the office all the time

Texas A&M System police officers reportedly escorted Kimbrough off of university property after he was fired, reportedly standard procedure. In an email from Ray Bonilla, the system’s general counsel, Kimbrough was told the security presence was routine, but that he should not try to return to the building.

Kimbrough told the Tribune that he was “ambushed” by the decision and “got no heads-up from anybody,” including Gov. Rick Perry.

Perry and Kimbrough have deep ties, including Kimbrough’s time as Perry’s chief of staff. The now-former deputy had previously served as a “special adviser” to the Texas A&M System Board of Regents, a position the board created for him.

Perry ally Kimbrough abruptly fired by new Texas A&M Chancellor Sharp | The American Independent (http://www.americanindependent.com/195347/perry-ally-kimbrough-abruptly-fired-by-new-texas-am-chancellor-sharp/)

Will

10-06-2011, 11:04am

TCU to join Big 12 in 2012-13

TCU has been invited to join the Big 12 Conference and is expected to accept the offer for the 2012-13 school year, college football industry sources told CBSSports.com.

TCU was scheduled to join the Big East on July 1, 2012, but instead will join the Big 12. By leaving the Big East before it officially became a member, the Horned Frogs will have to pay a $5 million exit fee but is not bound by the Big East’s 27 month requirement for notification.
TCU chancellor Victor J. Boschini told the Big East Thursday they have scheduled a board of regents meeting today where "we expect to accept an offer to join the Big 12."

The addition of TCU replaces Texas A&M, which is headed to the SEC.

The Big 12 still must determine if it wants 10 or 12 members. On Tuesday, Missouri gave Chancellor Brady Deaton the authority to pursue its options about joining another conference.
If Missouri leaves for the SEC, the Big 12 likely would add three more schools to get to 12. The leading candidates would be Louisville, BYU, West Virginia and Cincinnati.

The loss of TCU is another blow to the Big East. The league also lost Pittsburgh and Syracuse to the ACC, but Commissioner John Marinatto has said previously the Big East would make Pitt and Syracuse honor the 27 month exit agreement, meaning they couldn't join the ACC until 2014.

TCU to join Big 12 in 2012-13 - CBSSports.com (http://brett-mcmurphy.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/29532522/32536916)

NEVRL8T

10-06-2011, 11:16am

Damn, haven't even played a game in the Big East yet.

Pigface1

10-06-2011, 12:00pm

Cliff's Notes. . TCU's paying $5mm to leave the Big East whom they haven't played a game in yet and will be playing in the Big 12 next season. No word on Mizzou yet.

Entropy

10-06-2011, 12:40pm

Cliff's Notes. . TCU's paying $5mm to leave the Big East whom they haven't played a game in yet and will be playing in the Big 12 next season. No word on Mizzou yet.
It seems like a better fit to me. I'm not unhappy with this.

jaxgator

10-06-2011, 12:52pm

It seems like a better fit to me. I'm not unhappy with this.

:iagree: That's the conference they should be in.

Pigface1

10-06-2011, 1:54pm

True. . Might see about BYU and Boise now. None of them bring anything to basketball, that's the only thing that kinda sucks about it.

Chris Fowler

10-06-2011, 2:46pm

True. . Might see about BYU and Boise now. None of them bring anything to basketball, that's the only thing that kinda sucks about it.
I'm hearing TCU, BYU, Louisville with a possible 4th if Missouri leaves.

That fourth is looking like West Virginia, but Cincinnati is a possibility because it's not as remote... *shrug*

Pigface1

10-06-2011, 3:19pm

Yeah, I've heard Louisville, too, and am not real fired up about that. But, that wouldn't be too bad, either. Hadn't heard Cincinnati before.

jaxgator

10-06-2011, 3:44pm

First I've heard of either Louisville or Cincinnati. Those would be some long bus trips. :D

Chris Fowler

10-06-2011, 3:45pm

First I've heard of either Louisville or Cincinnati. Those would be some long bus trips. :D
As would BYU and West Virginia

Chris Fowler

10-06-2011, 3:48pm

Here's what I'm reading on texas.rivals.com
Big 12 realignment update ... Reply
Here's where we stand right now.

TCU will join the Big 12 and will probably have to pay less than the $5 million penalty to get out of its commitment to the Big East, sources said. TCU will begin play in the Big 12 in 2012-13.

If Missouri stays in the Big 12, the league would be at 10. And there are voices (and Texas is one of them) who want the conference to remain at 10. The pros would be no conference championship game, so an easier path to the BCS and the BCS national title game.

Having 10 schools would also allow the TV partners to keep paying the B12 what it's currently paying them (roughly $18 million per school next year - unless the ABC/ESPN deal, which runs through 2015-16, gets redone, which it probably will).

If the Big 12 grows to 12 with Missouri still in the league, Louisville and West Virginia would be the most likely candidates at the current time, sources said. But the question is if the TV partners (ABC/ESPN and Fox) would increase the TV revenue enough to ensure the 12 schools would each make at least $18 million.

If Missouri comes out of the league, and the B12 wants to grow to 12, the additions would probably be Louisville, West Virginia and either Cincinnati or BYU.

If Missouri comes out of the league, and the Big 12 wants to stay at 10, the choice would be either Louisville or West Virginia, according to sources.

And as the Big East destabilizes, Texas is pushing for Notre Dame to move its "other" sports into the Big 12. And UT seems to think it can/will happen.

Sources close to the situation say the SEC interest is split between Missouri and Virginia Tech.

Stay tuned.

Will

10-06-2011, 4:10pm

If Missouri leaves, it will only be for the SEC, and therefore West Virginia will go to the Big XII since Missouri took their coveted 14th SEC spot.

If Missouri stays, West Virginia's chances to get into the SEC skyrocket. SEC needs another East team anyway, West Virginia makes ENOUGH sense geographically, and there isn't anything else on the east coast the SEC can get that isn't complete trash (No one is leaving the ACC for them, and especially no ACC team from a state already represented by the SEC).

Will

10-06-2011, 4:28pm

WHERE WE STAND:

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u138/willbridges1982/Z%20-%20Food/ConferenceAlignment10-6-2011.png

The Big East, IF Pitt, Syracuse, and TCU are released for 2012 as it looks like will happen, does NOT have enough teams for a football season.

The chances are PROBABLY 99.99% that either Missouri or West Virginia will move to the SEC as a 14th team.

RUMORS are that the Big XII will target BYU, Louisville, and West Virginia if Missouri bolts, OR BYU and West Virginia if Missouri stays, OR BYU and Louisville if Missouri stays and West Virginia goes to the SEC.

The future of the remaining Big East football programs depends largely on whether the ACC would be willing to go to 16 teams. If so, Rutgers seems to be obvious choice #1, not because of program/school caliber, but rather the NYC/Tri-State are media market. After that, who knows. Connecticut seems convenient, no other schools from that state, great Basketball program. Boston College may not like it though. Miami and FSU certainly wouldn't like USF (or UCF for that matter). MAYBE Cincinnati, to reach into the Ohio market, but Cincinnati is a garbage program.

WHO KNOWS ???????

Pigface1

10-07-2011, 10:52am

Mizzou would go to the Big Ten, too.

Entropy

10-07-2011, 11:35am

Mizzou would go to the Big Ten, too.
Didn't they tell Mizzou to pound sand last year?

NEVRL8T

10-07-2011, 11:54am

Pigface1

10-07-2011, 12:14pm

Didn't they tell Mizzou to pound sand last year?

lol True. . SEC doesn't want them either, but they'll go to either conference if the Big 12 doesn't stabilize.

Will

10-14-2011, 7:37pm

Mountain West and Conference USA Announce Football Association
Landmark Plan Will Give Members Stability, Exposure and Access

The Mountain West Conference and Conference USA have unanimously come to an agreement in principle to consolidate their member football programs into one large association.

Commissioners of the two leagues formulated this creative and innovative plan with the support of the presidents, chancellors and athletics directors. The 12 members of Conference USA and 10 football-playing members of the Mountain West will join forces for this strategic landmark in college football.

"The role of a conference is to provide its members with the best possible environment in which to conduct their intercollegiate athletics programs," said Mountain West Commissioner Craig Thompson. "Rather than await changes in membership due to realignment, it became clear the best way to serve our institutions was to pursue an original concept. The Mountain West and C-USA share a number of similarities, and the creative merger of our football assets firmly positions our respective members for the future."

"The potential of this association is very exciting," Conference USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky said. "By taking an innovative approach, we feel we can offer tremendous opportunities for exposure and stability without breaking up the regional rivalries that truly make up the college football tradition."

UNLV President and Mountain West Board of Directors Chair Neal Smatresk said, "In an era of uncertainty in intercollegiate athletics, this collaborative partnership with C-USA lends stability and credibility to our collective football enterprise. We are excited about the prospect of having teams in five time zones and the many possibilities created by this extremely bold and proactive step."

Conference USA Board of Directors Chair and Tulane president Scott Cowen said, "We are very pleased to be moving forward with the Mountain West Conference on this high potential, unique partnership. Together, we will better position our conferences and member universities for the future with its appeal and its reach across the United States."

The current 22 members are located in 16 different states, offering a prospective 16-hour window for competition. Conference USA has existing television partnerships with Fox Sports and CBS Sports, as well as ESPN for its championship game. The Mountain West has partnerships with CBS Sports and Comcast/NBC Universal.

The two conferences will merge into a separate football-only entity without affecting their status within the NCAA structure.

Mountain West and Conference USA Announce Football Association - CONFERENCEUSA.COM - The Official Athletic site of The Conference USA (http://conferenceusa.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101411aai.html)

C5SilverBullet

10-18-2011, 3:44pm

You know people at UK and Vandy are pulling for it. I don't like the idea of them in though, they provide NOTHING to the conference.

jaxgator

10-18-2011, 4:11pm

Somebody's gotta join. We need to balance the conference.

I hope it's not Mizzou either. Rather it be VT or WV even though The SEC rejected West Virginia's application for membership.

C5SilverBullet

10-18-2011, 4:22pm

WVU can suck it too. I'd rather see VT.

Cybercowboy

10-18-2011, 4:29pm

I hope not. They would bring nothing to the cesspool of corruption and over-the-top fanboyism that is the SEC.

kylebuck

10-18-2011, 4:30pm

I hope not. They would bring nothing to the mighty mighty Sec east, and will not help with out of conference beat downs.

:shots:

Cybercowboy

10-18-2011, 4:33pm

:shots:

Talking pretty big for a guy who can't even finish a WWF game. :shots:

kylebuck

10-18-2011, 4:41pm

Talking pretty big for a guy who can't even finish a WWF game. :shots:
shit ... hold on :leaving:

VatorMan

10-18-2011, 4:45pm

WVU can suck it too. I'd rather see VT.

I'd like to see VT as well. It would force Beamer to change offensive coordinators.

Cybercowboy

10-18-2011, 4:46pm

shit ... hold on :leaving:

I understand why you wouldn't want to hasten the end. And I have no illusions that Mizzou would somehow be a fit in the SEC. In Missouri we have an over-abundance of teeth and functional livers. Just wouldn't be a tight fit I'm fraid.

kylebuck

10-18-2011, 4:47pm

I understand why you wouldn't want to hasten the end. And I have no illusions that Mizzou would somehow be a fit in the SEC. In Missouri we have an over-abundance of teeth and functional livers. Just wouldn't be a tight fit I'm fraid.

Think about the children... when the original sec schools come visit... think of the CHILDREN.

C5SilverBullet

10-18-2011, 4:50pm

I understand why you wouldn't want to hasten the end. And I have no illusions that Mizzou would somehow be a fit in the SEC. In Missouri we have an over-abundance of teeth and functional livers. Just wouldn't be a tight fit I'm fraid.

Hold on there, sparky. I've been to NE Missouri, aka Missourah, and you can't tell a difference between there and the hills of Kentucky.

jaxgator

10-18-2011, 4:53pm

Hold on there, sparky. I've been to NE Missouri, aka Missourah, and you can't tell a difference between there and the hills of Kentucky.

As in Winter's Bone. :lol:

NB2K

10-18-2011, 5:00pm

Well, Missouri can bring those peanut butter filled hamburgers from Sedalia, unless that place finally closed.

Cybercowboy

10-18-2011, 5:03pm

Hold on there, sparky. I've been to NE Missouri, aka Missourah, and you can't tell a difference between there and the hills of Kentucky.

Compared to Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and yes Florida, we are a shining beacon on the hill of genetic diversity. Sure, we have a few toothless wonders, but so does southern Florida during the winter - except at a 20:1 ratio!

Will

10-18-2011, 5:07pm

I see through your charade Cowboy. You're just frightened over the prospect of SEC SPEED ripping open your Tigers' virgin BIG XII corn-holes.

Will

10-18-2011, 5:10pm

A Reporter for Louisville NBC affiliate has tweeted that an announcement about Louisville's future will come in the next hour, BEFORE the scheduled Big East press conference, and they may possibly be headed to the Big 12. WE'LL SEE.

LOL West Virgina. One of the top 25 all-time football programs and they're relegated to the fat kid picked last.

Cybercowboy

10-18-2011, 5:12pm

I see through your charade Cowboy. You're just frightened over the prospect of SEC SPEED ripping open your Tigers' virgin BIG XII corn-holes.

Well, yes, the SEC is the meth capital of football.

C5SilverBullet

10-18-2011, 5:17pm

LOL West Virgina. One of the top 25 all-time football programs and they're relegated to the fat kid picked last.

Because they haven't won shit, they don't have All Americans, no NFL talent, and nobody wants their fans in their stadiums.

C5SilverBullet

10-18-2011, 5:17pm

Well, yes, the SEC is the meth capital of football.

Nobody does meth like the midwest.

Will

10-18-2011, 5:19pm

Well, yes, the SEC is the meth capital of football.

And as meth capital U.S.A., Missouri will fit right in. :cert:\

WELCOME HOME. YOU BELONG WITH US. YOU VOTED MCCAIN IN 2008. DEAL WITH IT MISSOURI, YOU ARE ONE OF US.

C5SilverBullet

10-18-2011, 5:24pm

And as meth capital U.S.A., Missouri will fit right in. :cert:\

WELCOME HOME. YOU BELONG WITH US. YOU VOTED MCCAIN IN 2008. DEAL WITH IT MISSOURI, YOU ARE ONE OF US.

And they were a slave state.

NB2K

10-18-2011, 5:34pm

What's it gonna cost them to join? (exit fees, etc)

Cybercowboy

10-18-2011, 5:38pm

And they were a slave state.

No we weren't. We were a border state. :slap:

BTW, the only place this guy has seen white-only water fountains were in that paradise of tolerance, the Land of Lincoln (Cairo IL to be exact, late 60's...)

Will

10-18-2011, 6:18pm

Apparently Charlie Strong has pictures of the Louisville AD screwing a young boy.

Louisville announced a SEVEN YEAR extension for Charlie Strong. :rofl:

Entropy

10-18-2011, 6:41pm

WVU can suck it too. I'd rather see VT.
How interested is VT? Seems like they've got a pretty good deal in the AAC. As of late they've just had to beat down the occasionally good Clemson and get an easy trip to a bowl.

Will

10-18-2011, 9:19pm

How interested is VT? Seems like they've got a pretty good deal in the AAC. As of late they've just had to beat down the occasionally good Clemson and get an easy trip to a bowl.

Not interested at all. They have denied and scoffed at the notion. They're committed to the ACC.

C5SilverBullet

10-19-2011, 9:46am

No we weren't. We were a border state. :slap:

BTW, the only place this guy has seen white-only water fountains were in that paradise of tolerance, the Land of Lincoln (Cairo IL to be exact, late 60's...)

The Missouri Compromise stated Missouri would be a slave state, and Maine a free state.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/US_SlaveFree1861.gif

C5SilverBullet

10-19-2011, 9:47am

How interested is VT? Seems like they've got a pretty good deal in the AAC. As of late they've just had to beat down the occasionally good Clemson and get an easy trip to a bowl.

They aren't going to leave the mediocre conference that they can easily dominate for a conference they would have to compete in.

NEVRL8T

10-19-2011, 11:53am

They aren't going to leave the mediocre conference that they can easily dominate for a conference they would have to compete in.

Ding!, Ding!, Ding! We have a winner!

Will

10-22-2011, 1:14pm

Can you say D-E-S-P-E-R-A-T-I-O-N ???

Big East, MWC, C-USA considering super conference?

While the Big East considers its next move on expansion, it is now being asked to consider a plan that would create a nation-wide football conference incorporating between 28 and 32 teams in four divisions from Conference USA, the Mountain West Conference as well as the Big East.

According to sources from those conferences, the plan was devised as a way that the Big East could ensure its place as one of the six conferences receiving automatic BCS bids.

The document, which was obtained by The Globe, reveals an alternative plan which would help the Big East maintain its AQ status -- automatic qualification -- but also provide access to the Mountain West and Conference USA, who hope to gain such status.

Under the plan, Super Conference would consist of four divisions: West, Mountain, Central and the Big East.

In the 32-team format, the West Division would consist of Boise State, Hawaii, UNLV, Nevada, Fresno State, San Diego State, Utah State and San Jose State.

The Mountain Division would consist of Air Force, Wyoming, Colorado State, New Mexico, UTEP, SMU, Tulsa and Houston.

The Central Division would consist of Marshall, Memphis, Southern Mississippi, Tulane, UAB, Rice, Temple and Louisiana Tech.

And the Big East Division would consist of Louisville, UConn, Rutgers, Cincinnati, South Florida, Central Florida, East Carolina and Navy. West Virginia is not included in this plan, with the assumption being the Mountaineers would be headed to the Big 12 to replace Missouri which will presumably wind up in the SEC along with Texas A&M.

The scaled down version of 28 teams would not include San Jose State in the West, move Houston from the Mountain to the Central Division, eliminate Temple and Louisiana Tech from the Central Division and not include Navy in the Big East division.

Although no details of how the divisions would be worked out, the prevailing wisdom suggests that the four divisions play a round robin schedule of 7 games to determine a champion and then have the four division winners meet to determine a conference champion which would get the automatic BCS spot currently held by the Big East.

While the Big East optimum plan is to make a run on its own with the inclusion of six new schools - -Boise State, Air Force, SMU, Houston, Central Florida and Navy -- the problem of the Big East maintaining its AQ status remains.

West Virginia's loss to Syracuse on Friday night basically eliminated the Big East from the Top 25 in next week's BCS standings, a potentially crippling blow to the Big East's chances of maintaining its AQ status (which is based on the results over a revolving three year period).

The plan is for football only and would allow the Big East to maintain its membership in basketball and all other sports.

Clearly, the Mountain West and Conference USA would love the plan because it elevates their status as potential BCS conferences. The Big East's acceptance of such an arrangement remains problematic.

Big East, MWC, C-USA considering super conference? - The Boston Globe College Sports Blog - Boston.com (http://www.boston.com/sports/colleges/extras/colleges_blog/2011/10/big_east_mwc_c-.html)

Will

10-25-2011, 2:48pm

AP Source: Big 12 approves WVU to replace Missouri

A person with knowledge of the decision says the Big 12 has approved West Virginia to replace Missouri when the Tigers complete their move to the Southeastern Conference.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because neither the school nor the Big 12 had announced it.

West Virginia’s move would allow the Big 12 to maintain 10 members and is another blow to the embattled Big East, which already has lost two members and one member-to-be in the last six weeks.

The Big East is trying to reconfigure as a 12-team football league and is courting Boise State, Navy, Air Force, Central Florida, SMU and Houston. Commissioner John Marinatto met with officials from some of those schools Sunday in Washington.

AP Source: Big 12 approves WVU to replace Missouri - College Football - Rivals.com (http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=ap-westvirginia-big12)

Will

10-25-2011, 2:50pm

Talks Between B12 and Irish Heating Up

2 PM TUESDAY - A source close to the SEC said Missouri officials are meeting with SEC officials in Birmingham, Ala., today to discuss their next step.

Two Big 12 administrators said discussions between Missouri and the SEC point to the Tigers remaining in the Big 12 for the 2012-13 school year and then moving to the SEC for the 2013-14 school year.

The SEC would compete with 13 schools for the 2012-13 school year, sources said.

The SEC would like to announce Missouri's acceptance into the league as the 14th school this week, since the Tigers are facing future SEC member Texas A&M in College Station on Saturday, sources said.

Multiple sources have confirmed to Orangebloods.com Tuesday that the Big 12 presidents on Monday voted to admit West Virginia as the school to replace Missouri in the Big 12 as school No. 10.

But West Virginia would not participate in the Big 12 for the 2012-13 school year, the sources said. The Mountaineers' acceptance into the Big 12 would be effective for the 2013-14 school year, which would fulfill 22 of the 27-month exit notification required by the Big East, sources said.

Those sources said, at that point, it's hard to tell what shape the Big East would be in to enforce any kind of exit penalty.

Notre Dame, meanwhile, is seriously considering moving its non-football sports out of the Big East into the Big 12, two more sources close to the situation have confirmed to Orangebloods.com.

The Irish would make no official decision or announcement on this matter until after the football season - most likely in January, the sources said.

9 AM TUESDAY - Orangebloods.com was first to report Notre Dame possibly moving its non-football sports to the Big 12 back in August.

We were nearly laughed off the internet when we reported it.

But the discussion of ND possibly moving its non-football sports to the Big 12 continues to heat up. The subject is actively being discussed by Big 12 administrators and the Irish.

We reported on Monday that ND will decide in 60 days if it is going to move its non-football sports out of the Big East (and possibly into the Big 12).

If Notre Dame does make such a move, it is being proposed that the Irish would remain independent in football but begin playing up to six football games against Big 12 competition.

Orangebloods.com has reported that Texas would love to replace Texas A&M on Thanksgiving with Notre Dame, if possible. That still may be a bit of a longshot.

But to quote Lloyd Christmas, "So you're saying there's a chance."

One high-ranking official at a Big 12 school holds out the hope that if Notre Dame moves its non-football sports into the Big 12 it would be a "segue to full conference membership in a year or two - about the time the first tier TV rights (held by ABC/ESPN) are negotiated."

Big 12 interim commissioner Chuck Neinas continues to voice hope that Missouri will remain in the Big 12. And there is speculation that Notre Dame's possible interest in the Big 12 for its non-football sports could entice Mizzou to stay put.

Sources said Missouri is being told it will be cut in on any rotation of football games involving Notre Dame and the Big 12.

Some Big 12 administrators, though, think Missouri is still gone.

Orangebloods.com reported Monday that Missouri was expected to talk to SEC officials today (Tuesday) about planning out the next steps for the Tigers.

Stay tuned.

Orangebloods.com - Talks between B12 and Irish heating up (http://texas.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1283801)

Entropy

10-25-2011, 3:30pm

AP Source: Big 12 approves WVU to replace Missouri

AP Source: Big 12 approves WVU to replace Missouri - College Football - Rivals.com (http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=ap-westvirginia-big12)
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h18/twieland/MeanwhileinMorgantown.jpg

Will

10-25-2011, 7:35pm

Entropy

10-25-2011, 7:57pm

It ain't the SEC, but the new BIG XII is still a huge step up from the Big East.

West Virgina goes from the likes of Rutgers, South Florida, and UCONN, to Texas, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State.

West Virginia also gets exposure in better recruiting territory. Their only loss is no conference game v. a Florida team. They gain conference games in the state of Texas. With Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor, and TCU, WVU is GUARANTEED at least 1 game in Texas every year, probably at least 2 most years. HUGE for recruiting.

Honestly I don't see the attraction for Missouri to the S.E.C. Longer trips, more brutal beat-downs, going from conference contender to conference whipping-boy. But their stupidity will be WVU's gain.
I think Missouri sees it as a way to increase their recruiting in their location away from Big 10/12 to the SEC, since that conference is always in the running for the National Championship.

That's the only positive I see.

Otherwise the rest of it looks like you say (competition for Vanderbilt with out the high academic standards). :lol:

Will

10-29-2011, 11:27am

West Virginia Leaving for Big 12

The Big 12 welcomed West Virginia from the Big East on Friday and said goodbye to Missouri before the Tigers even had a chance to make their move to the Southeastern Conference official.

Now that the poaching of the Big East seems to be over, the beleaguered league is not backing down. It has been busy courting six schools and says it was braced for the latest loss. And despite what the Big 12 says, the Big East plans to keep West Virginia for two more years - just as it has vowed to keep Pittsburgh and Syracuse away from the Atlantic Coast Conference until 2014.

The latest round of conference realignment appears to be winding down, but tug-o-war over who goes where when likely will take a while to sort out.

The Big 12 completed its work Friday by adding West Virginia to become its easternmost member, joining Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Kansas State, Baylor, TCU and Iowa State.

In its release, the Big 12 said it expects to have 10 schools for the 2012-13 season, listing West Virginia but not Missouri, which is expected complete its move to the SEC any day now.

Ames, Iowa, is the closest Big 12 campus to Morgantown, W.Va., at 870 miles away, but that hardly matters. The Mountaineers bring a football program that has consistently been ranked in the Top 25 in recent years, and that's what matters most.

The Big 12 leaders voted to add West Virginia, rather than closer Big East rival Louisville, on Friday morning.

"The addition of West Virginia, while expanding the reach of the Big 12, brings an impressive institution with esteemed academics and a proud athletic tradition into the Conference. This is another step in building a strong foundation for the future of the Big 12," said Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis, the chairman of the Big 12 board of directors.

West Virginia is one of the founding members of the Big East's football conference, created in 1991. Of the eight original members, only Rutgers remains. The Big East is trying to reconfigure itself as a 12-team football league and has been pitching itself to six schools, including Boise State. Now it will need seven to get to 12, though maybe not for a couple years.

While the Big 12's statement said West Virginia will begin competing in the 2012-13 athletic season, Big East Commissioner John Marinatto said the Mountaineers will be staying in the Big East for two more seasons.

"West Virginia is fully aware that the Big East Conference is committed to enforcing the 27-month notification period for members who choose to leave the conference," he said in a statement.

Syracuse and Pittsburgh announced last month they would join the ACC, and Marinatto has been adamant about saying the Big East plans to hold them for two more seasons.

TCU was on its way to the Big East, set to join in 2012, before being diverted to the Big 12 earlier this month to take the place of Texas A&M, which was first to make the jump from the Big 12 to the SEC.

The Big East can't hold the Horned Frogs because they never started competing, but it does expect to receive a $5 million exit fee from them, Pittsburgh, Syracuse and West Virginia.

Big East presidents two weeks ago agreed to raise the league's exit fee to $10 million, but not until it had received commitments from one of its two main expansion targets - Air Force or Navy.

West Virginia will not be on the hook for the doubled exit fee but clearly it will cost the something for the Mountaineers to start playing in the Big 12 next season. Same goes for Pitt and Syracuse and the ACC.

It appeared earlier in the week that the Big 12 had settled on West Virginia as its replacement for Missouri. But Louisville briefly re-entered the picture, and the Mountaineers' invitation to the Big 12 was put on hold.

In the end the extra time didn't pay off for the Cardinals.

"I'm not certain how everything went down, but they fought a good battle and won," Louisville Athletic Director Tom Jurich said.

West Virginia University President James Clements said: "The Big 12 is a perfect fit for West Virginia."

"It's a great day to be a Mountaineer," West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin told the AP.

CBSSports.com first reported West Virginia's move to the Big 12.

The decision by the Big 12 caps a strange week of conference realignment that included West Virginia officials on Tuesday preparing a press release and planning a news conference to announce its conference switch, then being told later that day to put the brakes on those plans.

Louisville made a late push for inclusion that reportedly involved a phone call from Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, a Louisville alum, to Big 12 officials.

"He lobbied for us, of course he did, as did many other people," Jurich said.

That set off Manchin, who threatened Wednesday a senate investigation if it were found that another lawmaker had stood in the way of the Mountaineers move.

Then late Thursday night, the SEC inadvertently posted on its website that Missouri was joining the league. The conference said no agreement has been reached with the school, but it was yet another sign that it's just a matter of time that the Tigers will follow Texas A&M and leave the Big 12 for the SEC.

Now, the focus shifts to the Big East and how it will rebuild. The plan is to add Boise State, Navy and Air Force as football-only members and SMU, Houston and Central Florida as all-sports members.

"This move by West Virginia does not come as a surprise," Marinatto said. "League officials, members of our conference and the candidate schools to whom we have been talking were aware of this possibility. We have taken West Virginia's possible departure into account as we have moved forward with our realignment plans."

Temple had been considered before Big East officials settled on the Texas schools from Conference USA.

Marinatto met on campus with officials from Air Force on Wednesday and Boise State on Thursday. The Big East presidents are scheduled to meet with Marinatto on Tuesday in Philadelphia and are expected to authorize him to officially invite new members.

West Virginia Leaving for Big 12 | KOMU.com | Columbia, MO | (http://www.komu.com/news/west-virginia-leaving-for-big-12/)