What Big 12 expansion could mean

What Big 12 expansion could mean


"unless Boren is hell-bent on a 12-team Big 12, which he is, and his efforts are stonewalled. At that point, I think Boren actively begins shopping his school to another conference.
I believe Boren would favor membership in the Big Ten because of the league’s greater academic reputation. This is a common opinion. You can rest assured, though, that the SEC wouldn’t idly watch an athletic powerhouse at a state flagship university contiguous to the existing conference footprint join the Big Ten.
The SEC and the Big Ten are the two most powerful forces in college sports – more powerful than the NCAA, more powerful than even ESPN. With one of college athletics’ crown jewels potentially up for grabs, you can bet your last dollar both leagues would pull out all the stops in recruiting OU to join their side.
If Oklahoma hits the conference realignment market, the tug-of-war over the Sooners behind-the-scenes between the SEC and Big Ten could be ferocious. The winner would tip the balance of power decidedly in its favor and need to add another school for scheduling balance. The loser would not stand pat and likely raid the Big 12 or ACC for two more members to keep pace.
The trickle-down effect would be reminiscent of the massive upheaval experienced during the first half of this decade, which saw the Big East die, the SEC, ACC and Big Ten expand to 14 teams, the Pac-10 become the Pac-12 and the Big 12 shrink to 10.
If these scenarios intrigue you the way they do me, keep your eye on Boren. If he has his way, we might see a 12-team Big 12 as soon as 2017. If he doesn’t get his way, the fallout again may shake the very foundation of college athletics"