OT: Who will the Big 12 add? (poll)

[Michael in Raleigh]

I think that UConn desperately needs the Big 12 to have a network, because without one they're about the eighth most attractive Big 12 expansion project.

With a network, UConn basketball provides millions and millions more value for a network. Imagine if seeing a Kansas-UConn or OU-UConn required subscription to the B12 network. That network is worth a lot more then. And let's face it: UConn football isn't bringing any value to the Big 12's bottom line. Basketball, though, does matter for a network because of the sheer volume of content.

With no network, UConn doesn't stand a chance.

Their only other hope in the next 20 years of joining a P5 league is Notre Dame joining the ACC for football (very low chance of that, of course) and the ACC going with them for #16. I just don't see the Big Ten expanding with UConn. They'll wait out 8-10 years for Big 12 programs or even longer for ACC programs.

[Chalmers0]

I'll be surprised if Memphis doesn't get in. Founder/Owner of FedEx will be making sure it happens. I'd say UC is a close second behind them and then it all just becomes a toss-up.

[pki1998]

I hope Cinci gets picked up. I never had any ill will against them but I'm sure X fans probably would love to see them get excluded just so they can continue to rag on 'em.

There will be a small minority of X fans that would want UC to get let behind. The majority of us want UC to get into a better conference (I still prefer the ACC, but that looks unlikely). The simple fact is UC getting into a major conference would be good for the City, even the majority of X fans that hate UC want what's best for the City. Another reason to want them to get in a major conference, is it is always better to beat your rival when they are doing well ( I will never forget the Lenny Brown game, and the call at the end #1 in the country #2 in the city).

I hope UC gets the offer for the above reason, and one more. I am a Bearcat Football Season Ticket holder (sorry I just love college football). As such, I want to see some great conference games.

Prestige has really started to take a back seat to profit in college sports.

Not sure when this started.... But there is no doubt that Rutgers in the Big Ten is High Water mark for Profit over Prestige

[MUPanther]

I'll be surprised if Memphis doesn't get in. Founder/Owner of FedEx will be making sure it happens. .

Problem with Memphis is they play in an old Liberty Bowl and don't have anything new in buildings.

[Jet915]

I'll be surprised if Memphis doesn't get in. Founder/Owner of FedEx will be making sure it happens. .

Problem with Memphis is they play in an old Liberty Bowl and don't have anything new in buildings.

Plus Memphis is piss poor academically.

[NJRedman]

I think that UConn desperately needs the Big 12 to have a network, because without one they're about the eighth most attractive Big 12 expansion project.

With a network, UConn basketball provides millions and millions more value for a network. Imagine if seeing a Kansas-UConn or OU-UConn required subscription to the B12 network. That network is worth a lot more then. And let's face it: UConn football isn't bringing any value to the Big 12's bottom line. Basketball, though, does matter for a network because of the sheer volume of content.

With no network, UConn doesn't stand a chance.

Their only other hope in the next 20 years of joining a P5 league is Notre Dame joining the ACC for football (very low chance of that, of course) and the ACC going with them for #16. I just don't see the Big Ten expanding with UConn. They'll wait out 8-10 years for Big 12 programs or even longer for ACC programs.

Not a chance in hell either ESPN or Fox would let a gem like UConn/KU go to a conference network. That would easily be the first or second game picked every year.

[xusandy]

Though you can make a case for any of these candidates, think Cincy is the only slam-dunk winner -- a geographic link to WVU, decent football and basketball programs, entry into Ohio recruiting scene, and truly shitty academics (just like the rest of the big 12.)

[BEX]

I hope Cinci gets picked up. I never had any ill will against them but I'm sure X fans probably would love to see them get excluded just so they can continue to rag on 'em.

X fans would love it. Playing a ranked Big 12 school every year? Great for X and the BE.

[JohnW22]

I hope Cinci gets picked up. I never had any ill will against them but I'm sure X fans probably would love to see them get excluded just so they can continue to rag on 'em.

BYU would be a good addition on the football side.

Probably hit up UCF and/or USF so they can get in the Florida market.

Everyone else...eh

I'd love for them to get left out. The amount of "what conference are you in" and the belief that they thought the did so much for the Big East was terrible from Cincinnati fans. Some Cincinnati fans I know still talk about the "old Big East" when their basketball program sucked they just relied on saying how good their conference was.

[GoldenWarrior11]

The reality is that each of the respective candidates has pros and cons. There is no ideal candidate available. The question becomes which of the cons of the respective candidates can the Big 12 Presidents live with.

Cincinnati - city school (not a state university).
Houston - doesn't add any new territory; city school (not a state university).
BYU - another religious institution (along with TCU/Baylor); Western school; cannot play on Sundays;
Memphis - atrocious, absolutely atrocious, academics; historically weak football program; outdated facilities;
UConn - geographic outlier; historically weak football program;
UCF/USF - 4th/5th, respectively, in own state; awful basketball programs;

I think the Presidents sign-off on Cincinnati (well-rounded university and athletics program, and rival for West Virginia), Houston (due to political pressure within Texas), BYU (most valuable program on the market and will overlook religious institution) and UCF (huge alumni, gains access into Florida, huge recent BCS victory over Baylor).

UConn will end up being on the outside once again due to location, USF will be looked over due to more recent success from UCF (not to mention recent NCAA academic scandal) and Memphis will be eliminated due to academics. Just my two cents.