NCAA Conference Shuffle

[Ryan Scott]

We had a thread, pre-crash, detailing the ultimate plans of the largest Universities to form four 16-team superconferences and break away from the NCAA. We argued about which teams would be in and out and how the whole thing might go down.

Ultimately though, things will not work out as nicely as we envisioned them. Things will get ugly. It's already beginning.

Today TCU announced it would leave the Mountain West for the Big East. The Big East is desperately trying to remain relevant (perhaps a losing endeavor in the long run). But here they're elevating an otherwise also-ran institution to AQ status. They've also got an outstanding invitation for Villanova to move up from FCS to FBS play and become the 10th (football) team.

This seems like a desperation move for the Big East (as this will be the 17th basketball school). Perhaps they're readying for the expected raiding of their conference by the SEC and ACC in the near future?

Next year we'll see four 12-team football conferences - the PAC-10, the Big-10, the SEC, and the ACC. These appear to be the strongest conferences and the likely candidates to become the "superconferences" when that ultimately shakes down.

In the mean time, TCU has just scored themselves a spot in an AQ conference for a couple of seasons. This move will be effective in 2012.

Now the big question is which schools become the final 16 to get in to the super-conferences and when will those shoes drop? (Most of the remaining Big-12 schools, and probably a few from the Big East).

[David Morris]

Will Notre Dame join a conference?

[Ryan Scott]

Will Notre Dame join a conference?

At some point they'll have to, I think, but they'll be among the last. I'm sure the Big-10 is saving a spot for them.

[David Morris]

At some point they'll have to, I think, but they'll be among the last. I'm sure the Big-10 is saving a spot for them.

Big 10 or Big East since they are already there for basketball. The days of being an independent are fading.

[Ryan Scott]

Big 10 or Big East since they are already there for basketball. The days of being an independent are fading.

The Big East won't exist by the time Notre Dame joins a conference.

[Jim Poteet]

We had a thread, pre-crash, detailing the ultimate plans of the largest Universities to form four 16-team superconferences and break away from the NCAA. We argued about which teams would be in and out and how the whole thing might go down.

Ultimately though, things will not work out as nicely as we envisioned them. Things will get ugly. It's already beginning.

Today TCU announced it would leave the Mountain West for the Big East. The Big East is desperately trying to remain relevant (perhaps a losing endeavor in the long run). But here they're elevating an otherwise also-ran institution to AQ status. They've also got an outstanding invitation for Villanova to move up from FCS to FBS play and become the 10th (football) team.

This seems like a desperation move for the Big East (as this will be the 17th basketball school). Perhaps they're readying for the expected raiding of their conference by the SEC and ACC in the near future?

Next year we'll see four 12-team football conferences - the PAC-10, the Big-10, the SEC, and the ACC. These appear to be the strongest conferences and the likely candidates to become the "superconferences" when that ultimately shakes down.

In the mean time, TCU has just scored themselves a spot in an AQ conference for a couple of seasons. This move will be effective in 2012.

Now the big question is which schools become the final 16 to get in to the super-conferences and when will those shoes drop? (Most of the remaining Big-12 schools, and probably a few from the Big East).

I saw another article today that Texas & Texas A&M will still end up in the Big Ten. From my observation, I think that will probably happen. Texas & Texas A&M control a tremendous number of television sets.

[Ryan Scott]

So Notre Dame, Texas, A&M, and ??? as the 16th team. Either Rutgers or Missouri, I suppose.

[Shea Zellweger]

I think TCU as a Big East team will be interesting in regard to the debate about non-BCS conference teams. TCU having an undefeated season in the Big East would legitimize TCU's undefeated seasons in the MWC.

As for whether the Big East will exist by the time Notre Dame joins... I don't think there's any guarantee. It may be that having two conferences (Big East and Big 12) to easily divide among the 4 big conferences (ACC, SEC, Big10, PAC10) will be one of the first steps in consolidation, so joining the Big East might make long term sense for the Irish.

[Jim Poteet]

I think TCU as a Big East team will be interesting in regard to the debate about non-BCS conference teams. TCU having an undefeated season in the Big East would legitimize TCU's undefeated seasons in the MWC.

As for whether the Big East will exist by the time Notre Dame joins... I don't think there's any guarantee. It may be that having two conferences (Big East and Big 12) to easily divide among the 4 big conferences (ACC, SEC, Big10, PAC10) will be one of the first steps in consolidation, so joining the Big East might make long term sense for the Irish.

What you are saying makes sense.

[Jim Franklin]

Maybe not in my lifetime but someday BSU could reach the level to be attractive to the PAC 10/12 etc as they already are members in the conference in wrestling ahd have been the champions.

[Jim Poteet]

Maybe not in my lifetime but someday BSU could reach the level to be attractive to the PAC 10/12 etc as they already are members in the conference in wrestling ahd have been the champions.

I doubt it, Dr. Franklin. BJC needs to be good in basketball (men & women) and baseball. That's when they become attractive.