Big 12 Still Looking To Expand, Louisville Is Top Choice
by Mike Rutherford on Jan 25, 2012 12:24 PM EST
in News
Email
PrintHey, remember this?
According to The Chronicle (different one), the Big 12 is once again considering expanding the conference, and Louisville is the league's top target. While no moves are expected to be made anytime (relatively) soon, two sources told the paper that the conference adding at least one team is "very possible."
Further Big 12 expansion is "very possible," two high-ranking sources told The Chronicle. An expansion committee, dormant for months after the conference accepted West Virginia and TCU into league play, will meet today to discuss its options.
While conference officials stressed that no decision is imminent-and there is some opposition to moving beyond the current 10 member institutions-two schools are at the top of the list, should the league make a move.
Louisville, which the Big 12 considered adding last year, is the likeliest choice, according to people with knowledge of the talks. And Brigham Young, another university the conference has considered, continues to be a possible target. One official said the league was open to adding just one institution. The Big Ten made 11 work for a number of years, the source told The Chronicle.
With regards to Louisville, one of the story's sources went on to say: "they're strong in everything." Well...yeah.
I suppose it's sexy to rehash this now that the college football season is over, but there's basically nothing here that we didn't already to know. There's a strong chance that the Big 12 will look to expand again at some point, and if/when that happens, U of L is going to be the first school they call.
The Big East is looking for stability, but unless some sort of expansion band is miraculously decreed, it's just not possible right now.
87 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Rick has at least as much right to his opinion as you do.
I’m so sick of random Rick Pitino ripping on this site. It never ends, even if he hasn’t even done yet what a poster thinks he might do.
If Jurich wants to muzzle Rick, he will. In the meantime, Rick’s concern is for the basketball program, as it should be, and his complimenting the Big East in no way denigrates the Big XII.
Anyhow, I’m the suspicious type, and the timing of this sudden “we might want Louisville after all” meeting looks to me like some attempt to help WVU in its lawsuit by threatening the Big East further. The Big XII has not covered itself in glory during this soap opera, and it has, deliberately or not, humiliated Louisville.
Now all the flamers can come out and start screaming that I must hate the football program. Sheesh.
by Loouhvul on Jan 25, 2012 1:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed that there has been WAY too much ripping of CRP
He is certainly entitled to every one of his opinions. I think the only thing that anyone is asking is that considering his position, he could show a little more discretion in airing out those opinions.
Agree
I think Rick deserves a lot more love than he’s gotten lately.
by RodneyScooter on Jan 25, 2012 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
I don't think so.
He’s defending what he thinks is the best option for the basketball program. Even a depleted Big East is still a stronger conference than the Big 12.
As far as overall athletic options, then no question they should go to the Big 12. I think Rick probably understands that, but he see’s how special the Big East was and doesn’t want it to change. Can’t fault him for that.
by regis villebin on Jan 25, 2012 2:33 PM EST up reply actions
oops.
Meant stronger basketball conference than the Big 12.
by regis villebin on Jan 25, 2012 2:34 PM EST up reply actions
I know what you meant and I agree.
I will forever miss the Big East as it was. What a ride!
Hmm
I’d think the presence of you guys would make the difference either way, really. Though after all announced Big East-related moves, I suspect the Big Ten will be the strongest basketball conference (no matter how dull Big Ten basketball is), and then it’ll be a jumble between the ACC, Big East, and Big 12 for second-best.
The problem is the money is soooo much bigger in the Big XII
I don’t blame him a bit for his love for the basketball Big East but he isn’t being realistic. But the money is in the Big XII and like it or not in college athletics money, not love, conquers all.
UofL gets more from research grants every year
than they get from college athletics.
College football pays the bills for all the other sports programs, and I agree, its important for that brand to be as profitable as possible, so that the athletic department isn’t a large financial drag for the rest of the university.
But people make it out like it will be the downfall of the university if it doesn’t get invited into the Big 12. It won’t be. Besides, basketball is where UofL historically makes its athletics money.
by regis villebin on Jan 25, 2012 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
we have a basketball program with football-level revenues
if we get football up there too, we will be able to afford the best athletic facilities for every sport we play; we’ll be able to hire top-caliber talent in every sport (not that Jurich isn’t doing a damned fine job of that already); we will be an athletic juggernaut across the board. And all while being a profit center rather than a cost center for the university.
"I am willing to donate to the charity that is working on the prevention of whatever the hell Dick Vitale has." - noobmaster
There is a right hand and a left hand
Athletics departments can be one of two things. They can be self-sufficient or they can be a drain on the academic side of the university. Look at Cal and see what is going on there. The academic side has had to prop up the athletic side with tens of millions of dollars lately.
Don’t for a minute think the two hands aren’t connected to the same body and fight for resources.
Maybe I'm alone in this...
But I like the new Big East, in a few years it could easily be the first GOOD nationwide conference, strong media markets, chance to play in any of the BCS bowls, “easier” road to a championship, nationwide recruiting. I just really think the Big East has the right idea here with national expansion.
Drop the Big East name, drop a few of the “non-factor” basketball schools, beef up basketball slightly (SDSU, for starters), and we’re in a hell of an all-around conference
i agree with you
I mean really what did we lose? Syracuse in basketball and Wvu in football ,really..pitt has been in degrade for a long time..I like where we stand now,,the big east is still one of the top leagues in basketball, and with our addition in football, I think we rank ahead of the acc ,or should
by HaHaSypher on Jan 25, 2012 1:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Big 12 all the way
Louisville, Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, WVU… OK State has some tradition, K-State and Baylor seem to be on the up and up the pas few years for basketball… I’d take this conference in a heartbeat…
"Free throws don't win and lose games." -John Calipari
by AllHailUofL on Jan 25, 2012 1:12 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
lol how easily we forget
Just a few months ago 4 Big 12 schools (3 on your list) were packing there bags to leave. The only reason they didn’t is because the PAC 12 shut the door.
And other big east schools
Are packing their bags to leave too. Just waiting in the call.
by Jason G on Jan 25, 2012 1:26 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Exactly. 6 of one, half dozen of the other.
Look up “Big XII” in the thesaurus, and you’ll find “stability” listed as an antonym.
^ That's what I was trying to get at. It's all about the future not the present.
A nationwide conference has much more growth potential IMO. But that’s contingent on holding itself together long enough to start growing
My problem with the BE is size and uniformity
I just can’t convince myself that the Hatfields (the six basketball only schools) and the McCoys (the basketball and football schools) and the red headed stepchildren (the football only schools) and the favored son (Notre Dame which seems to have it’s own deal) are a model for anything other than continued arguments, bickering, dissension, and any other negative relationship(s) you can envision.
What I see is four groups each with their own agenda. I cannot believe a conference put together with so many ill fitting spare parts can survive over the long haul. Especially with football driving the train that carries all of the money.
That's the reason the BE scares me
It’s inherently unstable. The Big XII has its problems now, but they all started with poaching by other conferences. The Big East will continue to have instability because of its crazy half-memberships and unwieldy size.
"I am willing to donate to the charity that is working on the prevention of whatever the hell Dick Vitale has." - noobmaster
My view is
if the Big 12 signs these tv contract rights (I don’t know the status on that but it’s basically signing away your revenue even if you leave the conference) no one is going anywhere for at least 6 years.
That give us 6 years to plan our next step while in the mean time having a much better football schedule. If Big 12 breaks up after that…we move on.
The problem with your nationwide conference is there’s no one else good to add. We’re already scraping the bottom of the barrel to fill out the Big East. I’m sure a couple of schools the BE adds will improve like Louisville did, but who the hell are we adding after this six?
I mean
you could say if the Big 12 breaks apart we would be in a good position to take their leftovers. Its a bit of a gamble. I wouldn’t want to be in Jurich’s position on this, who the hell knows what to do.
My main thing is I don’t want to lose HCCS and i think in the Big 12 he is a long term hire. In CUSA 2.0…I want to believe it but just not so sure.
STRONG in everything
GET IT?
CAUSE OF CHARLIE???
Pun.
"easier" road to a championship
Sorry I don’t view that as a positive. Why no play with the elite? I have confidence that TJ and CS will take us to compete at the next level.
-Dustin
I think "easier" could be a good thing.
Big East Teams beat up on each other. Every Week. Every Game. That can wear a team down. I think people forget that both of U of L’s National titles came out of the Metro Conference. A decent Basketball conference for sure, but for sure not the gauntlet of the current Big East. I was to win National Championships, not Big East titles. I think UConn won last year DESPITE being in the BE. I think in past years the conference has had the best team in the nation, but they ran out of gas when they got into March.
Playing some Elite teams is great if they are spaced out. Playing an entire conference full of crazy good teams? That can be a bad thing.
Expansion Band?
Are they playing at Forecastle?
by Chris Redman is my hero on Jan 25, 2012 1:02 PM EST reply actions
With the type of program that Coach Strong is building we’ll be just fine when that call from the Big 12 comes. We’ll be one of the few teams in that conference that actually play defense. That will automatically put us in the upper echelon.
The Big 12 is C-USA with bigger stadiums and richer alumni. The Big 12 is winless in BCS bowls versus SEC teams. We’re going to be just fine and we’re going to surprise the national media when we do switch conferences.
“Look at little Louisville, joining the Big 12 to play with the big boys! Ain’t that quaint?” Then we come out and use our defense to pop those video game offenses in the mouth. It’s going to be priceless.
good point about defense
If we were to join next year which of course is impossible,would we and Wvu have the best defense in the big 12?
by HaHaSypher on Jan 25, 2012 1:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
WVU has defense?
Their D-coordinator jumped to Arizona with RichRod. TCU and Louisville would probably have the better defenses.
True what you say but here's one what if (for one year)
If WVU keeps that weird defense it has used for years it would have an advantage the first time teams go up against it. It’s the flip side of why teams have problems with Air Force and the like. They just aren’t familiar with defending an option team and it’s hard to learn in one week.
We're not
with Casteel gone, I’m pretty sur we’re switching to a 3-4… or is it 4-3? One or the other. We’re done with the 3-3-5, pretty sure.
"that place laid the foundation for who I am. A lot of outsiders make fun of it and say negative things about West Virginia. Fuck them" - Jerry West
by MountaineerAirman on Jan 26, 2012 6:53 AM EST up reply actions
TCU plays pretty good defense and Texas does on occasion. Iowa State uses SEC-style schemes but they just don’t get the players to be really good at it.
It’s really why people can whine all they want about Ok St not being able to play LSU in the title game. It would have only given LSU the title. Ok st wasn’t going to beat that LSU defense (or ’Bama’s for that matter). I like Weedon as a QB and Blackmon as a WR but SEC style defenses ALWAYS clamp down on Big 12 offenses, and even PAC-12 offenses for that matter.
Last year Auburn’s defense was mediocre by SEC standards and still man handled Oregon’s flashy offense. LSU’s defense handled WVU offense this past season pretty easily. They called off the dogs in the second half and let Gino pad his passing stats with easy completions, but they didn’t let them score that much.
Completele Agree
If Strong’s recruiting and progress keeps continuing, there is no reason we won’t be up there every year, regardless of who we play. I mean honestly, think of when Petrino had it rolling, I think we could have competed with anybody.
i like the big east...
we are much more likely to get to a BCS bowl in the big east than in the big 12. in regards to basketball (starting next year), i think its a wash.
That would be true
if AQ wasn’t likely going the way of the dodo bird. While the Big East is bringing in decent teams, they’re not teams that are going to get national attention (except Boise State. Even Houston isn’t going to be a big boy anymore without Keenum and Sumlin.)
Without the AQ the Big East isn’t going to fare any better than the Mountain West or Conference USA. The Big East has no traditional bowl affiliations with any bowl of decent reputation. Even if they manage to stay ahead of the ACC in the power rankings, the ACC will likely still have a relationship with the Orange Bowl, among other more reputable bowls. Look around the Big East bowl lineup… most of these bowls most feel like we could do without to begin with. The Beef O Brady’s Bowl? The Pinstripe Bowl?
"that place laid the foundation for who I am. A lot of outsiders make fun of it and say negative things about West Virginia. Fuck them" - Jerry West
by MountaineerAirman on Jan 26, 2012 7:02 AM EST up reply actions
There is a high likelyhood...
that it will not be strictly conference/bowl affiliations either.
There is strong talk that the Top 10 teams in the BCS rankings with get the BCS bids regardless of conference.
The SEC, Big 10 (or whatever they are called now), Pac 12 will always be in there, so the Sugar and Rose will still have those traditional affliiations. After that it will be entirely by Top 10 ranking if they go that route, which seems very possible.
FOOTBALL WOULD BENEFIT
BUT I think basketball would be a step down,,but renewing the Kansas Louisville rivalry would be exciting. Louisville vs West Virginia would be great as well..I think Pitino and huggy bear would come in and bully that league defensively..and to beat TIM Fuller would be enough for me to be satisfied..as far as football is concerned,,I have a question,,how many big 12 teams bring in a favorable amount of Florida talent? Strong might do very well in that conference,,I can’t recount him playing out west very often or pitino. Definitely would be different..I’m still holding out for the acc, sorry
by HaHaSypher on Jan 25, 2012 1:17 PM EST via mobile reply actions
It would help football more than it would hurt basketball
and the ACC isn’t interested in us, sorry.
"I am willing to donate to the charity that is working on the prevention of whatever the hell Dick Vitale has." - noobmaster
Agree.
Basketball has this great thing called the tournament which allows anyone, no matter conference, to have a shot at the title. BCS just screws the little guy.
-Dustin
The only time this will "heat up"
Is when we’re in the middle of the season. These discussions only happen when they can be a huge distraction.
middle finger to last year’s mid season realignment
Everyday I'm Russelin'
Does the Big 12 allow alcohol sales?
That’s a huge source of revenue for Louisville. UK is jealous, those damn hicks.
Not huge. This has been addressed.
by James Sutherland on Jan 25, 2012 1:41 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
It's no big revenue deal for UofL as total concessions
was about $750,000 last year. That’s all-sport, all-menu items. You know the profit margin on that $5.00 hot dog is very similar to the $6.00 Bacardi and Coke.
Anyway, the Big 12 doesn’t have a policy forbidding alcohol sales, but I don’t know of any schools that sell it either. I wouldn’t imagine it being a major issue either way (both for Louisville giving it up or the Big 12 allowing it).
by Remote Cardinal on Jan 25, 2012 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
WVU just started selling alcohol in their football stadium
and the Big 12 didn’t say anything about it. It’s a complete non-issue (at least for the moment).
by regis villebin on Jan 25, 2012 2:39 PM EST up reply actions
As I said on becb
Not this shit again.
Also, obviously Louisville will get an offer just days after the new $10 million exit takes effect. Could it happen any other way?
Do the math
Louisville gets about $3 million in the Big East from football annually, I think. May be closer to $4M. No contest. Big 12 members get something like $18-$20 million annually. So yeah, raise that fee if you gotta, but it won’t matter.
I didn't say it wasn't worth it.
Just sucky that we gotta drop an extra 5 mil a few months after Pitt, Cuse and WVU got out for 5 million. No doubt that money comes from the CAF anyways.
by CardinalDude on Jan 25, 2012 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
WVU ain't getting out for 5 mil
They’re gonna pay out the pooper for getting out next season.
by regis villebin on Jan 25, 2012 2:46 PM EST up reply actions
...if they get out next season at all
"I am willing to donate to the charity that is working on the prevention of whatever the hell Dick Vitale has." - noobmaster
Ha.
By the end of this debacle WVU will end up paying $20million and some change.
"that place laid the foundation for who I am. A lot of outsiders make fun of it and say negative things about West Virginia. Fuck them" - Jerry West
by MountaineerAirman on Jan 26, 2012 7:04 AM EST up reply actions
Louisville options
After reading comments here, it sounds like the majority of UL fans are satisfied with staying in the Big East.
The Big 12 turned down Louisville before (and rightfully so) because it was comments like these that gave the impression that UL had no interest in joining the Big 12. Ask Tom Jurich about this. He made public announcements about Louisville being happy with being in the Big East. Then, all of a sudden, Louisville showed an interest in the Big 12 by trying to get WVU’s spot. What hypocrites you guys are!
If and when the Big 12 does decide to expand, I am sure it will have several options to choose from. Louisville is not the only choice.
Oh, wow, where to begin.
Well, first – the “majority” of UL fans aren’t on this thread. Check your tv tonight and get a sense of the size of the crowd that will be at the Yum! Center for the game, then count the people who have posted here (including the ones ripping our coach because he MIGHT say he’d prefer the Big East to the Big XII).
And second – we’re “hypocrites” because some want to move and some want to stay? It’s a broadbased character flaw of the entire fanbase unless we all have the same opinion?
And third – if the Big XII makes its decisions based on anonymous fan comments on an Internet site, well… [fill random conference disaster of your choice into this blank].
Last – you seem overly sensitive.
@ Oh, wow, where to begin
The Big 12 does not make its decisions based on Louisville fans’ comments. I am sure though that Louisville’s AD (not showing an interest in the Big 12 in the beginning) had a lot to do with who would not be invited. Tom Jurich commented to the media that he was not interested in going from one unstable conference (Big East) to another (Big 12). He added that Louisville was happy with their current situation (membership in the Big East).
Now it sounds like some Louisville fans here are continuing with this theme of not being interested in joining the Big 12. Could this be sour grapes?
Dude
Louisville is the obvious choice, and will be in the conference. There’s a reason they came close to getting WVU’s spot.
After adding WVU the Big 12 will need to add other eastern team(s) to balance things out geographically and to provide WVU with a travelling partner. The only exception would be if BYU suddenly dropped their tv deal drama and wanted in, they may get in over Louisville. But when the Big 12 goes back to 12, Louisville will be part of the program.
Don’t act like because you’re a Texas fan you know exactly what’s going on. Cincy is another possibility, but then again their near complete lack of fan support in football hurts them.
"that place laid the foundation for who I am. A lot of outsiders make fun of it and say negative things about West Virginia. Fuck them" - Jerry West
by MountaineerAirman on Jan 26, 2012 7:07 AM EST up reply actions
Austin Statesman headline from last November:
“Percentage of commenters on UL ‘blog’ remark that they may not be totally sold on the Big XII (8?). Membership – DECLINED”
“In other news, UT is now independent and/or part of the PAC12 along with OU and/or OSU”
I knew I never should have told Chuck Neinas what I thought of the Big 12
If our biggest fault is conference loyalty, so be it
Wake me up when we're in the Big12
Fool's names are like their faces, often seen in public places.
Follow @ChickStratino
by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 25, 2012 5:38 PM EST reply actions
@Wake me up when we're in the Big 12
Don’t count on it!
You're an idiot.
Texas will always be the big dog in the Big 12, but Mack Brown’s best days seem to be behind him.
"that place laid the foundation for who I am. A lot of outsiders make fun of it and say negative things about West Virginia. Fuck them" - Jerry West
by MountaineerAirman on Jan 26, 2012 7:10 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
A lot of us in Big 12 country would love to have you guys
You’ve got the basketball pedigree and the football is definitely on the road back. Bevo still tries to lord over the rest of the conference but long term there is no way the Big 12 is not getting back to twelve teams. I would have preferred Louisville coming along with West Virginia and perhaps Cincinnati (games would have to be played in Paul Brown Stadium). I know football is the big deal moneywise but the basketball would be incredible.
by ghostofmunicipalstadium on Jan 25, 2012 9:07 PM EST reply actions
Football would still be really great.
Charlie Strong is building a hell of a program at Louisville, and Holgerson just dropped 70 points in a BCS game. Both of these programs will compete, and both would be upgrades over Missouri/Texas A&M. If Louisville finds success, look for them to sell out their stadium on a regular basis, and then expand. (for football. they already rock basketball attendance.)
"that place laid the foundation for who I am. A lot of outsiders make fun of it and say negative things about West Virginia. Fuck them" - Jerry West
by MountaineerAirman on Jan 26, 2012 7:09 AM EST up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Card Chronicle
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
