One thing I would like to mention before I leave on vacation.
The data compiled the Big 12 Presidents clearly demonstrated a 12 team conference provides the best avenue to the CFP. As Boren said himself, many conferences now at 14 wished they had stayed at 12. The President's within the Big 12 unanimously agree now that 12 members is the way to go. The number of games played is open for negotiation with the conference television partners.
The current Big 12 contract calls for (9) conference games per member (round robin). A move to 12 members would call for (9) games as well, however as is always with the case with expansion contracts are renegotiated. The data prefers an (8) game schedule per member in two divisions, however if your ESPN do you want to lose a Texas 9th game for a Memphis game? So much has to be negotiated and in terms of games played the television partners have the leverage, while in terms of Pro Rata the Conference has the leverage. On top of that you have the CCG negotiations, Then with renegotiation you contend with the GOR, as well as selection of games, game time window, etc. A very complicated process to contend with.
So as I have stated numerous times the Big 12 could never settle on 12. Compromises to specific members or television partners desires bring on looking at 14 members. However, the television partners do not want 14 members due to Pro Rata, So I have heard the phrase horse trading used to describe all this, and that is about right.
Who is #12?
BYU - Too many issues.
Houston - The non-Texas schools say NO.
UCONN - No one is convinced its worth stretching the geographical footprint that far.
Memphis - Do no meet many of the Big 12 requirements.
CSU - No confidence they are ready.
UCF - On an island, requirement issues.
USF- Meet several requirements but lack facilities and lack of confidence they spend money needed.
Tulane - No historical success.
Temple - Not ready.
As hard as it is to believe Tulane may be a compromise due to Big 12 requirements, market size, recruiting,
A 14 school compromise may include Houston and Memphis. An argument could be made on Memphis behalf they are no worse than WVU was in terms of requirements when they were invited. Who would be the 14th then?
