Pearlbubbles - Well, I'm sure the tv viewership he thinks they will bring in is attractive, but based on the choices they've made since the Big 12 broke up - he has to know that Texas would be unlikely to ever agree with the revenue sharing system we currently have set up, and I doubt our AD's would go along with anything else, so I just don't see it working. I know the majority of Pac-12 fans don't want them, but that, of course, has very little to do with decisions Pac-12 officials will make.

Wareagle93-I'm not qualified to make a comment on Mizzou, but since Wisconsin is ranked in the preseason top 10 in most polls (10th generally), I'm not sure you can say they are flying under the radar. Usually any team ranked in the top 10 is considered a potential national championship contender (flying under the radar would be a team that isn't ranked in the top 10 preseason and wins a national championship anyway - unusual, but I think a team did that last year. Sound like any team you know? LOL).

FWIW, the A&M BOR met yesterday and gave the A&M President the okay to explore other opportunities as far as conferences go. Whether or not that means they'll look to join the SEC this year, next year or never is anyone's guess. They're definitely not happy in the Big XII and permanently under Texas' shadow - especially with the development of the LHN. I am concerned what this will mean for my own alma mater; we're quite often ones mentioned as possibly being left out if the whole four 16-team superconference comes to fruition (as it is looking more and more likely).

As far as my team goes, I'm very much looking forward to Coach Paul Rhoads' third season as the Cyclone head coach. We've seen slow, but steady improvement (both on field and in recruiting) under him every year, with one notable win each season. I'm hoping we'll hit .500 and make another bowl game, but there are still a lot of variables that have to be taken into consideration. Things are looking up as long as the Big XII doesn't implode in the next two years.

I do agree that the regional networks are different from what Texas wants to do with the Longhorn Network.

And in any case, I think Texas would be a bit sorely disappointed anyway if the Pac-12 model was similar to the one the Big 12 had (still has?) since an unequal revenue wouldn't necessarily be in their favor over here (if that ever was a viable choice for the lower market schools anyway; clearly a big "if'"). Hopefully the Big 12 can right itself enough to stall the superconferences.

ISU, Iowa was a big dissapointment last year, given the players they had returning and their preseason hype. They lost a TON of talent. I would not be surprised if ISU pulls the upset this year.

The fact that Iowa's OLine is almost all new, our D has improved greatly over the past two years AND the game is in Ames does increase our chances. But I've learned in my 30 years as a Cyclone fan never to get my hopes up too high.

Not just their offensive line, their defensive line as well. They only return Binns and lose 2 linebackers, including Hunter. I believe they also lost Tyler Sash, who was their QB on defense in the back 7 last year. Stanzi is a big loss as well, and although I like James Vandy's potential at QB, he ain't no Ricky Stanzi (although he only really came into his own his senior year). Ferentz always coaches up the o-line well, though. I also do not like their depth at tailback. They have some good wideouts (really looking forward to see Keenan Davis) and they have that young Tight End that came in as a freshman last year with a lot of hype.

Well, interestingly, right after the Pac-12 changed its revenue-sharing policy, the Big 12 changed theirs, so it used to be somewhat shared but based on tv appearances, but now all revenues are shared equally. If our tv deals went under $170 million (which they won't since Scott just inked a pretty sweet deal for us), then UCLA and USC would have gotten $2 million additional.

I think Texas would balk at losing that LHN which wouldn't fly in the Pac-12. I mean, if USC couldn't make that happen (though they'd probably love to), Texas isn't going to make it happen in this conference. I doubt they would give up the LHN to join our conference at this point and I can't see USC specifically being willing to let Texas rule the roost in the Pac-12 the way they have in the Big 12. The phrase, "this town ain't big enough for the two of us" comes to mind. :).

I'm not against the 4 super conference really - I think that would lead to a play off system which I would LOVE.

I don't know how everyone else feels about this, but I still do not see how TCU is a good fit for the Big East-geographically speaking. Quite a travel from Pittsburgh to Fort Worth for a conference game, eh?

Apparently Miami is about the best argument for a college football death penalty revival these days. Yahoo Sports deserves a Pulitzer. For sports news, be warned, this ain't light reading.

http://sports.yahoo.com/investigatio...enefits_081611

Thanks for posting this.

TCU alum, here.

Yes, that was a common theme back when the conference change was announced, and I do agree that is seems odd at first. However, the crazy thing is that TCU's travel *decreases* with the move to the Big East. Most (all?) the schools in the Big East are a direct flight from DFW, so the team is there in a few hours, max. Many of the teams in the Mountain West were not direct flights, and were 2 time zones removed from Fort Worth. Therefore, the travel was horrendous- sometime feeling like an entire day to get home. This negatively impacted not only the student athlete's time but also the alumnae travel.

Therefore, the travel to Pittsburgh, as per your example, is far more appealing to us that traveling to Laramie or Provo.

I won't argue that in just simply looking at a map the geography is weird.

Great post! This will certainly help with recruiting and I believe they'll consistently be a favorite to win the conference. This year will be interesting. Defensively, they lost some key guys but also return some key guys like Tank and Brock. Offensively they should be all set in the backfield, and although they lost guys like Johnson, Kerley and Young, I think Boyce is an all-conference talent and Hicks should return to his 2009 form. Pachall was highly recruited and I'm looking forward to see what he can do. The o-line is a question mark with only Dooley coming back. Play some tough games on the road, as well.

Pachall has sat out two days with a sore shoulder and is getting an MRI today. :(

Even since LT graduated, there have been questions as to whether TCU can replace the big names that left. Every single year new guys step up to the plate. You mentioned Tank et. al, who will be back and solid. I just never seem to worry about our defense.

I have expected this year to be a little different offensively, though. Andy Dalton was a 4 year starter, and Pachall is young. Total wild card there. While I hope that we can continue the Top 10 streak/BCS appearances, it would truly be an accomplishment if that happens this year with the young QB. Honestly, I will be very happy with just a solid season.

The schedule is a little odd this year... a couple of non-conf games were dropped when the opponent pulled out, so the replacements are random. Boise was supposed to be a home game, but as soon as TCU announced the Big Eight move, the MWC met and moved the game to Boise. Clearly they want their conference to look good and their teams superior. However, TCU and their fans/alumni have been crying for years for respect. If our team is good, then no probs going up to the silly blue turf and playing our game.

Go Frogs.

So the two big games that we have this year are both away games and not televised. BOO!

ahem

http://smartshopbuy.com/images/Sport...otball-rug.jpg

I don't go to ND, but my school doesn't have a football team and I was born bleeding blue and gold. Dayne Crist is like, pssh. Way too accident prone. I'm glad Michael Floyd is back (and will hopefully stay 'scandal' free this season), because I think he and Rees could be unstoppable. I'm excited for their (now) seasoned offensive line and some good D and I'm ready for coach Kelly to prove that he's worth ALL THIS MONEY that ND is just dousing him with.

I actually think Crist is a pretty darn good player. It'd be helpful if he could actually make it through a full season, though. He's more athletic than people think (4.6 forty). Their front 7 could be very scary, Te'o is a first round talent, Prince Shembo showed promise and Aaron Lynch is an absolute beast. Ishaq Williams and Stephon Tuitt were five star recruits and are very talented. I think Kelly was a great hire. I wish Auburn turned up the heat on Aaron Lynch and Stephon Tuitt when they recruited them (considering they are both from nearby: Tuitt-GA and Lynch-FL). Davaris Daniels is another freshman I like and I also wish AU gave him a stronger look. Perhaps this is the year they can finally live up to the hype. College Football is better when teams like Notre Dame, Michigan who have struggled for the last few years, are good. I think Brady Hoke will turn around UM as well, although it will likely take 2 years or so.

As far as Auburn is concerned, the campus is buzzing over the news that Trotter just got named the starter-there's a lot of debate too. You really can't go to lunch or into a classroom without a bunch of people talking about it. I think BT is a good choice. He's been in Gus' system for 3 years, and everything he has said indicates that BT knows the offense like the back of his hand. Clint Moseley will make for a pretty good backup. He doesn't go for the homerun all the time, but he takes what the defense gives him and makes the short, safe 6 yard completions (but at some point when it's 3rd and long you need a guy that can make reads farther downfield). I really hope Kiehl Frazier gets some playing time this year. He's a great athlete and was one of the top QB recruits in the 2011 class. Gus is really close with him too. The backfield speaks for itself, and I think people are underestimating our skill position players on the outside: Lutz is reliable and can stretch the field, Blake is solid and Reed looks primed for a big year. The OL is a HUGE question mark, but there is a lot of talent. Moseley and Greene have both started, and guys like Sullen, Mack and Dismukes will need to step up. The DL has a ton of talent, but outside of Nosa and Whitaker and Lemonier-to a degree, are untested. What really hurts is Kris Frost is out for the year.

Major :( that I couldn't go to the first home football game

Massive :D that the game is being broadcast online and on the radio by our student station @ http.kuoi.org

All I have to contribute to this thread:

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO PIG SOOIEE!

That's it.

Oh, forreal Georgia, your Dawgs needs to bite the ankles of those jackasses from that other school in Idaho, and I don't mean Idaho State University in Pocatello, or Lewis & Clark State College in Lewiston, or BYU-Idaho, but that school where only about 25% graduate in six years. I mean WTF that only 4% of students graduate in four years, but you're winning awards for your athletes graduating? Priorities should be for all students because surprisingly the football team can't exist without the school.

Oh and for the smack talkers who want to call out Idaho for our APR issues and losing a scholarship, we were still having the first year of Coach Akey taking charge factored in. He booted 18 players, many who came from the hot coach messes that preceded him, including Dennis Erickson who wasn't the classiest individual when it came to recruiting scholars & athletes.

Nervous wreck....already starting the nail biting....sorry I will be missing tailgating in Dallas since I hear no one outdoes LSU in that department and I could eat shrimp and oysters into next week...but it is for the best. Go Ducks! or in this case Geaux Ducks!

I think my username says it all...

So excited!!! Still trying to finalize my plans for the game. I'm tempted to just watch it on my own so I can yell all I want without being judged.

Well as little judgement as living in an apartment can spare. :rolleyes:

^^^I'm really surprised at how many people (college age that is) daughter knows who are going down to Dallas for the game. One ended up on a plane with John Canzano - he's wondering what to throw at him (LOL).

Husband's headed over to friends to watch. I'll be doing my usual - turning off ALL electronic equipment so I have NO idea what's going on until its over.

My LSU KD buddies here in Dallas are already starting their partying tonight. They are so excited to be able to see their Tigers at JerryWorld tomorrow night.

Yeah I know a ton of people from ages 19-27 who are going. Kinda sad I didn't try for a ticket now.

Nope. No AOT until after the game :p

Ugh, tell them to leave, please :p

Just kidding. LSU fans are awesome. The only time I hate outsiders coming into the city is TX/OU weekend. We need to put up a wall blocking the state of Oklahoma lol

I'm going to the UF-FAU game tomorrow with dad. I know my team will lose, but he'll have fun at his alma mater.

Flew in last night from PHX with a plane load of ducks. I'm glad we're headed to Tiger country where I'll be with my people! Sitting in bed this morning watching College Gameday and praying that Corso doesn't put on Mike the Tigers head since everyone knows that if he picks your team you're gonna lose!

BTW, yay Baylor!! Does this mean we don't have to hear about TCU for the rest of the season?

DARN!!::p

Hubby and I both Oklahoma State, University of Oklahoma alumni. Both children born and raised in Louisiana. All three of our family's favorite college teams in the top 10. Go Pokes, Go Sooners, Geaux Tigers!

Effing Irish.... too many damn turnovers in the red zone. Stupid. Also the longest college game ever. I'm done watching, screw the lightning delays. On to Oregon and LSU.

I thought that said "Eff Irish" -- I would've agreed ;)

I'm happy that Michigan won and ND lost. Next week's game (which I watch annually with a few of my close friends) is going to be great :D

k_s is not in my spank bank for the next week.

I'm happy ND lost and Shitigan won too. That means the Irish will be hungry, and the Wolverines will be over confident.

w00t! Cougs win. So what if we were playing Idaho State! A win is a win and I'll take it. WSU 64 - ISU 21

I used to hold you in such high regard. I'm not sure we can ever bounce back from this.

Guess we'll see after next weekend! :P

Happy for the Cougs, but losing Tuel was a mighty high price to pay for that win.

As for my team...crap, crap, crap. Obviously my "Don't watch the game or even check the score and they'll win" strategy isn't working.:mad:

Wondering if there's some pre-game ritual sacrfice I can try next week.

OMG. That was AWESOME! We might as well have been at home. It was at least 75% LSU fans. Our band was there. They played "Calling Baton Rouge" and me and 75,000 of my best friends screamed our heads off! Oregon, you have just experienced Tiger Country.

Congratulations to your team AOII Angel - they played a great game from what I heard (as I've mentioned - I can't ever bring myself to watch which was probably for the best tonight).