Let the Dust Settle

Amidst all the conference realignment, everything that happens has a reason for it. The latest news that the Mountain West Conference will not extend an invite to Boise State may seem absurd, but of course there has to be reason for it.

I believe the MWC is smart in not inviting BSU to the conference at this time. Yes, Boise is a good addition—they most definitely add a more competitive edge to the conference and bring the Utes closer to being a part of an automatic qualifier conference. However, the timing of an invite is slightly off.

If the PAC-10 does expand to 16 teams, it is a likely result from the Big 12 falling apart because of the Big Ten snatching Missouri and Nebraska from the Big 12. If this were the case, the Big 12 would have some leftovers—scraps of teams that could generate more money for the MWC. The MWC could add Kansas, Kansas State, and Baylor/Colorado—all schools that bring more money to the conference and also brings the MWC to being able to add a conference championship game.

It’s fair enough to say the MWC is interested in seeing where the dust settles before extending, more like settling, for BSU. If the Big 12 stays intact, then the MWC would offer BSU, it makes too much sense. If the Big 12 falls apart, the MWC would look to clean up the leftovers from the Big 12.

Craig Thompson has said there will be continuation on the topic of conference expansion sometime between June 15 and June 30—a time period where I believe conference expansion will be a little clearer.

On June 11, Nebraska and Missouri need to give the Big 12 their plans for where they plan to be in a couple years from now as far as conference affiliation. Shortly after the June 11 mark, the MWC will be revisiting the issue—with a better knowledge of what to expect out of the mess of conference realignment.

If all goes well for Ute fans, Notre Dame will realize its need to join a conference, and will do so by joining the Big Ten. Notre Dame joining the Big Ten would mean the conference has no desire to expand further, meaning Nebraska and Missouri will be in the Big 12. If the two schools remain in the Big 12, the PAC-10’s plans to invite half the teams in the Big 12 would be off. The PAC-10 will then be revisiting the original scenario, the original plan, of adding Colorado and Utah.

The MWC is holding out to see what will be taken from their conference, as well as what teams could be added to the conference amidst the mayhem.

Texas has made it clear they would like to stay in the Big 12, and all they need to do is convince other Big 12 schools to do the same. Currently Texas is our best friend and worst enemy.

There is a lot of bluffing going on right now, and the puzzle is almost solved. Until then, hold on to your seats—things are about to get crazy.