Life in the Red Group

Posted by: Bbudus on June 9, 2010 11:25AM CST And away we go....To the BIG(fill in number here) GBR

Posted by: Statman494 on June 9, 2010 11:26AM CST As always, TO is a man of his words. The signs are getting stronger.

Posted by: Miami Beach Husker on June 9, 2010 11:31AM CST Just posted moments ago on a dying thread....took too long to write to have my prediction die on the vine...if you already read it, thanks. The wizard appreciates it. Looking in my hazy crystal ball I see this happening in this order... ND stays independent. Says no thanks Big10 Big 10 only invites Nebraska for now. We accept. Big 10 gets their championship game guaranteed. Big 10 does say they will consider further expansion, but not at this time. Mizzou, Rutgers, Pitt are left at the bus stop again. Mizzou is out for now...has to put its tail between its legs and crawl back to Texas and BB Lite and beg forgiveness. CU and Utah plead, hop scotch and run to the PAC10. Buffs cannot wait to be west coast/California cool. PAC12 gets their championship game. Texas goes nowhere. The whole PAC10 threat was a huge bluff. UT huffs and puffs and nothing happens. Sorry Texas and BB Lite. You just lost Nebraska and CU by threatening us. Hey, no hard feeling Texas. We just joined a much better conference....better academics, more $$$ and more of a real partnership. We can barely remember all the back biting now.... Big 12 loses Nebraska and CU only. Bye Big Texas League. Big 12 re-shapes by adding TCU and a 12th...possibly Houston. KU, KSU, ISU, little Mizzou are saved, for now. Boise St is a possibility, but goes to the MWC as originally planned. There is significant change with this tea leave reading, but it is not the seismic meltdown of that many are predicting for college football. We just miss getting hit by the meteor. The Big East, ACC, and SEC pretty much stay the same. This will all happen by end of the year. TO, just hold out. This will all break in our favor with a bit of patience, and a strong resolve. Big Red fans...make plans to head East. See you there. The wizard has spoken.

Posted by: Exiled_in_VT on June 9, 2010 11:38AM CST Wait, I read those comments and I realize this guy's a regent and knows far less about the pros and cons of possible outcomes than I do. Good thing Dr. Tom will set him straight.

Posted by: Bbudus on June 9, 2010 11:49AM CST MBH, that actually makes the most sense of any of the crap going around. I don't think any of the conferences want to go to sixteen...not yet anyways. The winners of Championship games are going to start having more weight in the BCS...hence the beginning of a playoff type system. Once, that is in place and proven, then I see further expansion beginning. Of course, that could also be a bunch of crap....you know what they say, crap breeds crap.

Posted by: Bumarooskie on June 9, 2010 11:53AM CST “But having said that, I think the media’s been good, and in most cases, they’ve tried to check their facts. And even though sometimes they guess, sometimes they guess pretty correctly. Anyway, we just aren’t going to add to the confusion until we know for sure.” "They guess pretty correctly." That's telling. I'd say it's time to get our "Go Huskers, Beat the Buckeyes" t-shirts out.

Posted by: Miami Beach Husker on June 9, 2010 11:58AM CST The phrase Texas hold 'em takes on a whole new meaning now.... Yes, Texas you are holding something in your hand. Shake it hard now. There you go, feels good. I guess you call that a genuine Texas hand shake. Texas, how does it feel to stare down and try to intimidate little old NU and TO and lose? TO and brass has called your bluff. Nice huffing and puffing though. Quite impressive, but not impressive enough. Not used to getting outsmarted? It hurts a bit. You and BB Lite feel a bit burnt orange faced? Nebraska has the cards, called your bluff and you just got smoked. NU is going to the Big10, and you will lose CU too. Deal with it.

Posted by: charger on June 9, 2010 12:01PM CST this really makes me wounder if the Big 10 has made an offer to NU. but it goes to show everyone that we were supposedly asked if we are in or not, now UT may not like what they are going to hear by the deadline. GBR

Posted by: Robka on June 9, 2010 12:14PM CST How HUGE is this years home game against Texas? Could be the last time they are in Lincoln in our life time. I can't wait to smash one Big 8 traitor after another this year and head to the Big 10 fresh off our BIG 12 championship:) BO BIG RED!!!

Posted by: Statman494 on June 9, 2010 12:19PM CST Conference games will be intense this year. No gimmes, as everyone will have extra incentive to beat the Huskers this year.

Posted by: PlyNeb on June 9, 2010 12:20PM CST Per ESPN, Colorado being penalized four football schollies for non-compliance with Academic Progress Rate.

Posted by: SoDakHusker on June 9, 2010 12:20PM CST MBH: I totally see your scenario being played out, with maybe the exception of the Big 10 championship game, which if my memory serves, I think the powers-that-currently-be don't necessarily want. Other than that, this is the most conservative of all shake-up scenarios (with the exception of ND joining), and the Big 10 is a conservative conference. I really don't see them wanting to be the smoking gun that causes a NCAA conference arms race. Any chance your crystal ball could pick up a phone call around 1:15pm today?

Posted by: AlSt on June 9, 2010 12:21PM CST 2 seperate Big 10 news sources are saying Nebraska has been invited http://www.thebuckeyebattlecry.com/?p=5338 http://www.foxsportsohio.com/06/09/10/Reports-Nebraska-to-Join-Big-Ten/landing.html?blockID=250141&feedID=3724

Posted by: TravellingRed on June 9, 2010 12:22PM CST Just a point of clarification. The Big-10, as the oldest athletic conference in the nation (115 years and counting), does not invite other universities to join. The Big-10 accepts applications from other universities who want to join. Any "invitation" from the Big-10 would simply be an unofficial assurance that an application to join would be looked upon favorably by the Big-10 member institutions.

Posted by: Statman494 on June 9, 2010 12:22PM CST Got this tidbit from the Chicago Tribune website: Source: Big Ten expansion will happen 'in steps' June 9, 2010 10:49 AM | 4 Comments By Teddy Greenstein A source involved in expansion talks believes that Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany dropped a significant clue when he said Sunday that the league "could act and act again." With Nebraska facing a Big 12 loyalty ultimatum and eager to learn by Friday whether it will be asked to apply for Big Ten membership, the source believes that Big Ten expansion will occur "in steps." "Jim is getting his hand forced, and he doesn't like it," the source told the Tribune. But Delany might have no other choice if he wants to reel in Nebraska. Another source with close ties to Big Ten officials suggested the league wants to add Nebraska and stop there - at 12 teams. An executive at a Big 12 school told the Omaha World-Herald he expects Nebraska to become a member of the Big Ten as early as Friday. Delany declined to reply to inquiries from the Tribune on Wednesday morning. Both sources believe that financial terms are now being discussed between the Big Ten and Nebraska. Specifically, when would the Cornhuskers get a full share of the league's revenue pie? Would it be in their first year of membership - or would they have to accept a reduced rate until the third year? As for Notre Dame, sources remain split on whether the school is in talks with the Big Ten. Athletic director Jack Swarbrick told the New York Times that "we have not entered into discussions with anyone." But he said that Monday night. And things can change in 36 hours.

Posted by: Robka on June 9, 2010 12:23PM CST Everyone can doubt whether or not the Big 10 is inviting us, but I HIGHLY doubt the conference would give Dr. Tom indication for starting this whole process and then not invite us. Barry Alverez himself would personally beat the hell out of all the Big 10 powers 2 b if they did that 2 Greatest coach of all time. GO BIG DR TOM!!!

Posted by: PT Husker on June 9, 2010 12:41PM CST As i said on the last thread. Tom has gone all in. The Big 10 can invite us, (ask us to submit an application which ever you prefer) or lose us forver. Yes, as said above, he has forced Delany's hand. Time to call or fold your hand. either way, NU wins.

Posted by: Silicon Valley Husker on June 9, 2010 12:44PM CST I don't have a problem with Texas getting a comeuppance, but this is a sad day for college football in some respects. The B12 is the second best FB conference in the country today. The move may be best for NU overall, but it moves us to a lower conference in football. Sip - Given the different qualifying standards that the B10 has, how would this impact who we can recruit and how competitive we can be with them? Obviously the geography changes things as well, but this may be equally impactful.

Posted by: boom.roasted on June 9, 2010 12:54PM CST I wonder a little bit about Notre Dame... But since they already to get to play half of the Big 10 without being part of the conference, they really have no incentive to join. It looks like even if these super conferences do form, Notre Dame is STILL going to be able to build a competitive schedule that will get them into the BCS if they win.

Posted by: Ivy Mike on June 9, 2010 12:54PM CST I would invite you to apply, but then I'd have to kill you. Would ND have to apply? Did Penn State?

Posted by: boom.roasted on June 9, 2010 12:56PM CST would love it if the big 10 stayed at 12 with nebraska, and then the pac 10 only went to 12 adding colorado and utah or something... texas gets left trying to piece together a fractured and weakened big 12.

Posted by: TravellingRed on June 9, 2010 12:58PM CST Yes, Penn State had to submit an application to join, as would ND if they chose to. I'm sure nobody would apply to join unless they had assurances ("unofficial", of course) that their application would be accepted. It believe it takes 8 of 11 "yes" votes to accept an application, but don't quote me on that.

Posted by: Ivy Mike on June 9, 2010 1:02PM CST I see. The typical behind the scenes machinations. No surprise, of course. Just like politics. Hey.... I wonder what brand of cigars they smoke?

Posted by: Robka on June 9, 2010 1:07PM CST Boom - The Domers do not play in the Big 10 for minor sports. They r members of the Big East. GO BIG SPECIAL BcS PRIVILEGES 4 ND SUCK!!!

Posted by: TravellingRed on June 9, 2010 1:07PM CST As gratifying as it would be to see Texas fluttering in the breeze, I just can't see it happening. They're too big of a fish and any conference would fall all over themselves to land them. What I'd love to see is NU, ND, and TX join the Big-10 for a 14 team conference. Can you imagine a conference with Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State in one division and Nebraska, Notre Dame and Texas in the other? How much football clout do you think THAT conference lineup would generate?

Posted by: boom.roasted on June 9, 2010 1:12PM CST just read frank the tank's most recent post: He thinks that Nebraska, Mizzou, and Notre Dame may all join the Big 10 within the next week or two. THEN, Delany goes to Texas and says, "With Notre Dame on board, we're going to be the most powerful conference with or without you. We've got 2 spots left, for UT and A&M. Take it or leave it." very interesting...

Posted by: boom.roasted on June 9, 2010 1:16PM CST http://frankthetank.wordpress.com/

Posted by: Silicon Valley Husker on June 9, 2010 1:31PM CST Texas has a problem though. Anyone taking them has to take aTm at a minimum and possibly TT as well. That may not always work out in a conference's expansion plans. Let alone the Baylor people pushing to force their acceptance as well. I've read that having to include aTm was what squashed them joining the SEC many years ago.

Posted by: Ted Sheckler on June 9, 2010 1:34PM CST Oh to be a fly on that wall.

Posted by: Albino on June 9, 2010 1:37PM CST SVH@12:44 Have you calculated the comparison dynamically? B12 without Nebraska is not as good a conference. B12 with the Huskers is a significantly better conference than we've seen in recent years.

Posted by: pacer on June 9, 2010 1:38PM CST Latest purely third-hand unsubstantiated rumor I've heard is NU, ND and 'Cuse (over Rutgers) and they stop at 14 ... at least for now....

Posted by: Albino on June 9, 2010 1:40PM CST There is one advantage of the move that hasn't been fully considered. If the Huskers are in the B10, it may be easier to hold Beau for the long term. If deep down he wants a shot at the Big 10 Hall of Fame, it is now available. GBR

Posted by: HuskerzFL on June 9, 2010 1:42PM CST I wouldn't mind Texas coming to the B10 with us. That is if we go.

Posted by: Outside The Box on June 9, 2010 1:44PM CST Beau?

Posted by: pacer on June 9, 2010 1:45PM CST How perfect would a 14-team conf be? Six division games, 3 other-division games, and 3 OOC games. NU's division if NU, ND and 'Cuse are added, geographically, could be: NU, Iowa, Minn, Wisc, Illini, NW and ... wait for it ... ND. Although I have a hard time believing Mich, tOSU and PSU would ge grouped together. Based upon RECENT results, that's nearly as one-sided as the Big 12 South v. North.

Posted by: Denver Bob on June 9, 2010 1:45PM CST This Just IN: CU Busted for Academics!! INDIANAPOLIS — The NCAA is penalizing Colorado's men's basketball and football teams, as well as the Syracuse men's basketball team, after the three squads failed to meet academic standards. Syracuse and Colorado are the only BCS schools in football or men's and women's basketball being sanctioned for falling short of the NCAA's Academic Progress Rate cutline of 925. The APR measures the classroom performance of every Division I team. A Colorado official says the school has accepted its penalties — losing one scholarship in men's basketball and up to four scholarships in football. The Buffaloes scored 920 in football and 897 in basketball. The Orange's basketball team scored 912 and could lose up to two basketball scholarships if academically ineligible players leave school before next season.

Posted by: SuperHusker17 on June 9, 2010 1:47PM CST @HuskerzVA, I'm actually kind of liking that idea as well, we'd keep our recruiting ties in Texas and I doubt that OSU, UM and the likes would let UT just push the conference around like they did with the Big 12. But then again UT probably wouldn't join if they couldn't have control.

Posted by: Albino on June 9, 2010 1:48PM CST OtB: Woops. I have a nephew named Beau. Guess I have to keep a closer watch on my fingers!

Posted by: Miami Beach Husker on June 9, 2010 1:50PM CST AlST, Good articles....the FoxOhio is a very reputable news source... They both say NU is Big10 bound. It is done. Texas, you played russian roulette with TO, and lost. It sure appears like we are doing the Texas two step out of the Texas Big 12.

Posted by: salmon_slayer63a on June 9, 2010 1:55PM CST this is all good but when UT comes to Lincoln. they need a 2x beat down

Posted by: HuskerzFL on June 9, 2010 1:55PM CST To those who don't think our fan base is large ask my wife how big it is. We're both in the military and everywhere we've been there's been a large Husker fan base. To the point where my wife says to me "holy $hit you guys are everywhere!"

Posted by: PT Husker on June 9, 2010 1:57PM CST Don't, I repeat, don't, ever play Poker with tom Osborne.

Posted by: SuperHusker17 on June 9, 2010 1:59PM CST @Denver Bob, Ha ha that's awesome. That could actually hurt both schools in their conference moving since both conferences that the 2 schools are trying to move into are higher than what they're in now. Classy.....

Posted by: PT Husker on June 9, 2010 2:02PM CST What are the odds that Mizzu does not get an invite to the big 10?

Posted by: SuperHusker17 on June 9, 2010 2:04PM CST @PT, It'd be hard to get a read on him with all those wrinkles :-p

Posted by: Miami Beach Husker on June 9, 2010 2:04PM CST From cloumnist Kirk Bohl's writing for the Austin American Statesman yesterday. Does anyone need anymore reason to call Texas arrogant? His opening paragraph about why Texas should not take any blame if Big12 burns to the ground... Quote... "With rampant speculation about conference realignment comes all sorts of corollary issues, among them a crying need for a scapegoat. Because there well could be so many winners and losers in this episode of conference merry-go-round, there has to be somebody to blame. For some, that's Texas. When it comes to raising cain, it takes a villain. And many, particularly those way north of the Red River, love to put the black hat on Texas. In truth, the Longhorns are all hat and all cattle. Nevertheless, the accusations have been pretty strong and very pointed: Texas is using its bully pulpit to get its way. Texas is running the Big 12. Commissioner Dan Beebe is no more than a puppet for the Longhorns, and pay no attention to the strings holding him up. To all of that, I'd say, yes. Because Texas can. Hey, somebody's got to run this league. And why not the program with the most alumni, hugest enrollment, biggest stadium and grandest budget in the nation? What exactly did those Big Eight schools think they were getting — Appalachian State in burnt orange?" Texas, big bad Texas. Big10, here we come

Posted by: boom.roasted on June 9, 2010 2:05PM CST How is it that Colrado and Syracuse are both penalized BEFORE USC? something fishy going on here... how far do the tentacles of Texas reach? (mostly sarcasm... mostly...)

Posted by: boom.roasted on June 9, 2010 2:07PM CST Yeah, I saw Bohls' article. He's not helping their image problem.

Posted by: PlyNeb on June 9, 2010 2:12PM CST Bohl doesn't sound like a 'Statesman' to me.

Posted by: boom.roasted on June 9, 2010 2:15PM CST On that Bohl's article, read the comment from "Old Time Husker." Obviously a homer, but still, he nailed it.

Posted by: PT Husker on June 9, 2010 2:17PM CST We don't have to like it, but Texas will go where they want to. the only thing that might hold them back is the Texas legislature. But they are bigger than even those who supposedly govern them. Just ask if you don't thik so.

Posted by: RedBall on June 9, 2010 2:53PM CST I have been following this all over the place and I kind of wonder if the Huskers go to the B10 and ND plans to follow later. The SEC forms an alliance with the B10 down the road?

Posted by: Bullmoose06 on June 9, 2010 3:10PM CST Bohl's is right there will be a scapegoat for the ruin of ht eBig 12. Of Course UT is blaming Nebraska and to outsiders we are the bad boy in this case. Forget the fact that UT has been talking with any and all confrences about dumping the Big 12. Forget the fact that UT has sucked the lifeblood out of two confrences. Forget that Colorado is waiting out at the street corner waiting for the PAC-10 to drive by and pick them up. Forget the fact that Missouri has been throwing themselves at the Big 10. Forget the fact that theTexas Legislature demanded that Baylor join the Big 12. Forget the fact that fact that Kansas, Kansas State, and Iowa State never stood up to Texas. Forget the fact that the Texas A&M sides with UT in most of the time. Forget that Texas Tech is ... nerts what can I blame themm for ...being out in Lubbock Forget Oklahoma and Okie State just forget them. Anyhow I think most of the Big 12 shares the blame for its current state. Just how long does it take to yak on the phone about the move?

Posted by: bellmike on August 12, 2010 9:41AM CST Good call and nice reporting. conference call