There has been new rumors regarding Big XII expansion so I want to update this earlier post to accommodate the potential new addition of Florida State University, along with some potential ACC stable mates. Firstly, the division split are based on matched regional rivalries and so that these match teams will be in opposite divisions but will play annually, preferably opening conference play so that should they both end up being devision champs, the rematch will be the last conference champs. These matched regional teams will also even up travel for teams in both divisions and provide equivalent regional exposures. Thirdly existing Big XII teams should be matched with newcomers as much as possible. Thus I present:
Division A & Division B
Baylor & Texas Christian
Texas & Texas Tech (Chancellor's Spurs since 1928)
Oklahoma & Oklahoma State (Bedlam Series since 1904)
Kansas State & Kansas (Sunflower Showdown since 1902)
Iowa State & Notre Dame/Louisville/Northern Illinois
West Virginia & Virginia Tech (Black Diamond Trophy)
Florida State & Miami (Battle of Sunshine State)
Note each division has 2 Texas teams, 1 Oklahoma team, 1 Kansas team, 1 Midwest team, 1 Appalacia team, and 1 Florida team. The most difficult match was for Iowa State and though Notre Dame maybe ideal in terms of draw, academic and regionality, it still seem unlikely Notre Dame would join any conference. After Notre Dame I think Louisville, who is favored to join the Big XII would be a decent regional match. However, I actually think Northern Illinois, who field a pretty decent football team and located just in the neighboring state would make the best match for Iowa State. To make the Big XVI take Clemson & Georgia Tech to gain the South Carolina and Georgia market.
Division A & Division B
Baylor & Texas Christian
Texas & Texas Tech (Chancellor's Spurs since 1928)
Oklahoma & Oklahoma State (Bedlam Series since 1904)
Kansas State & Kansas (Sunflower Showdown since 1902)
Iowa State & Notre Dame/Louisville/Northern Illinois
West Virginia & Virginia Tech (Black Diamond Trophy)
Florida State & Miami (Battle of Sunshine State)
Clemson & Georgia Tech
Now that is a super conference!
An alternative match set: to Clemson & Georgia Tech would be Cincinnati & Louisville (Keg of Nails since 1929)
