The University of Nebraska made the much-anticipated move from the Big 12 conference to the Big Ten on Friday, the second step of what could become a massive configuration of college sports in the United States. Colorado earlier left the Big 12 for the Pac-10, fueling speculation that the Big Ten and Pac-10 would expand into 16-team mega-conferences.
Nebraska regents voted to sever the Cornhuskers' 100-year relationship with the Big 12 and its predecessors and join the Big Ten, leaving the future of the Big 12 in doubt. "I don't think anyone could read all the commentary around the country and not think the Big 12 hasn't felt under siege the last couple of months," Dan Beebe, the conference's commissioner, said. He met with the remaining 10 teams in the conference, making the case that they are more valuable in their current conference than as add-ons to a different one.
"If it's about value and money, if that's the issue, that shouldn't be part of their equation," Beebe said. "If it's about other factors outside of our control, that's not something I can do anything about." Various media outlets reported that four other Big 12 schools - Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State - could also switch to the Pac-10. And Missouri, another Big 12 team, is reportedly considering an invitation from the Big Ten.
Kansas, meanwhile, may have the most interesting situation, and one that speaks to which sport really drives the business of college athletics ? football. One of America's basketball stalwarts with a much less successful football programme, the Jayhawks are a Big 12 school that has not been linked to either the Pac-10 or Big Ten plans. Also on Friday, Boise State left the Western Athletic Conference and joined the Mountain West. The Mountain West might benefit from other defections, taking the Big 12 teams that are not snapped up by other conferences.
With all the moves going on, the Southeastern, Atlantic Coast and Big East conferences have been relatively silent, though it is no sure thing they will stay on the sidelines for long.
* Agencies
