Seneca Wallace was IN!
Until a few days ago, the notion of Florida State and Clemson hauling themselves over to the Big 12 was only on the level of “infinite monkeys on infinite college sports message boards.” Then, suddenly, there were clouds of smoke.
I’m not believing any of it yet. The Big 12 hasn’t signed the $2.6 billion contract and the teams haven’t extended the grant of rights. The BCS hasn’t decided what the new postseason structure will be. The conference presidents meet later this month and Bob Bowlsby doesn’t take over until June 15. Conferencepocalypse III: The Clemsoning is very early in the production stage and can still get spiked. Unlike the last times, Iowa State is not in mortal peril. Yet.
Meanwhile, for Sean Keeler and other sports writers, it’s the last two years all over again. As before, the space is ripe for shots at Iowa State, some noting the reality of budget discrepancies, others reasserting the “doormat” meme. Take this example:
The mere fact that Kansas and Iowa St. share the same conference as Texas is a major reason why they’re going to be making more money than Florida St. when the ink is dry on the new Big 12 television contract. The problem for those schools, though, is that if Texas left the league, you can imagine what that would mean for the top line on their income statements.
And Berry Tramel at the Oklahoman:
Now, the Big 12 has its share of Wake Forests. Iowa State and Texas Tech aren’t likely to sell a bunch of tickets in Tallahassee.
And a place called Pigskin Report:
Should Florida State simply say that as long as they receive a little extra money, then nothing else matters? … Start traveling to Iowa State for road games and seen how many fans show up to root for you in that game.
The only question is this: Does Texas want the Big 12 to expand? If so, the conference will. If not, it can be a 9-1 vote and the nays have it. (See this column from Jacksonville.)
Do not underestimate the role of the BCS in this. Determining which teams will be eligible for the plus-one, or whatever its called, is important. The great Golden Domed whale is still out there.