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Message: [QUOTE="sufan, post: 288668, member: 262"] -------------------- [COLOR=#ff0000]The PAC 12 turned down OK and OSU.[/COLOR] The PAC 12 have a huge contract and 12 teams that want to play each other and have regular visits to CA. There may have been academic or cultural affinity issues. Perhaps they felt OK was not a significant market or recruiting area or national TV draw absent UT. If the PAC 12 accepted OK and OSU as teams 13-14, UT and the Big 12 would be in a very difficult situation. The Big 12 has advantages given the intensity of fan interest and location near bowl game locations. Given their upgraded TV deal, grant of rights, recent bowl alliance with the SEC, they are a very strong relative position. They could stay at 10 and have a very compact geographical footprint with each team playing the others. They could expand to 12 for a conference playoff. The problem has been who would anchor the division opposite UT and Ok. If FSU is interested, they would have a strong anchor for a 2d division. From an FSU perspective, they may want more than one regional partner; does the Big 12 want 14 teams? It appears whatever difference exists in TV payout is likely to be significantly increased by this new SEC- Big 12 agreement. It could be further increased under a new pending contract if there is a conference playoff. However, I could see a possible expansion move motivating the SEC to offer FSU, which is a national brand, and my impression is FSU would choose the SEC if that choice becomes available. If the SEC is moving toward a TV channel, to match the Big 10 and PAC 12, having FSU plus one other school outside it's current footprint may be a motivating consideration. The ACC problem is their contract lasts forever; and traditionally strong teams like FSU and Miami have not been strong in recent years. There may be a tipping point where the difference in dollar payout becomes a determining motivator in influencing FSU's decision, despite other preferences. [/QUOTE]

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