Jon Joseph

No doubt winning the big games, a majority of the bowl games, getting 2 teams into NY6 bowls and winning a CFB playoff title would make a big difference. Especially in the number of subscribers to the network and better distribution for the network. But the impediments to this kind of success are daunting. 1. No school that played 9 conference games has ever won a playoff championship. 2. Only 2 Pac-12 schools, Oregon and USC, spend SEC/B1G-like money on recruiting. And Oregon spends one third of what Georgia spends on recruiting. 3. See 2 above; the recruiting numbers in the Pac-12 for the most part are terrible. 4. The SEC in particular sends far more guys onto the NFL than does the Pac-12; especially, at the non-skill player positions. 5. Pac-12 programs, again with the exception of Oregon and SC (and OR as we know has lost many the CFB HC recently) cannot compete salary-wise for top CFB coaches. Wazzu had no shot at keeping Leach. Ditto CU not being able to keep Mel Tucker. 6. A Tennessee 'collective' just paid $8M for a 5* QB's NIL rights, and the player's commitment to play at Tennessee. A TX A+M 'collective' just paid millions of dollars to untested HS kids and signed the highest rated recruiting class in the history of CFB. 7. For the most part interest in CFB in the southeast and in B1G country is far greater than in the Pac-12 footprint. 8. The Pac-12 network is a financially insolvent non-entity that hurts and does not help CFB recruiting. Yet, the Pac-12 turned down a sale of the network to ESPN. Without expanding market size, how can the network be expected to move into the black? 9. How many Pac-12 conference administrations truly give a whip whether the conference wins CFB/CBB money ball titles? The UCLA athletic department is $60M in the red and receives no general funding from the school. 10. HOWEVER, I do believe that Oregon and USC have the $ and the support to win a CFB title. But you cannot win a CFB title, at least prior to 2026, unless you make the Final 4. No Pac-12 team has done so since 2016. Enjoy Oregon sports. Oregon sports are enjoyable. The fans give a whip, Phil Knight gives a whip and hopefully, the administration has its eye on the ball and will not ipso facto assign its media rights to the conference's next media deal without first knowing the parameters of said deal.

No Brainer? That's why I was able to nail it. KIDDING! It was close to an obvious move.

Andy Staples of The Athletic has come up with a 16 team power conference that he believes would not equal the B1G and the SEC in revenue, but would remain in hailing distance. As Andy notes, the 16 teams he chose are not geographically aligned but are best suited to produce the most revenue. Andy listed the teams alphabetically, I have broken the 16 teams into 4 team pods. No team from the existing Power 2, the B1G and the SEC, were eligible for Power Conference 3. Oregon, UCLA, USC, Washington Baylor, Houston, Oklahoma State, Utah Cincinnati, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Virginia Tech Clemson, Florida State, Miami, UCF [Because of market size, I probably would have gone with ASU and CU in place of 2 of the above.] Andy adds: "Assuming Lincoln Riley makes USC better and Dan Lanning keeps Oregon's talent level high, seeing these schools square off against Clemson - with potential challenges from Baylor, Cincinnati, Miami, NC St and OK St - for the conference title would be outstanding." A Pac-20 had the Pac-12 decided to expand post Oklahoma and Texas deciding to leave the B12, would have included the above 5 Pac-12 teams and Baylor, Houston and Oklahoma State. A Coast-to-Coast Conference, a merger of the Pac-12 and the newly restructured B12 would include the above 5 Pac-12 teams and Baylor, Cincinnati, Houston, Oklahoma State and UCF. I believe Andy's Power 3 Conference is not likely doable in today's CFB world. But I do believe that a Coast-to-Coast Conference (CCC) is doable and should be explored by the B12/Pac-12 before the next round of media negotiations. The CCC could be structured as follows: Pac-8 Division - CAL, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA, USC, Washington, Washington State Big-8 West Division - Arizona, Arizona State, BYU, Colorado, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Utah Big-8 East Division - Baylor, Cincinnati, Houston, Iowa State, TCU, Texas Tech, UCF, West Virginia As-is, there is no possible way for the ACC, 'new B12' and the Pac-12 to come close to B1G/SEC revenues. But it is what it is so let's enjoy what we have. And with Oregon sports there is a lot to enjoy.

Thanks Mike. 1 minor correction, Texas is paying each OL guy $50K a season; this would likely represent a pay cut for A+M OL guys? I too was turned off in regards to NIL being used to induce recruits and transfers to attend a given school. But this is the CFB world in which we live today. So, while not grinning, I am going to do my best to bear it. Lots of excitement surrounding the new coaching staff, no doubt. I have high hopes for Dan et al, but I do want to see the hyperbole show up on the field of play. In response to the comments regarding Larry's Loser Network, something has to be done ASAP to make the network financially viable or to make it go away via filing BK. The Network is a functionally insolvent albatross that has helped to drag the conference down from the day it opened for business. With the conference deciding to remain 'as-is,' I see no way in which to grow subscriptions to the network and turn it into the black. But that's GK's and not my job. So, spot on Mike, rather than acting annoyed, let's enjoy.

With the SEC going to 16 teams will the B1G stand pat? And will the ACC with a crummy media deal through 2036 hold together? I could definitely see the SEC adding Clemson, FSU, Miami and perhaps, NC ST. AAU member target schools for the B1G in the east are Pitt, UVA, UNC, Duke, Georgia Tech and Kansas is also an AAU member and I am sure would love to swap the B12 for the B1G. If the B1G decided to look west, then AAU member schools SC, Oregon, UW, Utah, CU and Stanford, for the academic prowess, could be in play? I don't see the B1G wanting anything to do with CAL, UCLA and the CA state legislature. I don't see the B1G having any interest in non-AAU members OR ST, WA ST + ASU and AZ and Tucson does not bring much to the table. I do see additional conference changes coming. Changes that will likely result in fewer teams playing big time ball. The B1G and SEC will likely add schools and perhaps, we will see a single Super Conference? SC and Oregon both 'fit' the B1G, but the nearest B1G school would be Nebraska.

The time when the Pac-12 could have poached left over B12 teams is over. I still think it makes sense for the 2 conferences to explore what their combined media rights would be worth? A merger today would bring about the Pac-8 division, the Pac-12 before AZ, ASU, CU and Utah came on board and 2 additional 8 team divisions. Such a merger with provide a hope for Larry's network not only to survive but thrive. As is, I do not see any opportunity for the Pac-12 to close the financial gap between it and the B1G and the SEC. Going coast-to-coast with the B12 would not bring in B1G/SEC revenues but it close the gap. Plus, it would be easier to design an expanded playoff with a P4 instead of a P5.

Impressing their own egos is all I can figure out. Otherwise, how do you a start a network in the Pacific time zone without a media partner and without all necessary cable agreements in place? Larry Scott had dumb and dumber employers. The same folks who turned down an owner/operator purchase offer from ESPN. And the ACC with a lousy media deal with ESPN though 2036 still has the ESPN/ACC network going for it. A network now up on Comcast and with close to double the subscribers than has the Pac-12 Network. Is there a cogent business person among the Pac-12 'leaders?'

And as I sit here and watch SF neighborhoods being gentrified, as is the case across the country, I worry about my poorer brothers and sisters who are being pushed farther and farther back into a longer commute. I don't mean this to be and hope it is not too political a comment for the forum. Moving the HQ and network operations to downtown SF has cost the conference $92M+ in rent. How this made sense to Larry's bosses is well beyond me.

As an 'impartial' fan I say: SCOREBOARD! Because this is a family site I have nothing to say in regards to head; equine or otherwise.

I golfed today. My game fell down but had I been skiing it would have been my bod.

And Utah at Florida in the opener and with a returning and very good QB, also has the edge perhaps, versus UF in The Swamp? But the heat and humidity will be brutal. I expect this game to be a 3:30 kick off with Oregon vs UGA kicking off at 7:30? The Utes have a long time returning HC and the Gators, that went 6-7 last season under Dan Mullen, do not. I think the Utes have a great chance to win this game. The problem? Utah usually starts slow out-of-the-box and improves as the season progresses. 2 huge opening games down south for the Pac-12 on September 3, 2022.

It comes down to $. Sad but true. Dye, Caleb Williams and the OK WR Williams, et al, being paid to transfer to SC and play? I get it. Coaches leave for more money, why not players? This is far different from what I watched back in the day. But at 75 years of age, what isn't different? What concerns me? With the B1G and the SEC becoming the Power 2, what will it take to keep a successful Coach Lanning in Eugene? We've seen Leach and Tucker depart, along with Slick and Mari(o.) I don't expect the exodus of top coaches from the Pac-12 departing to stop. I don't see it being different with the players. Most NFL guys who ball out depart after the rookie contract expires. CFB today is in a similar position. Be true to your school? That was yesterday and yesterday's gone.

Great take my friend. Most certainly in this day and age when, not if, the playoff goes to 12 teams, the player's are going to have to get part of 'the cut.' After all, coaches get bonuses for bowl games, why not the players? Unless you are playing for it 'ALL' and being paid in the process why risk your NFL future? NIL cannot be regulated by the NCAA and will not be regulated before there is a CFB players union. I don't particularly like it but that's a fact, Jack.

It wasn't just the rent, which was absurdly high, it was the witch of a commute in and out of downtown SF.

Listen to The Man, football gods, and AMEN! Not to belittle in any respect your excellent comment Charles; D 'can' win, but Chicks still dig the Long Ball.

Did he dump OK for USC? Or, did he dump the SEC for the Pac-12?

CFB has had 8 Playoffs contested to date. No school that played 9 conference games has won a championship. In 2019, had Oregon played Portland State at home in the penultimate game of the regular season and not tripped to ASU for the 4th cross-division and 9th conference game, Oregon, playing with Justin Herbert at QB, would have been a Final 4 lock. The Playoff's current 4 team field will be with us through the 2025 season. In anticipation of adding an annual out-of-conference game versus an ACC opponent or a B1G opponent, Pac-12 commissioner George Klaivkoff expressed a desire for the conference to play 8 and not 9 conference games. However, dropping the 9th game was predicated on the B1G also going from 9 to 8 conference games. This isn't happening. The B1G will be staying at 9 conference games. B1G Commissioner Kevin Warren hasn't said so, but Ohio State AD Gene Smith, has said so. When Ohio State speaks, the B1G listens. Is going to 8 conference games with a possible OOC game versus an ACC team financially viable for the Pac-12 conference? I don't believe so. I believe the conference will stay at 9 conference games in order to provide the best game inventory it can offer when the conference media rights are rebid in 2024. Oklahoma and Texas will be joining the SEC. When this happens all CFB 'experts' expect that the SEC will go from 8 to 9 conference games every year, with the ACC likely to follow suit. At 8 conference games the Pac-12 would then find itself on a P5 scheduling island. But the above doesn't mean the conference should sit still scheduling-wise, even before the CFB Playoff field most likely expands to a 12 team field in 2026. (The field is anticipated to be made up of all P5 champions, a G5 representative and 6 at-large teams. The top 4 ranked teams will likely have a first round bye.) The B1G has indicated that it intends to drop divisions while remaining at 9 conference games. The SEC is likely to do the same when Oklahoma and Texas come on board. Why? Because with 6 at large teams making a 12 team playoff field, the B1G/SEC want to assure that its Conference Championship game features the two best teams in the conference. Such a format would prevent a 3 or 4 loss 'outlier' division winner from 'sneaking into' a playoff spot with a win in the championship game and thereby possibly knocking out a more worthy at large team. In my opinion and especially with the Pac-12 most likely to remain at 9 conference games, the Pac-12 should drop divisions as soon as practicable, while assuring that conference rivalry games are played every season. If the Pac-12 drops divisions, I believe the best option for the conference would be to go to pods, with each pod member playing the other three pod members every season. South Pod - Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Utah California Pod - CAL, Stanford, UCLA, USC North Pod - Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, Washington State This would mean 3 games versus pod members every season, 6 additional conference games played rotationally, and 3 OOC games. The final game of the regular season would be Championship Week. Teams ranked No. 1 and No. 2 would play in Las Vegas. Team No. 12 would play at team No. 3, No. 11 at No. 4, etc. This would assure that the conference does not produce an 'outlier' champion, while also assuring that teams with better records would be rewarded with an additional home game. The teams with the better record would be odds-on to win the final game and provide the best opportunity for more than one CFB Playoff team. This format would also likely produce the highest number of bowl eligible teams. Rivalry games would be played on the penultimate weekend of the regular season. This is not that unusual today, with Stanford playing CAL and USC playing UCLA, before the final home game with Notre Dame every other season. The Championship Week format would also provide an extra idle weekend before Playoff games commence. With a 12 team field, 1st round Playoff games will be played prior to December 31st or January 1st. An extra week off to get healthy and game plan for the upcoming opponent would not hurt the conference's Playoff cause. One last of thought? If all P5 champs are in a 12 team CFB Playoff field, then still drop divisions but play 2 games OOC and 10 conference games, with all rivalry games protected. The conference champion would be decided at the conclusion of the regular season and not in a 13th Championship game. However, this format depending on the 'quality' of the 3rd OOC opponent, could hurt Playoff seeding? What are your thoughts in regards to future conference scheduling?

Finally, something tangible from GK. Now, get the network in the black and out of SFO or BK the SOB.

With the Trojans boosters going large with a $100M+ deal for a new HC (and whatever they paid for Dye among others,) a sleeping giant with a whole lot of dough has awakened. Buying Conerly, if it happens, will not be unique for SC in the future; look for the same in regard to any stud on the west coast the Trojans is trying to recruit. The Trojans finally have an AD, Cronin, who is not a former SC guy. Cronin is the guy who hired Fickell at Cincinnati. That worked out 'pretty well' as Cincy was the first G5 school to reach the CFB final 4. And it also appears that SC president Folt and the SC administration is fully behind the intent to return SC to football glory. Riley and Texas had similar roster rankings in the B12, ahead of the rest of the B12 pack. Riley jocked UT and before losing focus in 2021, with the 'move to the SEC stuff' going on, won 4 B12 titles in a row. We all have high hopes for Coach Lanning but Dan as a head coach, has never won a P5 conference title. (As an assistant coach it's ironic that Dan won it all, but he never won a conference championship.) I've seen a lot of critical takes regarding Cronin and Riley on the forum, but SC today is a real deal threat. It doesn't hurt the cause when ESPN and not Larry's Lost Network, is broadcasting your spring game. Unless and until NIL is regulated, expect to have to match or surpass an SC offer for any recruit who is deciding between SC and the Ducks. I think 'THIS' stinks. But it doesn't matter what I think.

King Kong from The Empire State Building? Had such high hopes for conference CBB after the 2020 tourney; looked like the concentrated effort to improve conference hoops had paid off. Then? More bids for the Mountain West and no Elite 8 teams.

Never cancel anything without being certain of your decision?

Kind of like Canada competing financially with the USA. One big concern I have. Will The Conference of Champions be able to retain its successful coaches?

And with this coaching staff, if they so earn the right, they actually might get to play some game day ball?

I love how 'us old guys' can hold a grudge! I still have a mad-on for B1G refs. I'm a long time Pats fan but not when $CAM was the starting QB. The $EC: If you ain't cheatin', you ain't tryin'. It Just Means More! Except when it comes to academics.

Great points. I would love it if Oregon opened every regular season with a game versus Portland State in Autzen. Fans will be fired up to attend the opening game no matter the opponent and I believe it would be better to have a game in hand before playing Auburn, Georgia, etc. If Oregon was to adopt your idea, IMO Portland State would be a perfect spring game opponent. Portland State would bring fans to the game; a game versus Southern Utah, not so much.