Of course the politicians and administrators can still screw this up (and I'm not saying they shouldn't!)
But this is the Big Ten's only play. And the Pac 12 has been so woefully managed and poorly supported. That side of the country simply does not care in large enough numbers. So this was USC's only play, once Texas and OU left the Big 12.
UCLA is simply hitching a ride, IMO.
I agree with you 81, that the Big Ten wants to make sure they do not box out Notre Dame if there is a chance they would join the Big Ten. If there isn't, and I find that implausible at the current juncture, then I think Colorado, Utah, Oregon, and Washington are in play to round out the new nationwide Big Ten.
The SEC's response to all of this, IMO, would have to be some combination of North Carolina, Virginia, FSU, and Clemson. FSU and Clemson for the fan/rivalry angle, and UNC/UVA for the TV markets. Notre Dame would obviously be an attractive add and at the top of the list, but I would imagine they favor the ACC staying together as a first resort, and likely the Big Ten as a second resort.
A lot of political wrangling is going on. Well, it has been going on for several years really.
But this is the Big Ten's only play. And the Pac 12 has been so woefully managed and poorly supported. That side of the country simply does not care in large enough numbers. So this was USC's only play, once Texas and OU left the Big 12.
UCLA is simply hitching a ride, IMO.
I agree with you 81, that the Big Ten wants to make sure they do not box out Notre Dame if there is a chance they would join the Big Ten. If there isn't, and I find that implausible at the current juncture, then I think Colorado, Utah, Oregon, and Washington are in play to round out the new nationwide Big Ten.
The SEC's response to all of this, IMO, would have to be some combination of North Carolina, Virginia, FSU, and Clemson. FSU and Clemson for the fan/rivalry angle, and UNC/UVA for the TV markets. Notre Dame would obviously be an attractive add and at the top of the list, but I would imagine they favor the ACC staying together as a first resort, and likely the Big Ten as a second resort.
A lot of political wrangling is going on. Well, it has been going on for several years really.