Monday, October 17, 2016

The Big 12 is Not Expanding After All

The Big 12 will not expand after all, and BYU will remain independent for the extended future.  I did not hop on the Big 12 expansion rumors because I more than a little doubt it would actually happen as the process moved on.

It's not that the Universities in the conference do not want BYU's baggage, although there is some of that, it's mostly the media partners who are saying no.  They are the ones who pony up the money.  They are the ones who are at risk if there is an advertising boycott.  BYU is up against a very powerful and wealthy group intent on creating permanent change to American culture and the LDS church is standing in the way.

So far, it is not as bad as it could be.  Schools have not refused to play BYU in sports, nor has there been any move to strip BYU of its accreditation, yet.  I do not feel as if those in that community feel that they have done enough.

Also, keep in mind that you are up against a group that knows how to chose the battles that they fight.

But that is not the only thing about American Culture that is changing.  The model that college football is on at this time is not sustainable.  The TV money will not be around forever.  Either it will remain flat and inflation will catch up, or it will fall.  BYU is in a good position to ride it out, where others are not.  BYU will not be kept out of the top tier forever.