Just like that, the PAC-12 appears to be going the way of its predecessor, the PCC. USC and UCLA are leaving for the Big 10. It has also been reported that Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah have at least enquired about joining the Big 12. That could leave California, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, Washington and Washington State scrambling. However, Stanford and Oregon possibly also be Big 10 bound.
This is just speculation on my part...the PAC-12 appears to be done. If you are Boise State, would you join a conference anchored by Washington, Washington State, Oregon and California. Or would you prefer to remain in the MW? If it is the prior, it will probably no longer be called the PAC-12, because the brand is now tarnished if not toxic. Also remember there would only be one bowl game remaining in the PAC-12...the Whatever it is called bowl that plays at Levi's stadium.
The war to whittle down the Power 5 to 4 is now over. The PAC-12 lost. The PAC-12 sealed its fate when the decided NOT to raid the Big 12 for Oklahoma State, TCU, Baylor and Texas Tech in the wake of Oklahoma and Texas leaving for the SEC. The Big 12 then shored up its forces by expanding. Even after the Big 12 expanded, the PAC-12 could have shored up its forces by adding Boise State with 1 to 3 other MW schools, but they refused to see the writing on the wall. They should not be surprised by today's announcements.
However, this is a worst-case scenario. It is possible that only USC and UCLA will leave. The PAC-12 will add Boise State with 1 to 3 or even 5 of their sister MW schools and things will normalize. But the sharks smell blood in the water.
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