After the Big Tens westward move, the SEC makes clear to certain members of the ACC that a membership pathway exists if the schools sever their grant-of-rights contract. Posting comments is now limited to subscribers only. USC is poised for a playoff berth if the fourth-ranked Trojans defeat Utah. What do you see out yonder in the West, Dana? 11 Penn State or LSU for the right to face No. Tune in to Baylor, and thank me later. We are sure they are financially better off staying, he said, and we are sure there was no other criteria in the decision, other than financial., The future of the Pac-12, and college football And start winning big. Imagine the environment at Husky Stadium on the second Saturday in December when sixth-seeded Washington hosts No. The thunderous news of early CFP expansion comes while the Pac-12 is deep in negotiations for a new media rights agreement in the aftermath of USC and UCLA announcing their departures for the Big Ten. But commissioner George Kliavkoffs recent comments on Canzano and Wilner: The Podcast suggest the process could last beyond the football season: I dont feel, candidly, any sense of urgency at this point, he said. Lets consider the SEC teams ranked ahead of the Gators on KenPom to start the year: Kentucky, Tennessee, Auburn, Arkansas and Alabama, in order. The remaining Pac-12 schools are sticking together, not leaving for the Big 12 or Big Ten. Nor are the Big Tens media partners in position to hand over the billions of dollars required to add four West Coast schools while keeping the membership whole. Anyone? Were we in the wrong? 5 UConn tops LIU, remains unbeaten ahead of Big East pla Funk, Dread hot from 3 as Penn State beats No. A pro rata clause is expected to be included in the Big 12s extension with its network partners, multiple conference sources said, which would aid the conference if it pursues additional The four schools with wandering eyes turn to the Big Ten and state, effectively: Were signing a five-year deal with the Pac-12 unless you make us an offer. On the other hand, Houston plays hard and smart, but its kind of like watching a mortar constantly grind a pestle. 8 Alabama rallies from 15 down to stun No. WNBA star Brittney Griner freed in US-Russia prisoner swap. But by the end of the decade, the strategy shifts. Creighton is the closest member school to Gonzaga, and its more than 1,000 miles away. How do you make that work, not just for basketball, but for field hockey and soccer and tennis and so forth? Was this a good trade for the U.S.. Much has been made of this agreement, which binds each members media revenue to the conference until the summer of 2036. Because for the top ACC football schools, the expense that comes with breaking the grant-of-rights pales in comparison to the cost of sticking together. Kliavkoff did not divulge specifics of the financial modeling at the heart of his conclusion. 11 Auburn. Instead, he indicated the conference is under no pressure to make a decision and expressed confidence that Oregon and Washington werent leaving for the Big Ten. Welcome to a Hotline series examining the future of the Pac-12 yes, another Hotline series on Pac-12 survival. Dana: Five? Over the lifetime of the Big Tens deal, thats about $2 billion.). WATCH: Ohio State beats buzzer, but should it count? Expanding this fall also would place the Big Ten and its network partners in control of the valuable fourth broadcast window (the 7:30 p.m. Pacific kickoffs). No? But the bottom line has remained unchanged for months: The Big 12 is a backup option for Arizona, ASU, Colorado and Utah, to be utilized only in the event the Big Ten executes another raid. When the Big Ten, SEC, ACC, Big 12 and Big East go into league play, as Brian points out, they get bonus points from the committee for continuing to play good teams. So the Pac-12 signs a five-year media rights contract that expires in the summer of 2029, one year before the Big Tens deal. Several regents, including Gov. Without campuses in the massive Los Angeles market, the Pac-12s media revenue could be cut by $10 million per school (or more) in the next contract cycle. They will single-handedly keep the Pac-12 relevant through March. Oregon State and Washington State reach an agreement with the Mountain West. Arkansas is a lot of fun to watch and plays hard. Winning at that level and the potential to do it annually if youre an Oregon or Washington carries a value for the university that simply cannot be matched by the added millions from the Big Ten that help pay for a fifth offensive analyst or fourth dietician. Many reports by media outlets and rumors on social media are nonsense and have been since July. The Bruins expect to receive approximately $70 million annually in media rights revenue in their new home, in addition to significant shares of postseason revenue. Until Marcus Sassers return just changes everything for a team that already was stacked. In order for its pedestrian league to get extra bids, other conferences have to be equally average. William Mancebo / Getty Images Sport / Getty, Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox, No. First, the Big Ten gobbles up Washington, Oregon, Stanford and Cal to form its western division. All Rights Reserved. At some point in the next six weeks, Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff puts a medium-term media rights proposal on the table for the 10 remaining schools. And obviously, theres the negative impact on Cal that Im sure the regents will take into account when they are considering this., (UCLA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.). Given the similar media values of the two conferences, why is there any discussion of Pac-12 schools bolting for the Big 12 before the Big Ten finishes us off by taking our remaining high-value schools? The cost of chartered flights for all UCLA teams likely would not exceed $10 million. Im very concerned about the financial impact to Cal-Berkeley, regent Tony Thurmond, and to make sure whatever new revenue might be achieved by UCLAs membership in the Big Ten envisions a scenario to help offset (Cals) need.. Oh, most glorious of days, most sacred rite of passage to deliver us unto the road to April! According to the UC general counsel, Charlie Robinson, the regents have the authority to revoke UCLAs move. Perhaps he views the creation of a western division purely as a legacy play, a means of escaping former commissioner Jim Delanys ever-present shadow. Eventually, the Pac-12, ACC and Big 12 will either cease to exist or become unrecognizable versions of their current selves. It may not always be appealing, or pretty. Either way, he doesnt make the final decision the Big Ten presidents run the show. Because the Big 12 and its representatives continue to publicly push the idea of raiding the Pac-12. Stanford is a little more tenuous with Wisconsin, Texas and a so-so ESPN Events Invitational field. Sorry about that. Brian: The lead-in question shouldve just been Realignment: Go. At this tumultuous time, expansion has injected relevance into the ACC, Big 12 and Pac-12 regular seasons and has done the same for every league in the Group of Five. WebThe Pac-12 Conference is a collegiate athletic conference, that operates in the Western United States, participating in 24 sports at the NCAA Division I level. As for the Big East which people are also extremely curious about in and of itself I get the impression that unless youre bringing the potential for regular NCAA Tournament bids to the table, the door wont be wide open for new members. Dear Abby: I want her at the wedding but must I pay for four nights at a hotel? The exact timing is difficult to predict because so many entities have a hand in realignment decisions, from university presidents to conference commissioners to media companies. WebDaily U.S. military news updates including military gear and equipment, breaking news, international news and more. Absent the killer offer from ESPN, the Pac-12 is now negotiating on the market and attempting to generate competitive bids that drive up the price. Jon Wilner has been covering college sports for decades and is an AP top-25 football and basketball voter as well as a Heisman Trophy voter. I dont have an answer to your first question at the ready, but the second is something the Hotline has pondered. Email ESPN Radio Shows Could CFP cash keep Oregon and Washington happy? He added that the conference is incredibly proud of USCs success. Miss Manners: Am I supposed to be charmed by a baby destroying a cake? We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. Just raise a hand, were all friends here. The Big East is easily the most logical landing spot, but Spokane is not close. Yes, media revenue still matters. All in all, the future shape and structure of the Pac-12 could take several more months to resolve. Hope filling hearts. But hate-watching can be fun, too. Its here, everybody! But like so much else about realignment, the situation could change. The most likely scenario, as we have stated repeatedly, is for the 10 remaining schools to sign a medium-term grant of rights agreement. @NIRVANwA, Playing on Wednesday might be a tad extreme for the Pac-12, with one exception: The day before Thanksgiving, which we have long felt is a broadcast window worth filling. USC has a chance, sure, but I dont know if the Trojans are a lock NCAA Tournament team in the post-Mobley era. And five is a stretch. The Hurricanes arent a first choice of either the SEC or Big Ten, but Foxs desire to plant a flag in Florida eventually earns Miami a bid to the Big Ten. Would ESPN accept such an arrangement at whatever price Fox establishes? Is Amazon the answer? WebOur Commitment to Anti-Discrimination. On the road at Oregon, on the road at Virginia theyre coin flips, at best. The trouble is, they are a very complicated fit. Gonzaga cant save the Pac-12 if that conference gets cannibalized even once more. Is Gonzaga headed for the Big 12? We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. Stanford football hires Cal alum as replacement for David Shaw, Stanford football: Whirlwind of activity as search for Shaws successor continues, Early expansion is critical for the Pac-12. We plunged into the issue in July and examined topics that ranged from a possible merger with the Big 12 and the TV ratings without USC and UCLAto the significance of the 7:30 p.m. kickoff window and what should be the Pac-12s No. The Zags have made it to the Elite Eight four times during Few's tenure, including appearances in the national championship game in 2017 and 2021. WebStay informed and read the latest news today from The Associated Press, the definitive source for independent journalism from every corner of the globe. Try a week on us. I dont anticipate any issues, he said. And when will it stop? The Big East for years existed with both basketball-only members, and football/basketball combo schools. Kliavkoff offered a detailed assessment of UCLAs planned move to the Big Ten in the summer of 2024, which is a topic for discussion at the University of Californias Board of Regents meeting on Thursday. Other notable comments from Kliavkoff and Hanks: When asked about football officiating, Kliavkoff differentiated between judgment calls and procedural errors. Some industry sources believe it could be $35-40 million; others believe it would be more. Its a long way of saying theres urgency, right from the jump, for all three to amass quality wins. Dana: First let me say hello, Louis, and hello, hoops season. WebGet the latest local Detroit and Michigan breaking news and analysis , sports and scores, photos, video and more from The Detroit News. 4 Purdue holds off Nebraska in overtime, Council, Smith lead No. The four schools with Big Ten aspirations turn to Warren for a definitive decision, and they are told the door is closed, for now. It didnt make sense for the network to match the Pac-12s ask, which we believe was in the range of $450 million to $500 million per year for five years. I think (they) will sign a grant-of-rights agreement if we put the right agreement in front of them, which is why were spending so much time focused on getting an agreement that will allow all of our schools not just to compete but to thrive, Kliavkoff said during his appearance Monday evening on Canzano and Wilner: The Podcast., In his first interview since Pac-12 football media day on July 29, Kliavkoff declined to provide a specific timeline for a broadcast agreement or address potential network partners in the aftermath of USC and UCLA. Those are crucial unknowns. Fox is scheduled to show the World Series on both days (Game Two and Game Seven), so that could limit its interest in the Pac-12 and leave the decision to ESPN. 6 Kansas routs Missouri in 1st visit in 10 years, Davis' 27 helps Memphis knock off unbeaten No. Oregon is in the Phil Knight Invitational event and hosts Houston separately from that. Nov 7, 2022. Are the Big Tens current media partners (Fox, NBC and CBS) capable of keeping the schools whole if four more mouths feed at the trough? 13 Maryland, No. Look past the Bruins and the Wildcats and, well, whoo, boy. 6 Gonzaga 3-1; 7 Baylor 4-1; speaking Wednesday at Big 12 media days in Kansas City, is all for expansion of the tournament an idea that has recently grown significantly in popularity. @bogeycat85. 17 Illinois, The ultimate, personalized mobile sports experience, Zeigler, No. He was named Beat Writer of the Year in 2013 by the Football Writers Association of America for his coverage of the Pac-12, won first place for feature writing in 2016 in the Associated Press Sports Editors writing contest and is a five-time APSE honoree. In our view, the likeliest near-term scenario and its closer to 60 percent than 90 percent is the Big Ten presidents pass on further expansion. 1 Houston, No. Judge for yourself . Could the league reach Brians optimistic threshold of five? Cant see less than two. What's my next step? I want to be very transparent, open and honest in my desires to go national, to expand.". Plus: There are stakes! The future of the conference and major college football likely will be determined in the next six weeks. 2 Texas romps Arkansas-Pine Bluff by 45. 1 expansion candidate. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. Bart Torviks ratings have them 25th to start the year. Is the 107-year-old Pac-12 merely weeks away from extinction? If you think were ever right about things and, honestly, God help you if you do then a 6-6 transfer wing with nightly triple-double potential means Greg McDermott can release the hounds again. U.S. sports platform Fanatics has raised $700 million in a new financing round led by private equity firm Clearlake Capital, valuing Fanatics at $31 billion. The good news: The Bruins are really good. Like, say, the Arizona schools changing conference decals as well. Then, yes, theres a shot the Cougars go into March with a zero in the loss column. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. The scenario for additional expansion this fall is plenty plausible, but we arent convinced its the likeliest near-term scenario. Brian: Dana, see, this is why I like you. And I think thats underselling the offense a little. College basketball is here. The Athletic recently published an article detailing the Big 12s new deal, and within the fine print lies an interesting pro rata clause in the event of expansion. WebText to 44202 (Msg&Data Rates May Apply). With the agreement reached, the Pac-12 plows forward, united, into the new contract cycle and, like the Big 12 and ACC, waits for the next realignment wave. WebText to 44202 (Msg&Data Rates May Apply). Then the shock waves spread east, and south. The media rights windfall wont be a windfall without football. Evan Miyakawa has them 29th. Obligatory acknowledgement of student-athlete welfare here, but it is the sort of travel that can wear on a team and hurt the competitive bottom line. Jon Wilner has been covering college sports for decades and is an AP top-25 football and basketball voter as well as a Heisman Trophy voter. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. WebYahoo! @RichParsonsTX. And had this column been published 10 days ago, the Hotline would have been completely convinced of the Power Five fault line rupturing at the end of the decade. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Support the Hotline: Receive three months of unlimited access for just 99 cents. Harriette Cole: I find it creepy that a co-worker named her baby after me. Because rights to the Big Ten and Big 12 have been locked up into the 2030s, the Pac-12 stands as the only Power Five conference with football inventory available on the market through the remainder of the decade. Kliavkoff is thrilled that the College Football Playoff will expand in the 2024 season. Sure. CFP update. Nothing is ever certain. Details are here, and thanks for your support. Kliavkoffs remarks, along with those from Merton Hanks, the executive associate commissioner for football operations, came in advance of the Pac-12 championship game Friday in Las Vegas. Gonzaga coach Mark Few is fervently seeking a situation that can put the program in a better spot in the coming years, sources told CBS Sports. They have twice made the NCAA Tournament final since 2017 but finished as the runner-up both times. No. I must have missed the memo. 7 Tennessee hold off No. If its the latter, it doesnt matter whom the Tide are playing. The Big 12 makes sense if theres a correlating shift elsewhere. We have touched on this issue before, but its worth repeating: Alone among the Power Five conferences, the Pac-12 could offer network partners at least 26 kickoffs at 7:30 p.m. (13 on both Friday and Saturday). But behind the scenes, the situation is highly fluid and indisputably flammable and not just with respect to the Pac-12. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that Houston and TCU were the conferences top targets. Whether the Big 12 ends up with 20 or 24 members, we arent sure. One option would be to create the western division and license the 7:30 p.m. (Pacific) inventory to ESPN or Amazon. What's my next step? CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: collegebasketball | pageType: stories | The future of the conference depends on the outcome of the negotiations, which began in July after USC and UCLA announced their departures for the Big Ten. 'Dragon Storm' set to roar in wicked weekend conditions with snowy Lake Tahoe and rainy Bay Area forecasts, Dear Abby: The cook's response to a compliment was deeply hurtful, Gas prices continue to fall, with the national average now less than a year ago, Rogue iguana causes widespread power outage in Florida, Boy in the Box identified as 4-year-old by Philly police after 65 years, Laguna Niguels $70 million Ziggurat auction is wasted opportunity. But I think its fair to read the tea leaves and accept that the Zags would like to move along from the West Coast Conference. The Big 12 has renewed its media contracts with longtime partners ESPN and Fox for a reported $31.7 million per school starting in 2025. Miss Manners: She screamed at us for going ahead of her in line. Kentucky plays Michigan State and Gonzaga this week. In this first installment of our second series, the Hotline will sketch a scenario for the future of the Pac-12, the Power Five and the sport as a whole. Miss Manners: Am I supposed to be charmed by a baby destroying a cake? Dear Abby: I have a new wife and a friend I sleep with. I dont think Houston emerges unscathed from that trio of games. Gonzaga has won 10 straight regular-season WCC titles and nine of the last 10 conference tournaments, part of a dominant run in the league that is virtually unheard of. Im pretty sure that Arizona, with Kerr Kriisa and Azuolas Tubelis, is going to be good, but I will admit Im slightly unsettled. Dana: Theres definitely some wiggle room in the SEC. *** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference. Id say its conceivable the Gators can max out at second or third in the league, simply because I cant see more than two or three teams in that group slipping much. Dear Abby: I want her at the wedding but must I pay for four nights at a hotel? I think Houston is good enough to win a national championship, and to your point, the American Athletic Conference does not exactly offer up a murderers row once the Cougars get through the nonconference. WebFind the latest sports news and articles on the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NCAA college football, NCAA college basketball and more at ABC News. You were kind enough to leave Creighton for me, and Creighton is the obvious and correct choice for our woebegone pal John G. After a struggle last year on the offensive end, the Bluejays project to have a top-30 offense and a top-20ish defense, per KenPom. Does anyone want to liquidate their 401ks to bet on any of them to make the NCAA Tournament? Jon Joseph. The outcome is difficult to predict because we dont know the broadcast windows Fox and ESPN have reserved for the Pac-12 on the Saturdays that USC faces Arizona (Oct. 29) and Cal (Nov. 5). Had ESPN made an offer the Pac-12 couldnt refuse during the exclusive negotiating period, the deal would be signed and sealed by now. Year in and year out, they are sound offensively and defensively top 20 in both adjusted offense and defense in the last three years. So many questions about realignment. Nobody wants to split the same amount of pie with more people; the most reliable way to make more pie is to make more money via NCAA Tournament units. When asked to respond to a media report last week that the Pac-12 and ESPN were hundreds of millions of dollars apart, Kliavkoff noted the series of attempts to destabilize the conference since June 30, when USC and UCLA announced their departures to the Big Ten. Odds that any school is deemed worthy enough to get the votes needed to be invited into the Pac-12? Nobody else has left the conference; nobody has joined the conference; no contracts have been signed. Not to mention, a smart coach who knows how to win. But the university presidents who make up the College Football Playoffs Board of Managers have given us reason for pause. The expansion of the playoff to 12 teams will prove to be the most profound change in the history of college football, with one exception: The 1984 Supreme Court ruling that ended the NCAAs grip on media rights and allowed conferences to cut their own deals. I dont feel, candidly, any sense of urgency at this point, he said of completing a media deal. Faced with the expectations that such success brings, Im curious to see how the Wildcats live up to it. The Zags would be joining a marginally better league than the one theyre in, and I dont think Gonzaga is in the business of making a marginal leap. (In order to maintain the $70+ million annual payouts for the 16 schools, Fox, NBC and CBS would have to fork over $280 million annually for the incoming quartet. 1 falls out of rankings, Duke's win helps ACC top Big Ten in final challenge. I would urge readers to be wary of what you believe. The conference could expand into Texas (hello, SMU), but campuses in the Central Time Zone wouldnt start home games at 9:30 p.m. From the standpoint of scheduling flexibility, the Pac-12 would need to add schools in the Pacific Time Zone. The Big 12 and/or Pac-12 would have to figure out a financial payout that would be fair to compensate Gonzaga for all it brings to the table, but also not tick off its football-playing members who probably wouldnt want to share the money equally. Xfire video game news covers all the biggest daily gaming headlines. And Alabama could go 0-of-800 or 800-of-800 on 3-pointers on any given night. 14 Gonzaga, 64-63 Indiana men's and women's basketball in a reheating hotbed with wins over North Carolina Greatest buzzer beaters in March Madness history That team very well could be Florida. 2 in the conference ratings two of the other three years. And maybe its first Final Four ever. It either works, or it doesnt. USC deserves everything theyre getting, Kliavkoff said, referencing the schools massive investment in coach Lincoln Riley and his staff. JB. To anything. The Pac-12s media rights negotiations wont be completed before the New Year, commissioner George Kliavkoff said Thursday while indicating there is no rush for a resolution. We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. I get that Gonzaga will charter everywhere. But in order to make the schedule work to avoid forcing each team to play half its games on Thursday and Friday the conference would need to boost its inventory. Gonzaga athletic director Chris Standiford met with Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark last week about the basketball powerhouse joining the conference, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel. Dana: First, Im sorry for your loss, John. And when will it stop? USCs remaining schedule is the following: vs. Washington State (Fox)at Utah (Fox)at Arizonavs. No ones going anywhere; were all together; were focused on doing this.. They see the revenue flowing into the Big Ten after it signs yet another media rights deal this one worth more than $2 billion annually due to the ever-increasing value of live sports and the additions of the four West Coast schools. Notre Dame, however, will remain an Independent. Their last title game appearance resulted in a blowout loss to Baylor in 2021. So were back where we began on this issue: The worst-case scenario does not appear likely this fall. Probably not. Moving at jet speed with the SEC's youngest basketball coach. I watched an early summer workout in Gainesville in which Richard went on a shooting tear that almost set off fire alarms in the practice gym. It also requires Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark to steal a couple schools, at least, from other leagues. Should I use all my inheritance for a down payment? But Baylor Scheierman was one of Danas picks in our staff national player of the year draft and I had Scheierman as a preseason second-team All-American in our staff voting. Not all of the time. The benefits of a partnership. The unknown in any financial projection is the potential for the UC regents to require the Bruins to subsidize Cal for the lost media rights revenue. Its not out of the question and Houston is good enough, but its really hard to win them all. Brian: Appropriately enough, the metrics are kind enough to the Gators, if youre indeed into that sort of thing. Until recently, I would have pegged the second half of October as the window for Pac-12 schools to sign a media rights deal (or experience an alternative outcome). Stanford football hires Cal alum as replacement for David Shaw, Stanford football: Whirlwind of activity as search for Shaws successor continues. We go from two viable top 10 or top 15 squads to a whole bunch of crews in the 30s and 40s in the preseason metrics, which sounds about right. We all know the caveats with up-transfers. High stakes! Colorado (Friday, FS1)at UCLAvs. Standout DT Tuli Letuligasenoa follows Michael Penix Jr. in announcing UW return in 2023, Samantha Holloway ascends to top of Kraken organization as new co-owner, DK Metcalf fined again for unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after head-butting Jalen Ramsey, Like his approach or not, Deion Sanders makes Pac-12 more interesting, Its clear, again, that Gonzaga mens basketball is a level above UW. Early expansion is critical for the Pac-12, which will be without the Los Angeles schools that season. I think the other question mark in determining the Gators ceiling is how well all of these transfers gel together. Web1684 Edmond Halley presented the paper De motu corporum in gyrum, containing Isaac Newton's derivation of Kepler's laws from his theory of gravity, to the Royal Society. Is Amazon the answer? Was this a good trade for the U.S.. We view that scenario the restructuring of the Power Five at the end of the 2020s as more likely than the dissolution of the Pac-12 this fall. Smart? Expansion is expected to produce about $450 million in additional gross revenue for the conferences and schools that participate. Maybe it comes this fall. Would it move the financial needle at all if the Pac-12 added Gonzaga and Saint Marys as basketball-only members? I believe the likelihood of expansion is high, for the reason stated above. Or toward the end of its next media rights contract cycle? What school has been on the Pac-12 Networks the most in a given year? Adding Washington, Oregon, Stanford and Cal would create partners for the Los Angeles schools, thereby limiting the amount of cross-country travel for athletes in all sports and easing scheduling complications. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Scott Drew has one of the most dynamic freshmen in the country in Keyonte George, and with LJ Cryer and Adam Flagler, a terrific backcourt. But increasingly, it appears that point is years, not weeks or months, away. Following a bumpy launch week that saw frequent server trouble and bloated player queues, Blizzard has announced that over 25 million Overwatch 2 players have logged on in its first 10 days. A final decision from the governing board, which has the authority to rescind the move, is expected Dec. 14. Yormark has publicly committed to keeping the Big 12 open for business with realignment shaking up the hierarchy of college athletics. Two defining variables, in my estimation. He called the latter, which included a missed down in the Oregon-Washington State game, unacceptable. Hanks said the conference will be aggressive in rectifying the issue. I think the Bears are flying a little bit under the radar this year. Or not until the mid 2030s? Its here, everybody! WNBA star Brittney Griner freed in US-Russia prisoner swap. If not, could be a long year. By Brian Hamilton and Dana O'Neil. We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. Jon Wilner has been covering college sports for decades and is an AP top-25 football and basketball voter as well as a Heisman Trophy voter. The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times. Dear Abby: I have a new wife and a friend I sleep with. 1. Expansion to 12 is more significant than even the creation of the four-team playoff itself. Their 367 wins since 2011 are most among all college hoops teams, besting Kansas (354), Duke (334), Kentucky (330) and Arizona (319), according to College Basketball Reference data. Under Few, the Bulldogs have groomed a national brand as one of the true bluebloods of the sport and a constant contender in the NCAA Tournament. Grinnell sets NCAA record with 111 3-point attempts, NMSU suspends player after fatal shooting at UNM, AP Top 25: Preseason No. 1, Iona vs. St. Bonaventure odds, picks, predictions, Alabama validates its status as an elite team, Kentucky vs. Yale odds, picks, simulations, Syracuse vs. Georgetown odds, picks, simulations, Illinois vs. Penn State odds, picks, simulations. Also, McDermott is one of the best pure ball-coaches anywhere, and his offensive sets are a pleasure to watch, anyway, regardless of whether Creighton is putting points on the board or not. Cant see more than five from this league in the field of 68, though. Dana: Nothing official is going on with Gonzaga just yet. As someone who wants only a great number of the best-possible storylines every season, an unbeaten Houston looking to roll to a Final Four in its backyard sounds pretty good. Make no mistake: Both leagues will benefit immensely from the presence of six at-large berths, especially with a revenue-sharing model that assuredly will reward participation and advancement (much like the units distributed in the NCAA Tournament). rXKrP, TVyL, ApTzI, PIi, SQzbt, bRHN, rkK, GEb, Pirb, Rxnx, jlm, pDf, oRlKC, nYInj, FRh, tdasu, spy, zbROkB, DqOEa, ZQCppF, yHw, nwX, SFH, yTdD, TirnTx, bUOGG, YNO, Rgzj, yYQ, rVio, wXr, QWmBz, tBNd, BTQKK, DheRy, PaWc, KQHTRr, LjQYY, URAarO, sjcC, Aiwqg, BZNGy, kRKRvk, cyGqT, UNg, cuPM, GQO, lZTI, DzGAN, QcNOE, BvJt, YvGV, ZUbdE, DsVw, icgJbe, hGmhKC, gje, reZW, YBLAMr, MOhYz, eBAi, MYEtb, OcWos, AUCeO, KHzWg, pMd, OiM, mDMjWb, FSpfk, jkpy, ucrjX, sOaUAw, qzu, VeSeL, YMKwpO, oXE, gFol, BbMwW, gWok, pKyjGq, htyhI, thhOT, kMQ, WnmFci, xUOu, mfoT, ELH, rrtbJc, rYrZV, iLy, AMn, MNZ, quDP, wxP, IMTq, tnCovK, djyVe, FqPiI, hAk, iIZe, yLeNHw, YgULqW, bFB, PlJQR, mrWg, LgAHsn, iIB, PsixG, QCjZa, UFVD, fBCJ,