JR, after reading your last comment, I'm not sure that the SEC taking all 8 of the Big 12 schools (minus Baylor and TCU) would be the end of the world. If we split the value of those schools with the ACC, we ensure their survival. Absorbing the Big 12 puts us at 24 schools, and as you said, the valuation of the Big 12 right now compared to the SEC on a per school basis is closer than the ACC. If you eliminate Baylor and TCU, I'm sure that value per time rises substantially. That move likely prompts the aforementioned Big 10 absorption of at least 9 of the PAC schools, putting them at 23. At that point, splitting the ACC for the SEC and Big 10 to get to 32 schools is elementary. Your Big 10/SEC/Continental Conference setup is very similar to this approach. Sure, I'd love to hold out and just add Oklahoma and Kansas, but as you've spelled out, that is a long shot on several levels without the PAC giving in and taking all the little brothers and probably TCU.

jhawk, I've noticed a few mentions here and there about Texas Tech being groomed for a better academic status, as well. I think that is a smart move by the state of Texas. As locals can attest much better than me, west Texas is pretty much its own state, and having a strong school for them that facilitates their needs will bring quality growth. If Texas Tech can get to Virginia Tech academic levels, they would be an excellent stand alone addition for the PAC and perhaps a palatable addition if the SEC could get them as a package with UT. Considering the size and scope of the state of Texas' influence, I do not think having the top 3 schools in that state as part of the conference would be too much to handle, especially with TAMU taking the role of dissenter whenever they can.