(11-04-2014 02:34 AM)Transic_nyc Wrote:  Using the theme of the networks parceling out the programs, it's possible that they'd split the difference between what the Big Ten and SEC would want. Both prefer dealing with flagship schools for historical and economic reasons. Therefore, we might see both each have a program from both the B12 and ACC, clue being in states where either hasn't had a presence, yet.

Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Illinois, Purdue, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Pennsylvania State, Rutgers, Maryland, Virginia

Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Louisiana State, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Missouri

Big Ten gets two AAU schools, one premium basketball power and further consolidation in the East, which is very needed. SEC gets two more premium programs and finally gets into NC.

The ACC picks up West Virginia and Iowa State as part of the B12 distribution, probably TCU and Baylor as well to access Texas recruiting and go to 16.

Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and Kansas State go to the PAC to round out the expansion.

ND renews its ACC deal and gets additional exposure in Texas.

The Big 10, SEC, and PAC would be happy with that, but I don't think the ACC would be too excited. Of all the scenarios I've tinkered with the 3 x 20 that builds the PAC, Big 10 and SEC into 3 regional conferences with four divisions of 5 regionally based schools each has been the best and strongest model for all surviving conferences. I don't think that any move that leaves one inherently disadvantaged conference is going to work. There are also some potentials with the 4 x 18 model. But if new markets and brands drive realignment and conference networks are indeed the ticket nothing builds them any better than the 3 x 20. The only problem is that there will be 5 victims, unless 1 of the conferences has 24 schools. To work in Cincinnati, Connecticut, and B.Y.U. you have to have two conferences of 24 and then things start to get thin.