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I would be surprised if there wasn't any talk of this at some point in the last ten years. From a distance, even taking into consideration the problems of travel for all sports, it makes all kinds of sense. The profiles are quite similar: State flagship or high-quality state schools and the private schools are quasi Ivies like Stanford and Northwestern. Combined endowments would be through the roof even when averaged out. The CIC would salivate over the likes of USC or UDub joining. Even Colorado and Arizona.
The biggest obstacle, obviously, is overcoming regional pride and egos such a proposed combination would run into. Here's how I see the way to do it:
Anything must first start in California. That is where the top schools are and a major recruiting state. The Rose Bowl would be the major prize (the Big Ten truly prize that bowl above all else) in any negotiation. Should the Cali 4 join almost certainly Washington follows. With Washington you probably have to include Oregon (BTN goes basic in Portland) in the mix. So half the conference already out and PAC on death bed. Colorado and Arizona to connect West Coast to Nebraska, forming a bridge. Arizona State would have to join as well to sew up the Phoenix market. So you need one more to get to 24. Best candidate left would be Utah (Salt Lake City market). Voilà. Most of PAC absorbed into the B1G.
UW, UO, Cal, Stanford, USC, UCLA, UA, ASU
UU, CU, UNL, IA, MN, WI, NU, IL
PU, IU, MSU, UM, OSU, PSU, MD, RU
Truly a behemoth if it ever happens. The ACC nor the SEC/XII would be able to match the academic profile of such a grouping. Probably why it won't happen.
The biggest obstacle, obviously, is overcoming regional pride and egos such a proposed combination would run into. Here's how I see the way to do it:
Anything must first start in California. That is where the top schools are and a major recruiting state. The Rose Bowl would be the major prize (the Big Ten truly prize that bowl above all else) in any negotiation. Should the Cali 4 join almost certainly Washington follows. With Washington you probably have to include Oregon (BTN goes basic in Portland) in the mix. So half the conference already out and PAC on death bed. Colorado and Arizona to connect West Coast to Nebraska, forming a bridge. Arizona State would have to join as well to sew up the Phoenix market. So you need one more to get to 24. Best candidate left would be Utah (Salt Lake City market). Voilà. Most of PAC absorbed into the B1G.
UW, UO, Cal, Stanford, USC, UCLA, UA, ASU
UU, CU, UNL, IA, MN, WI, NU, IL
PU, IU, MSU, UM, OSU, PSU, MD, RU
Truly a behemoth if it ever happens. The ACC nor the SEC/XII would be able to match the academic profile of such a grouping. Probably why it won't happen.