Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
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The Colorado Buffaloes are bailing on the Big 12.
Clearly, it appears Colorado was a "go" for the Pac-10 from the very start; now it appears the only options are that CU will either be joined by five other Big 12 schools, or by Utah.
Utah gets in the new Pac-12 only if the Big 12 beats the odds and conventional wisdom and somehow stays together while suffering only a two-team defection. In such a scenario, the Utes' prayers are answered, and BYU fans then begin praying to be one of the teams picked to replace Nebraska or Colorado in the Big 12.
I am as curious as anyone to see what the Texas and Oklahoma schools eventually decide, but I would be surprised if after all of his dialogue and deal-making with the Big 12 that Pac-10 Commissioner Larry Scott ends up "settling" for two teams in the Rockies. Scott's grand designs can only be truly realized if he creates college athletics' first super-conference, and it will happen if the Longhorns decide that "west is best."
Texas, it's up to you: the Utes, the Cougars, and the rest of the Mountain West are waiting.
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Or, maybe someone else will make news first. TMZ Sports reports that Oklahoma State will be the next team to sign on the Pac-10's dotted line.
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Thanks to e-mailer Mike Gotfredson for linking me to this article quoting the Oklahoma AD about Big 12 survival chances and mentioning BYU as a replacement option for Nebraska or Colorado.
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