College football has entered a confusing period in its narrative. Texas and Oklahoma have merged with the SEC to create the first 16-team super-league, while teams remaining in the Big-12 are left scrambling for their next move. Enter the Pac-12. A borderline struggling football conference with a new commissioner, and itch for notoriety. This was the backdrop for a meeting between Bob Bowlsby and George Kliavkoff.
Depending on who you asked, there were variations in optimism.
Max Olson of The Athletic, recently posted an article that updated how relations are progressing between the two commissioners, who met in person last week. Both parties leaked out good reviews for the meeting. One, more excited than the other:
But on the Big 12 side, sources say Bowlsby came back with a sense of cautious optimism and assured the meeting went well. The two commissioners did talk about the concepts of a scheduling alliance, merger and other potentially creative solutions for working together as expected, though neither side offered specifics to The Athletic. Their discussion was characterized as more introductory and exploratory in nature and less about sorting through the details of each potential plan.
Pac-12 sources were quick to frame the Bowlsby meeting as a very preliminary, get-to-know-you type of visit. But for their conference, it made sense to take the meeting. Sources believe they’re in a good position, no moves are imminent and they need not rush to make any.
Fans will most likely have to wait till next off-season before any serious plans are implemented by either conference. But, it’s encouraging that both sides seem to have an awareness about the situation at hand. Money is on the line, and a merger seems the best way to get it.
