Big 12 Football: The good, bad and ugly of bringing back title game
After being left out in the cold in 2014, there will be another Big 12 football title game this season, but was bringing it back the right decision?
You know that friend who has a really bad idea and not one person actually thinks the idea is good except that friend? Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby is that friend.
Big 12 Media Days start Monday and one of the biggest topics that Bowlsby will trot out is the return of the Big 12 title game. On June 3, 2016, the return of the championship game was approved to much happiness from the commissioner, athletic directors and university presidents.
Why, you might ask?
I’ve got about 27 to 28 million reasons why, that’s how much extra money the conference gets in its pocket with the additional 13th week of conference play. While this seems like a fantastic idea, it’s a really bad one. Like, “Iceberg, dead ahead!” bad idea. However to most everything the Big 12 does, I will explain where there is a good, bad and ugly side to this monumental decision.
First, I explain why is a good idea. Why? Because I’m a very positive person.
Good reasons to bring back the Big 12 title game
- “The 13th data point”
The “all important” 13th data point, which basically means that the 13th week is a chance to have voters watch a potential playoff teams play in the Big 12 title game. It’s a great way for the conference to get its foot in the pool on the same weekend as the rest of the Power Five conferences — and that’s great. Just in case you need to separate yourself from someone in the Big Ten or ACC, you’ve got the title game to do it.
- The Big 12’s death is put on hold
The Big 12 Conference has a fetish for teasing it’s demise. Ever since the mass exodus of four teams between 2010 and 2011, we’ve seen the conference struggle for survival. Well, with the advent of the Big 12 title game, you know that the conference will have some instance of survival till 2025 (when the Big 12’s grant of rights expires). If not, then David Boren’s attempts for Oklahoma’s exit out of the conference are next. Oh, did I say that out loud? Regardless, the Big 12’s expiration date has been extended at least a few more seasons.
And now, a trip to negative town.