Filed by Dirk Chatelain at 11:35 a.m.
The performances of Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri the past few weeks are sure to generate more talk of Big 12 divisional realignment.
Unfortunately, the Big 12's North-South split is one of the most logical formats in college sports. (Much better than the ACC, for instance, which divides teams based upon -- well, nothing really.)
There's a very clear difference in geography between the southernmost team in the North -- Columbia, Mo. -- and the northernmost team in the South -- Stillwater, Okla.
But for the sake of entertainment, let's throw out a few ideas on realignment:
1) The West-East proposal.
West:
Texas
Oklahoma
Nebraska
Colorado
Baylor
Texas Tech
East:
Missouri
Oklahoma State
Kansas
Texas A&M
Iowa State
Kansas State
As you can see, that arrangement makes things worse, not better. Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska in the same division? Don't think Tom Osborne would vote for that.
2) Alphabetical Order.
Division 1:
Baylor
Colorado
Iowa State
Kansas
Kansas State
Missouri
Division 2:
Nebraska
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
Texas
Texas Tech
Texas A&M
Ahhh, nope.
3) Mascots! Animals in one division, historical state icons in another.
Animals:
Texas
Baylor
Colorado
Kansas
Kansas State
Missouri
Un-animals:
Nebraska
Iowa State
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
Texas Tech
Texas A&M
Texas and Oklahoma in separate divisions, that's good. Nebraska and Iowa State replace Texas and Baylor, so there's not much geographic disruption.
And by putting Baylor and Colorado in the same division, you create an annual grudge match for "Worst Team in the Big 12."
What's not to like?
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