Horn,
I concede that the Pac originally wanted a larger package deal in which Texas would have been the crown jewel. The TV market and brand associated with that school's athletics across the board is no small prize.
However, in the grumblings from the Pac following the failed negotiations, I was left with the sense that there was no longer love for Texas. Would they still like to have the program in the Pac? Sure--money is, after all king. But based on leaked remarks which stated Texas changed the agreement at the 11th hour after knowing (and agreeing) for months in advance what the deal was, led me to believe that dealing with Texas was a bit like biting tin foil for the leadership of the Pac. Who know, though, maybe it was just sour grapes.
Let's move on to Colorado and the Pac. Ignore that the fans from the Pac schools have been thus far gracious in accepting us on the internet boards. It means nothing. Let's assume that you're right. Let's assume that the Pac wouldn't extend the offer again. Let's assume that expanding the Pac brand to two new media markets, and two desirable places to travel means nothing to the conference.
Does it matter? Does it matter that they wouldn't do it again? Not to the CU fan.
So why should the CU fan be excited about this?
For years, CU fans (based on an informal survey of the interwebz) have felt more in common--both culturally and academically--with our Pac brethren. "Boulder California" posters were common when I was a student at CU from 90 - 94. We feel like we belong in the Pac, and that actually matters.
Even in 94 when our regents nearly voted for a swap to the western conference, the fanbase was split. And that was back when there was a lot of Big 8 loyalty. That loyalty is long gone.
Our fans have travelled far better to games at UCLA, USC, Cal and ASU than we do in our own conference. I find that encouraging. You started one argument (if I can remember correctly) saying we wouldn't travel well in the Pac. When somebody contradicted you with historical evidence suggesting otherwise you retreated to the "well, it doesn't matter anyway" argument. If it doesn't matter, don't bring it up.
You mentioned that the Texas recruting wasn't working out for us. Nope...it never really has (except in spurts). Why continue to play in a state where we can't get a toe-hold? Our bread and butter has always been in California. Exposure should only strengthen that.
We'll see how the money shakes out. Based on the markets and my faith in Scott, I'm optimistic; you call it "group think" but this group has shown itself to be anything but consistent in its viewpoints. But I think some optimism is the the hallmark of any fanbase. But you're right, we won't know until the deal is done, where the money is concerned.
You talk about turning our backs on our tradition? Ummmmm, okay Texas? Then you suggest we belong in the MWC. I'm trying to keep up here.
Not only do I find a lot of encouraging reason to be in the Pac. I find a lot of reasons to leave the Big XII, as well.
My time on Shaggybevo has shown me that many (pretty much all of them on that site) Texas fans would like to leave the conference, and felt betrayed when they didn't. Ditto aTm. Mizzou wanted out, and fell flat. KSU, KU and TT are only staying out of fear of the non-BCS alternatives. Is fear really a good reason to stay? Some conference schools are willing to pay others, and others are willing to take their money? The rich get richer, the poor get poorer and the on-field competition gets worse. Yup, sounds like a great place to stay around. Nobody wants to be in the Big XII anymore, as far as I can tell.
So yeah, the Pac seems better, and the Big XII seems worse. Do they really want us over there in the Pac? Who knows, and who cares. They extended an offer, and I'm certain (decent personal relationships with media sources in Eugene and So. Cal) that it had nothing to do with Baylor. You're woefully misinformed on that.
Does the Pac fix our problems? Well, it's not a magic fix, of course. As somebody pointed out already, our problems are about leadership, coaching facilities and money. But it could go some distance to energize our fanbase, gain visibility in fertile (and more viable) recruiting markets and could even potentially fatten our conference payout (to be determined).
Not a complete solution, and even if those things don't pan out. At least we're in the conference where we feel we belong, and at least we're not in the Big Whatever it's called now.
