Jon

Not surprising, but there was no way A&M would head to the Pac-10 without going at the same time with Texas, anyways. A&M recruiting insider Billy Liucci says he's confirmed through two different sources that Chip is wrong on this one. And he quickly "admitted" he was wrong. But either way, A&M turning down an invite now doesn't mean they wouldn't accept an invite that brought along Texas, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State. There's no reason for them to accept a Pac-10 invite on their own before Texas has decided. Hopefully A&M jumps to the SEC tomorrow so we can get the ball moving again.

Here's an interesting article from Frank the Tank about Big East pressure and Notre Dame.

Chip Brown: Not surprising, but there was no way A&M would head to the Pac-10 without going at the same time with Texas, anyways.

I give you 6 minutes before you just start fast-forwarding.

I think Texas was always going to try and wait this out. They're being courted by 3 conferences but also have a ton of political pressure on them. If they can wait out other schools, they won't be the bad guys here. The problem now, which was expected, is that everyone out of the loop up until this point is up in arms. They're pissed and making their own demands. The Texas administration, which itself isn't on the same page, has a tough road ahead navigating all of this. If A&M and Oklahoma jump to the SEC, I'd have to imagine that Texas is headed to the Big Ten. It's the best fit for Texas except geographically. The Big Ten would be the best option for them in nearly every way, particularly since they'd be a fish out of water in the Pac-10, of sorts. Texas and A&M would work for the Big Ten, but I don't see A&M going along with it. And the Big Ten wouldn't be able to stomach Texas plus Tech or even Oklahoma. If only A&M heads east, then Texas, Tech, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State will probably (but not definitely) stay together and head to the Pac-10. They'll have some strength in numbers there and will look out for each other in some ways. That creates a very profitable Pac-10 but also a situation prone to in-fighting and eventual instability. The top academic schools may approve that group, but they're going to be worried long-term. The Notre Dame situation is going to have some impact on Texas, as well, but I can't see Notre Dame making a decision before Texas. The possibility of playing Notre Dame every (or most) years would be a cherry on top for Texas and could be a big influence on Notre Dame, as well. And no way does Texas head to the SEC. So now, does A&M make the next move? Would Oklahoma jump to the SEC if they get tired of waiting, as well? Texas A&M and Oklahoma are really the only two schools that have a significant say in where they end up aside from Texas. Everyone else just has to pray.

If that was Slovenia's effort in a game when they should be wide open and going for the win, I can't imagine what they'll look like Friday.

What an awful effort by the keeper. Didn't bother to get in front of it and completely whiffed. Oh, and lovely to hear the speculation that Howard may have broken ribs.

I prefer the Algerian keeper's lilac shirt, black pants, and purple/orange shoes. Haven't been paying the closest attention, but neither of these offenses have done much threatening. The haircut really tops it off too. Nice save on that tip a minute ago though. The game seems to be going at a lethargic pace. No, I think the look is still missing zubaz and a hi-top fade. These two teams do realize that getting 3 points is kind of necessary, right?

PBC is done posting. He claims he got a cease and desist email from the Big Ten. I still believe at least some of what he said because up until now, he's pretty much been right. Chip Brown is backtracking on his statements from last week, though he still isn't saying anything about the Big Ten. It still seems Texas is negotiating, both externally with the Pac-10 and Big Ten and internally. It seems pretty clear that they won't be headed to the SEC, so they're likely waiting for A&M to make the next move. Possibly Oklahoma, as well. I don't think Texas will do anything until everyone knows that the Big 12 is gone.

I prefer the Algerian keeper's lilac shirt, black pants, and purple/orange shoes. Haven't been paying the closest attention, but neither of these offenses have done much threatening.

There have been other reports that said otherwise. I don't know if anyone knows the answer to that one. Well, it's a secondary concern right now for the Pac-10. Their priority right now is negotiating with Texas.

Joe Schad had reported that Utah was a favorite over Kansas.

Can we get some guys up the middle who are actually match fit?

HAHAHA. YES!!!!!!

Nice to see Onyewu playing like he can't walk on that one.

Two waves of thunderstorms headed through Chicago late this morning and early/mid afternoon, meaning I might be without HD and/or TV altogether during the match. Wonderful.

Nigeria is like a team full of Messi's today, except Messi has had some chances where he's actually put it on goal.

Messi may want to check out the back of the net after this match just to see what it feels like.

Nigeria has had a fair number of chances so far, but zero finishing ability.

Bah. PBC has said that he's been unexpectedly asked to stop posting. It's either a cop-out or things are changing/getting even more interesting.

Geez. That 2nd Greek defender completely whiffed on that "corner." Seems like the keeper still could have gone out to get it. I believe the studio said that gametime temps will be in the 40s for the match this afternoon.

Your last line pretty much nailed it. This has nothing to do with Missouri. They're just going to be easy targets for lazy, pissed off columnists and radio show hosts. I'd just plug my ears for a while. Heck, Nebraska made the first move and I don't think they're the ones at fault, either. The conference was run by a single school (Texas), wasn't unified, and had an awful TV situation (made worse by Texas' demands). It was doomed to fail.

Yeah I'm sure the Big Ten didn't appreciate Nebraska trying to deflect the blame for the dismantling of the Big 12 to essentially Texas. Yeah, but from Nebraska's perspective, it's either now or later. The blame game is going to last for years. And since they had the microphone first, they had a shot to deliver the first real public jab. If the report is accurate, I'm assuming the pro-Big Ten crowd is primarily on the academic side and the anti-Big Ten dissension is coming from some in the athletic department. One thing that the Big Ten has going for them is that even though Nebraska is in, they're now powerless. They have no say in anything that happens going forward with expansion assuming Delany didn't make any crazy promises, which I would doubt.

It goes back to the rumor a month ago that Texas and Notre Dame are pushing for a shortened conference schedule, which is just something I can't get behind. You can't start out with an unequal balance like that. It's not good for the conference.

technically beebe said that, not delaney. and beebe is [expletive], so im not sure how much validity that comment has coming from him. could be absolutely true, i just think beebe is oblivious to everything happening. He said "My understanding is there aren't any other conference members considered by the Big Ten." But Joe Schad reported that Delany didn't call Beebe until this morning to tell him about Nebraska. And honestly, why bother with Beebe? Nebraska joins the Big Ten on July 1, 2011, though the BTN will cover some Nebraska sports in 2010-11. Delany also said that he presumes they'll add a championship football game.