Mike Gundy on Big 12-Pac-12 Battle: ‘The Big 12 is Already Ahead’
There has always been something of a rivalry between the Power Five conferences for supremacy over one another, but in the last year or so, its been more a matter of survival.
When the Big 12 was blindsided by the news that Oklahoma and Texas were leaving for the SEC, they were vulnerable and rumors of collapse circulated, but in its darkest hour, Commissioner Bob Bowlsby found a way to stabilize his conference by adding the top-tier expansion schools available: BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF.
Now, the Pac-12 is in a similar situation after USC and UCLA jumped ship to the Big Ten, but there is a big problem for the Pac-12 and its current predicament. With the Big 12 adding four new programs, and the rest of the Power Five stable, there aren’t great options for the Pac-12 to expand with, and their negotiations with television partners shows that the conference just isn’t that valuable without the LA markets.
With the Big 12 trying to keep any more of its team from defecting to the Big Ten or SEC, there has been some tension with the Pac-12 as the conference in the heartland is looking to expand. Add in the back-and-forth commentary from George Kliavkoff and new Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark and you have a publicity battle on your hands.
So when Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy, who is no stranger to headlines, makes comments about the Big 12 vs. Pac-12, ears are bound to perk up.
During media availability on Monday, Gundy was asked if the upcoming game against Arizona State could effect the Big 12 v. Pac-12 Battle, he had this to say.
“The Big 12 is already ahead (of the Pac-12), We’re fine,” Gundy said. “Big 12 is already working on it. We’re in good shape.”
“I’m getting good information.”
“This game’s not going to factor in that at all. We’re in really good shape with the direction we’re going. We’re making good headway.”
It makes you wonder what he knows, right?
Oklahoma State will host Arizona State on Saturday, with kickoff planned for 6:30 p.m. CT, with the Pokes currently seen as an 11-point favorite.
