For those interested, we hosted CSU AD Joe Parker on our latest RamNation.com podcast this evening. It was all about realignment, and possibilities facing the MW and Pac-4. Listen on Spreaker here, or on most podcast platforms (search RamNation Radio).
Stuff he answered/shared thoughts on:
--The implosion of the Pac-12
--The direction of CFB in general
--What he thinks happens with the ACC next?
--Dennis Dodd's report saying SDSU attempted to pull together “some MW teams”, along with AAC teams and the remaining Pac-4 to form a “best of the rest” league in the west.
--What happens next with the MW...and what he thinks is the best outcome at this point.
--Is there realistic hope to entice Stanford/Cal to come along?
--Whether he believes Cal/Stanford are more receptive to aligning with MW schools who aren’t in the same stratosphere academically
--The possibility of power leagues swooping in to take away a CFP auto-bid and revenue from any revised Pac league
--If Stanford/Cal leave…and only OSU/Wazzu remain does that dissolve that league or could those two teams still try to backfill and keep whatever leftover revenues are left for themselves?
--If push came to shove, and the Pac-4 were wanting to hand-select 4-5 MW teams and a few AAC teams, for instance…would CSU consider the move? (Even at the expense of breaking conference rivalries w/ AFA and Wyo if that scenario presented itself?)
--His personal level of involvement in realignment/expansion talks (how much is him vs. President Parsons and the Board of Governors)
--What's happening with the league and discussions with existing TV partners during this process?
--What he believes is the timeframe is for decisions on changes/membership
--Thoughts on the Apple+ previous offer for the Pac-12…having a streaming-heavy deal with no guarantee for linear coverage
--If there was a merger, could the new Pac league go back to Apple+ and have them be the home for the Pac Network, and have rights to all games not picked up by existing MW partners, CBS/Fox
--His opinion on the prospect of adding Gonzaga and St. Mary's
--Would he/the MW be open to housing Stanford Olympic sports if they end up going independent