The dominoes are starting to fall. Reports out of Omaha are saying the Nebraska Cornhuskers are expected to announce they will join the Big Ten as early as this Friday.
An executive at a Big 12 school relayed to The World-Herald on Tuesday that he expects Nebraska to become a member of the Big Ten as early as Friday.
That's what I just said, didn't I?
Anyway, Nebraska Athletic Director Tom Osborne appeared on the radio last night and gave indications that the timetable for conference realignment has been accelerated. Like a former U.S. Congressman, he was non-commital on specifics like Nebraska's options, decisions, or timetable. But he may have made a little slip when asked if there was any animosity toward Texas. (emphasis added)
"We certainly don't have anything against anybody in the Big 12," Osborne said. "This decision is not going to be based on animosity or petty jealousy. You're talking about something that could maintain for the next 75 to 100 years.
"This is a big deal in terms of the University of Nebraska. It's a big deal for other institutions. You don't ever make a decision based on personal likes and dislikes."
When Osborne talks about making "this decision" that could "maintain for the next 75 to 100 years", I just don't get the impression he's talking about living in Big XII North bliss with rainbows and lollipops for the next century. He sounds like a man who has made his decision, and like a first time home buyer, he is convincing himself he did the right thing.
What this means for Missouri, the rest of the Big XII, Notre Dame, and the other conferences, we will have to wait and see.