Big 12 Football: Creating Possible Match-Ups for a Fair 4-4-1 Schedule
Only having ten teams to begin the 2011 Big 12 football season won't be the only change everyone sees. With Colorado and Nebraska gone and divisions no longer in effect, all ten remaining teams will play nine conferences games.
While many like the fact that each team will play each other, therefore removing the discrepancies caused by lopsided divisions, there is still the issue of the 4-5 home-away conference schedule.
It will likely have more effect on determining the conference champion than many realize. Don't count on many teams with five away games winning the conference without a struggle.
Clearly the main way to solve this issue is to create a 4-4-1 schedule with each team playing one conference game at a neutral site.
Factors used to determine these match-ups include rivalries, proximity, fan bases, and available facilities. For example, if a big part of a rivalry is playing at the opposing team's stadium, why change it?
Oklahoma vs. Texas in Dallas, TX
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The Red River Rivalry between the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns is one of the most anticipated games in the nation each year. Moving from the Cotton Bowl to Cowboys Stadium in 2010 just added to that hype.
It was frequently the game that determined the South Division's champion and will probably play a large role in determining future Big 12 champions once Texas gets back to form.
The Red River Rivalry is a prime example of how great an annual game at a neutral site with a 50/50 crowd can be. Don't expect it to end anytime soon, so count UT and OU out of any other possible neutral sight match-ups.
Missouri vs. Kansas in Kansas City, MO
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The Border War—also known as the "Border Showdown" for those trying to be politically correct—represents the long-lasting intense rivalry between the Missouri Tigers and Kansas Jayhawks.
The teams have been "experimenting" by playing at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City since 2006 and will continue to do so until at least 2012.
Odds are, the two schools will continue playing at at neutral site for the sake of an even 4-4-1 schedule. Besides, playing in a city shared by both states along the Missouri River just adds to the meaning of the Border War's name.
Texas A&M vs. Baylor in San Antonio, TX
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The Battle of the Brazos is a fierce, long-standing, somewhat lopsided rivalry between the Texas A&M Aggies and Baylor Bears. Moving it to a neutral location could add more intensity to these two improving teams.
The fact that Kyle Field's capacity is over 50 percent larger than Floyd Casey Stadium's just adds on to the lopsided advantage the Aggies hold in the series.
San Antonio is almost the same distance from Waco and College Station and is an easy weekend trip for both schools to make. Its central location within the state and the large fan bases would just add to the hype.
The Alamodome's capacity of 65,000 would even out the difference between the other two stadiums and help create an intense atmosphere between the 50/50 crowds.
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Oklahoma State vs. Texas Tech in Dallas, TX
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There's not much of a rivalry between these two schools, although both have earned at least a share of the former South Division title and are just on the verge of being great. In the recent past, games between the Red Raiders and Cowboys have often determined who was in the upper half of the standings.
The drive between Lubbock and Stillwater is not the smoothest seven hour drive, so playing in Dallas either at Jerry World or the Cotton Bowl would make it much easier for both fan bases to travel to the games.
Playing in Dallas would also add more appeal to a game that otherwise takes place in two smaller, more isolated cities.
Both schools have loud, rambunctious crowds, so having a 50/50 split of two of the craziest fan bases in the league would create an exciting game and great atmosphere.
Kansas State vs. Iowa State in Kansas City, MO
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The Farmageddon Rivalry between the Kansas State Wildcats and Iowa State Cyclones was actually already played at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City during the last two seasons.
Despite its success, the series will return to the and home-away format this upcoming season. However, this is the most likely match-up for these two rivals, especially if Kansas and Missouri stick to their neutral site game.
Otherwise, there are no other reasonable options unless they wanted two meet other schools in other states, which is not convenient or practical. Expect the Farmageddon to go neutral again if KSU and ISU decide they want a 4-4-1 schedule.
Other Options
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Note that these are just a few of many options, but the ones listed before made more since for the entire league. Other intriguing match-ups include:
Texas A&M vs Texas Tech in Dallas, TX: Another fierce rivalry between two teams that truly loathe each other and, for that matter, playing at each other's stadiums. Why not go neutral and save the hassle?
Oklahoma State vs Texas A&M in Dallas, TX: Dallas again? Well face it, it's conveniently located, and, quite frankly, a great city with great facilities and marketing.
Kansas State or Iowa State vs Oklahoma State in Kansas City, MO: KC again? Well, again, centrally located and one of the few large stadiums in the Central Plains. It's that or St. Louis. Why go that far out of the way?
Should Kansas and Missouri not continue playing in Kansas City after 2012:
Iowa State vs Missouri in St Louis, MO: The Edwards Jones Dome (home of the Rams) is another great facility for a college football game with a large fan base for both schools.
Any other combination of the four North teams in KC
Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX is another great facility in an easily accessible city. It's location is not ideal, but the 4th largest city in the nation holds a large fan base for all.
Well, those are the best options I could come up with. Do you agree? Do you have any other suggestions? Please feel free to let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading!
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