Varsity Numbers: The Big 12's Worst Enemy

The new Varsity Numbers went up late this afternoon:

For each of the last two rounds of conference realignment drama (and probably most of the rounds in the future, too), the Big 12 has been constantly under threat from all sides. Soon, a quarter of its members will have left in favor of the Big Ten (Nebraska), Pac-12 (Colorado) and SEC (Texas A&M). Until this week, up to four more members (Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas A&M) were linked to a second round of potential Pac-12 expansion, and a fifth (Missouri) has been linked to the SEC. In recent weeks, virtually every program has spent a portion of its time in touch with other conferences. With revenue inequality and historical bickering still around, the Big 12 is just about as dysfunctional as any conference has ever been. Last night, which entailed a round of press conferences following the resignation of commissioner Dan Beebe, did not assuage much of the uncertainty in the air.

This is a shame, because it is distracting from the fact that the Big 12 is as deep now as it has ever been.

That wraps up my first week as a full-time guy...it was a good one, I think.

Monday
Morning Tailgate: I'm Not Thinking About Numbers
College Football Conference Realignment: ACC Adds Syracuse And Pitt; So What Now?

Tuesday
Morning Tailgate: Conference Realignment, Centrist Politicians And The Future
The Numerical: Comebacks, Interceptions And A Dink-And-Dunk Masterpiece

Wednesday
Morning Tailgate: Conference Realignment Continues, And Here's What We Know Right Now
The 2011 Heisman Race: What The Numbers Say

Thursday
Morning Tailgate: Justin Hunter's Injury, And Tennessee's Tarnished Hopes
Week Four F/+ Picks

Friday
Morning Tailgate: Defending N.C. State Coach Tom O'Brien (Sort Of)
Alabama Vs. Arkansas: Deep Receiving Corps Meets Deep Secondary
Varsity Numbers: The Big 12's Worst Enemy