INDEPENDENCE DAY???

ESPN’s Dan Wentzel presented a unique scenario this week. He speculated that it might be attractive for at least three schools to leave the BIG TEN for independence.

Specifically, Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State leaving the Big Ten Conference and going independent along with USC and Oregon.

Why would those blue blood schools leave Big Ten, who this week reported $1B in revenue sharing for its 18 member schools? That about $78 per school, far exceeding the ACC and Big-12 revenue split by as much as $30M per school each year.

Wentzel estimates the Ohio State-Michigan game alone brings in $200M. As independents, each school could divide it evenly. That’s $100M for each school.

Remember, always follow the money trail.

While there are many other reasons why these schools would not seriously consider such a move, but it does pose a threat to the foundation of traditional conferences.

So much so, it got us thinking about the schools that might consider such a move. What about, Texas, Texas A&M and Oklahoma? And Florida State, Clemson and Miami.

College football’s independent ranks would swell to 13 schools, perfect for a 12-game schedule. Is that the definition of a “Super Conference?”

If all those schools took their major brand and became independent, what might happen to college athletics? Not good.

However, imagine some of the match-ups every season.

Ohio State - Michigan

Texas - Texas A&M

USC- Notre Dame

Oklahoma- Texas

Miami - Florida State

Notre Dame - Michigan

Miami - Notre Dame

Oregon - Penn State

Notre Dame - Penn State

Oregon - USC

Clemson - Notre Dame

Penn State - Miami

It’s highly unlikely such a scenario becomes reality.

Or is it? Remember, follow the money trail.

GO CANES!