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Above all, the Hotline appreciates creative thinking, especially when applied to the broader landscape of college athletics. This question easily clears the bar. Although it’s prudent for the league to cover all options, we simply don’t envision a scenario in which the Pac-12 schools benefit financially by aligning with football programs that have small media markets, second-tier football brands or both.
I have not asked Kliavkoff that question but would be surprised if he’s concerned about Pac-12 teams jumping to the SEC. Although he hasn’t stated as much, Kliavkoff’s primary concern last summer probably was losing teams to the Big Ten, which provides a better institutional fit. So yes, there is a “one-hit wonder” feel. But that categorization doesn’t fully represent the situation. The Arizona staff deserves credit for its work regardless.