Most people are thinking about the conf expansion in the wrong way

I know, do we really need yet another thread on expansion? Probably not. But I just want to have a different kind of discussion.

Most of the discussions have been starting from the B1G operational point of view and protecting B1G. But I think we really should be looking at it from the other way; College Football Championships and Playoffs.

I don't think it is a coincidence that Texas/OU move came soon after talks of playoffs expanding. If the college football playoff expands to 10, 12 or 14, adding such heavyweights to already a top heavy conference will give them enormous leverage to make sure that at least half of those playoff spots are basically reserved for SEC teams. Which will allow them to get better recruits and TV money and ensure their dominance for the forseeable future. I think this is the real danger of the SEC expansion. And I don't think even adding USC to this equation changes this.

But rest of us don't have to play this game. We can jujitsu the hell out of this and make this into a ESPN vs FOX battle.

In this scenario, there is no need for expansion (although there is no need to forbid it either). We just get every conference other than SEC to sign joint operational agreement and get them to join FOX Sports. This would include B1G, PAC12, left over BIG12 with some additions (I will get to ACC later). Once we are joined at the hip, we will exit the current CFB and we will host our own playoffs. Our champion can then play SEC champion in the national title game.

This will ensure that all of us outside the SEC will have maximum playoff exposure and FOX should make enough money to pay the schools very very well. 

To me, this is the best way to preserve the current rivalries and deal with time zone issues while making the most money. It really is a win win.

I know, I know, this sounds all well and good, but ESPN just signed a 20 year deal with ACC. Doesn't that still tilt the deck for ACC?

While this is true, there are several ways to break this. 

First, SEC decides to poach Clemson, FSU, Miami, etc, and all bets are off and ACC will crumble. This is actually the most preferred scenario for us as it will bring us all big chunk of east coast to our alliance. It will be everyone against SEC/ESPN at this point.

Second, even if ESPN is wise enough not to let above happen, we might be able to leverage ND.

We can offer ND to keep their NBC contract and still join our playoffs. Sure, SEC can offer the same, but if you are ND, which playoffs would you rather join? One where you just have to avoid OSU or one where you are going to get headbanged by LSU, Alabama, etc.? And if ND joins our alliance, that playoff is going to draw pretty big numbers in east coast.

I think we need to stop thinking small. Conferences are not the issue here. The foe we have to fight is the fully operational death star of ESPN/ACC. There are still enough rebel alliance to make the fight an interesting one, but only way to do that is divorce from CFB and go on our "own" with everyone who hate SEC, which is pretty much rest of the country.