Edward Aschoff thinks so.
I think it's a terrible idea. That's the exact reason why the Big 12 got left on the outside looking in for the Playoff.
I agree, Yankee. Terrible idea. And the only reason to do it would be to jump on a "trend" invented by ESPN for something to talk about during the off season. There's no other valid argument in favor of it. The writer certainly doesn't provide one.
As for rivalries, and Tennessee in specific, one of ours would get lost: we have historic rivalries with Alabama, Vandy, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Auburn, and Ole Miss. That's even if you don't count the "tradition" of playing South Carolina every year since divisions were created 23 years ago. So if we're only allowed to protect 4 of those, we're giving up 3 (or 4) other ones. Right now, we're missing two (Auburn and Ole Miss). Net effect for Tennessee would be counter-productive.
Nope, I hate the idea of making Big 12's mistake seem smart by having all the other Power conferences follow them. ESPN, get your heads out of your 4th points of contact!
Keep the divisions but move the Barn to the East and MO to the West.
I think that'd be awesome, great idea! Couldn't have done it when Mizzou and A&M first joined, but now that they've been here a few years, "geographically rebalancing" would make sense and no one would think twice about it.
Of course, that would pose a significant problem for 'Bama -- two key rivalries (Vols and Auburn) in the East ... how to keep both....