David Boren is still alive and well Cougar fans. No need to worry. In the Big 12 meetings last week the conference leadership essentially slapped a muzzle on Boren and told him to confine his thoughts about Big 12 expansion to exclusively private settings. The Big 12 wants all public expressions to come from its commissioner. This is because they don't want people to view the Big 12 In a negative light. They don't want the public perception to be that the Big 12 is a dysfunctional family. Makes sense.

But rest assured...Boren is still fighting like mad for expansion, and he appears to be favorably disposed toward BYU. Despite the fact that we won't hear much from Boren publicly for the next several months, he will be politicking like crazy behind the scenes for the Big 12 to expand.

Every group has leaders who emerge and articulate vision and know how to get things done. Boren is that leader in the Big 12. It's obvious that his colleagues heard his message loud and clear, to the point that after the recent meetings it was said that ALL Big 12 CEO's are open to exploring expansion. That is a big shift from just a few months ago. Tells you how much Boren's ability to articulate his case is helping push the issue forward.

Boren is a former US Senator, governor of Oklahoma, Yalie, and Rhodes Scholar. He is better connected and has deeper experience getting deals done than any other Big 12 president. With long-time Texas leadership changing hands recently, Boren is positioned to be the strongest voice in the Big 12.

If the Big 12 expands and BYU is chosen, we will have primarily Boren to thank for it. Don't be concerned. Boren, not Bob Bowlsby or Texas, is STILL driving this ship.