but if you believe that the BIG 12 BOD and ADs will not have done enough analysis and due diligence with the data that they have had this summer and not already arrive at a consensus on at least 2 candidates, then I don't know what else to tell you. I think it is totally possible that a second tier of remaining candidates still remains in play going into the season and that they are targeting a 2018 debut, but that one may follow a different model - again, based on lengthy analysis using the consulting data, etc.

I just find it hard to believe that Bowlsby is and has been the point man on behalf of the BIG 12 re: expansion for some time now and he has not already compiled a shortlist and at the very least taken certain steps (contacting ADs, researching schools, taking informal "straw polls" among members). I believe that certain candidates are still definitely in play for 2017 - BYU being the lead horse given our brand, resources and lack of conference affiliation.

If BYU ends up getting invited as one of 2 or 4 schools and it does NOT get finalized by kickoff, it will not be due to anything BYU has or has not done. It will be 100% all on the BIG 12, for whatever reason they decide to delay the timing.