have realized that you strike quickly with those 2 and suddenly the PAC is up for grabs. Then you likely take who you want. If you include OR and WA--as we have seen--you run the risk of the politicians coming in and blowing everything up. Obvioulsy we're all just guessing but I don't think its necessarily that the TEN has no interest.

It will be fascinating to watch if the TEN has any interest. The BIG TEN to OR and WA:

"Hi, we would love to have you both join the most prestigous academic/athletic conference in the country. Sorry, no interest in your little sister schools. But think what having your flagship school in the BIG TEN would mean for your states. And we're sure your state schools will find an adequate home. Or both your achools can see what the BIG XII or MWC has to offer. Your choice."