The reason why they talk so much about academics because it is the best leg they have to stand on. It is about the only advantage they have to keep other conference members around. They are a less valuable product to the college football fan. They may be able to get a similar payout through Apple, but it will most likely come at great cost to their exposure and to their recruiting as well.

If streaming works great, B12 can go that route with Amazon or some other provider when they go through negotiations again in 7 years. I just don't see it being superior to linear TV as currently constituted.