Is Pac-12 on verge of complete disaster?

The loss of USC and UCLA is a bad sign

Commentary on the historic decision by USC and UCLA to leave the conference that has been their home since time immemorial ...

RISING: WASHINGTON AND OREGON'S LEVERAGE >> The Hotline calls `em like we see `em, and we see the complete disintegration of the Pac12 as a scenario that cannot be discounted.

To be sure, it's not the most realistic outcome for the conference. But ignore it at your peril.

In our view, survival starts with Washington and Oregon.

Both schools have undoubtedly been attempting to gain entry into the Big Ten since Thursday morning. But according to a Hotline source, that “door is closed for the foreseeable future.”

From here, it's clear the Big Ten's next move is to grab Notre Dame. If the Irish are willing to end their existence as an Independent, they would need either one or three partners to accompany them into the Big Ten (for even numbers). The Huskies and Ducks might become candidates at that point, along with North Carolina.

But we don't envision a nearterm scenario in which either Northwest school is offered admission to the Big Ten without Notre Dame involved. And that could take time, perhaps years.

Also, this: Any speculation of Oregon and/or Washington joining the Big Ten presumes that USC and UCLA would support the admittance of other West Coast football programs.

For competitive purposes (i.e., recruiting), the Trojans and Bruins are better off as the only members this side of the Rockies.

So for the moment, let's assume Washington and Oregon are without an immediate, viable path into the Big Ten.

In that state, they become