One of the topics Pac-12 coaches will discuss this wk is trying to go to 8 conf. games (like SEC does it) down from 9.
— Bruce Feldman (@BFeldmanCBS) April 30, 2013
Scheduling trends tend to lean toward adding games, not subtracting them, so it’s an interesting discussion from that angle. But it will likely stop at a discussion. Bryan Fischer, formerly of CBSSports who is now a correspondent for Pac-12 Digital, didn’t have a lot of faith that the Pac-12 would move to an eight-game schedule when I asked him earlier today.
And then there’s the Pac-12 Networks to consider. Pac-12 members play nine conference because it provides more inventory for its official third-tier carrier. To subtract a conference game would be surprising.
The Big Ten is going to a nine-game league schedule in 2016 and it wouldn’t be surprising if the SEC ultimately followed suit. The ACC has been back and forth on a nine or eight-game league slate, the most recent decision in favor of the latter coming last October. Though the ACC’s announcement of a grant of rights has kick-started discussions of an ACC network, the contract between Notre Dame and the ACC to play five football games a year could keep the eight-conference game schedule around.