With a board of regents meeting scheduled for 2 p.m. ET this afternoon, Nebraska’s time as a member of the Big 12 conference is seemingly coming to an end.
All of the signs on the road traveled this week point to the Cornhuskers shedding the Big 12 and making a move toward membership in the Big Ten, perhaps as early as this afternoon during the board meeting.
With that in mind, the Omaha World-Herald takes a look at how the meeting this afternoon may play out.
Public comment: People can contribute their two cents’ worth during a comment period. Comments usually are limited to five minutes each. If a lot of people show up, testimony probably will be cut off after 30 minutes.
Closed doors: The board probably will call an executive session with UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman and NU Athletic Director Tom Osborne to discuss the sensitive details of the university’s negotiations. Regents interviewed have numerous questions about the proposed switch, including what would be the timetable of a switch and the financial repercussions of leaving the Big 12; whether Nebraska’s academic and research standing would benefit from the move; and whether Nebraska’s academic agreements with other Big 12 universities -- such as its contract for veterinary instruction with Iowa State -- would be damaged by a switch.
Presentation: Perlman and Osborne are expected to make a public presentation about the university’s options.
Decision time: The board will publicly discuss and vote on a resolution on whether to stay or go.
So, somewhere in the neighborhood of four hours from now, the Big Ten could very well have 12 teams. And the Big 12 could be down to ten teams.
Only in a world where Mike Garrett is still gainfully employed does that make much sense.