Big 12 Expansion: Missouri's 2012 Exit Would Make BYU More Desirable

Following the news that the Missouri Tigers have conducted some formalities that pretty much mean they're gone for the SEC, it's time to think about what this means for the Big 12. The conference is now back down to nine schools (counting TCU) for next year, three shy of what it would take to hold a football title game.

The West Virginia Mountaineers and Louisville Cardinals have been widely reported as the top two targets, while reports are all over the place regarding the BYU Cougars. One report indicated the Big 12's TV partners were uncomfortable with BYU, but the school admits it's been in touch.

But if Mizzou is leaving in 2012, as the Tigers have said they plan to if they do, in fact, leave, BYU could emerge as an even better choice. Big East schools are locked in for 27 months, meaning the Big 12 would have to remain at an awkward nine teams for a couple years until receiving reinforcements. Adding BYU now would establish an even 10 and hold the fort, so to speak, until the two eastern schools arrived.

All just a scenario, of course.

For more, keep checking Mizzou blog Rock M Nation. And stay tuned here for more conference realignment news.