They are second tier. They have the reputation now that other conferences TAKE from them, not the other way around. While the PAC-12 has some temporary problems, they at least have continuity, pedigree, and they haven't lost members to another conference.

The BigXII has a Texas problem and the ACC (somewhat) has a Notre Dame problem. Other individual conference members seem locked in without viable exit options.

When many on this board suggested that big time college football is/should be going to FOUR conferences, I stated a few years ago that we might be headed to THREE superconferences--with a breakup of the ACC and the BigXII. And when I mean super conferences, I don't mean 16. I mean maybe 20 or 22. There will always be a West Coast conference (PacXX). And the SEC and BigTen are too big (and good) to fail.

I know the first thing people think about is the national playoff. Well, that could be 3 champions and 1 at-large (4 total). Or 3 champions get byes, and a six-team at-large play in (9 teams total).

Although, my dream scenario is to CONTRACT and go back to small conference with round robin play, no conference championship games, and an 8 team playoff with champions getting auto bids (Old ACC, SEC, Old SWC, Old Eastern/BigEast, Old Big 8, Big 10, Pac10 with modifications), and maybe 1 at-large.
[Post edited by Maroon Baboon at 04/18/2021 12:36AM]