State of the Pac12

[UteBacker]

Sorry if already addressed, but if you haven’t checked out the Pac12 Hotline podcast this week you SHOULD.  There are two interviews done by Jon Wilner that are a must if you’re interested in the inner-workings and future of the Pac12.  The first interview is John Canzano of the Oregonian.  He wrote a series of articles on the state of the conference earlier this year (another must-read).  Let’s just say he as no love-loss for Larry Scott.  When I saw that Wilner had interviewed him I grabbed my popcorn and got ready to watch the fireworks (especially because Wilner is also a mild critic of Scott’s tenure as commissioner).  The interview was nothing like I expected.  They were reasonable and their arguments and assessments were well thought out.  

I then listened to another episode where Wilner interviewed Larry Scott himself.  Again, I expected sparks to fly, but it was enlightening, to say the least.  I think I’ve changed my tune just a little bit on Scott.  Don’t get me wrong… I don’t have his back.  He’s done a lot of things I disagree with and has overseen a few fiascos (Pac12 officiating, for example).  You decide for yourselves after you listen, but I found Scott to be sincere and, more importantly, he recognizes and takes credit for some of his blunders.  Again, I think he has a LOT of work to do to help catch us up with a couple of the other conferences, but for now, I’m going to put away my pitchfork.  

I’m curious to see what some of you think.  I very well may be back in the “fire Larry” camp in a few days, but for now, I kind of liked what I heard.

[sweetgrass]

I’ve listened to the Canzona podcast. Its a very good listen. He is very bullish on Utah football, Whitt and Mark Harlan. There are some things I disagree with him on, like going to an 8 game schedule, but I liked most of what it.

I know I’m a minority here, but I like Larry Scott’s philosophy and I think it will pay off in 2024. Wilner did a podcast a year ago with a media consultant that said he thought the PAC-12 owning its own content will prove to be very valuable in the long run.

[UteBacker]

Definitely.  This is a case of taking a step back and listening to both sides.  Larry should have done an interview like this a long time ago… it would have softened some of his criticism.  I think he means it with the transparency stuff and I REALLY like that he finally sees the value in getting the athletic directors more involved in the decision making.  I mean, that seems like a no-brainer to me so I’m glad he’s figured that out.  That media stuff is extremely complex and I have a feeling the future of the Pac12 lies in the hands of a media partner that we don’t even know is an option right now.  

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