Although all reports yesterday indicated that the Nebraska Cornhuskers' departure from the Big 12 to the Big Ten was all but official, some from the University are denying that the process has already reached that point.
The Journal Star spoke to Husker coaches from four different sports who said there has been no meeting with Osborne since last Friday. Two of them said Osborne was at a university function in Omaha on Wednesday.
And while it sure seems a big announcement is around the corner, regent chairman Bob Phares said any reports declaring the process completed would be inaccurate.
“No. 1, there’s been no vote by the board at all,” Phares said. “No. 2, as I understand it, there are no invitations that are extended. You decide if you wish to make an application and then they react to your application.
“And I heard that there were reports that Tom Osborne had advised all of his staff that it was a done deal. You can talk to Tom and see what his comment is. I would be immensely surprised if that was the case, because as I said, there’s been no vote by the board and no formal decision.”
I think the headline of this article from the Lincoln Journal Star said it best: "NU steps closer to Big Ten, denies reports of offer." Sure, nothing is official just yet, but it's really only a matter of time. There is a meeting on Friday with the Board of Regents and a resolution dealing with "UNL conference alignment" is one of the things on the menu. I'm sure Nebraska just wants to make sure everything is in order before letting the word get out there too much.
I know we have all been burned by conference expansion reports before, but the Big 12 is seriously about to collapse. Colorado is officially headed to the Pac-10, which should get the domino effect started. I know it's been said that the Big 12 won't totally collapse until Nebraska leaves, but already the Big 12 south sans Baylor is getting ready to make a move to the Pac-10 next. I think they all realize that the end is near for the Big 12. While losing Colorado might not be its death blow, it's pretty obvious that the Cornhuskers are about to leave too, which will truly signal that the end is near.