The Tom Hansen era was all about what the Pac-10 couldn’t accomplish. The Larry Scott-led version of the conference is quickly becoming what is possible. The Seattle Times is reporting that a deal is close to being finalized to make the Alamo Bowl the Pac-10′s number two bowl which would demote the Holiday Bowl to the third slot (I originally found the story through Ted Miller on ESPN.com who attributed the report to the Seattle Times).
In some ways, it’s too bad. The Holiday Bowl is a great destination (take it from someone who lives in San Diego, it does not suck in December). Had they been willing to change their date and come up with more cash, it could have been a great number two. Now, Pac-10 fans will be getting to know a whole new destination in San Antonio, assuming the deal goes through.
It should take care of a major problem the conference previously faced. With only one game on or after Jan. 1, the Pac-10′s best teams were often out of the picture just as all the other conference’s elite were taking the field. The Alamo Bowl would be slotted for Jan. 2 and put the number two Pac-10 team in a more prime time slot.
The other issue that it hopefully addresses is the lack of even matchups. The Pac-10 often faces bowl teams ranked lower in the opposing conference. For example, the Holiday Bowl usually matched the Pac-10 #2 vs. the Big 12 #3 or #4. With the reported $3 million payout, perhaps the Pac-10 can get an even matchup and create more marquee bowl matchups. The fact that bowls such as the Sun, Emerald, Poinsettia and Las Vegas would be pushed down one spot also helps with prestige assuming all bowls remain contracted. At this point, it’s all speculation until new agreements are worked out and the dominoes are likely to spark significant changes.
Ultimately, the addition of the Alamo Bowl will be a great start to getting the Pac-10 more elite exposure. Now, about that TV deal.
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