Nebraska decision could be the key in possible Pac-10 expansion

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A new twist in the Big 12 Conference saga could determine whether the Pacific 10 will aggressively pursue expanding to 16 teams.

The key component in the puzzle appears to be Nebraska, as reports surfaced that the Cornhuskers have been given a deadline for deciding whether the school wants to remain in the Big 12.

The Dallas Morning News reported that a decision may be expected in the next couple of weeks. If Nebraska decides to remain in the Big 12, it would appear the conference could stay together in some form.

If Nebraska does not make a commitment, and ends up going to the Big Ten, that could trigger the Pac-10’s offering six current Big 12 schools the chance to join what would become the Pac-16.

Pac-10 Commissioner Larry Scott left conference meetings in San Francisco on Sunday with authority from school presidents to pursue expansion, although he said all options remain on the table, including keeping the league at 10 schools.

Scott maintains that his timetable for making a decision on expansion by the end of the year has not changed, but a decision could be made sooner.

The Big 12 schools being mentioned for a possible Pac-16 super conference are Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and Colorado.

--Chris Dufresne