Canzano: Mailbag deals with Big 12 vs. Pac-12, hot pretzels and the fate of Gonzaga
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Canzano: Mailbag deals with Big 12 vs. Pac-12, hot pretzels and the fate of Gonzaga
Your letters... my replies...
I spent this week with Portland State football players who volunteered to serve as Team Leaders at Camp Exceptional — a summer camp for special needs and typical kids.
It was the ninth year of the camp. I sometimes think the college-aged counselors get more out of it than the campers. I always leave the summer event with a full heart, but on Friday afternoon I also left the camp with glassy eyes.
PSU football players don’t play their home games in front of large crowds. Until this week, in fact, the Vikings’ final home game of the regular season (vs. Sacramento State) didn’t even have a venue. Portland State AD John Johnson locked down Hillsboro Stadium and Bruce Barnum’s team will play that final game on a Friday night.
The players seemed happy about that. But they were even more joyful and energetic about pouring their energy and effort into campers who are now die-hard Vikings’ fans. I watched running backs, defensive backs, linebackers and lineman car pool to the camp every morning, take children by the hand and lift their hearts.
Television has taken command of major college athletics. The landscape is troubling. The Big Sky Conference barely seems to register sometimes. But I was reminded while watching PSU athletes this week — including the men’s and women’s basketball teams that showed up, too — that the spirit of college athletics is still alive.
I needed that.
Maybe you did, too.
I’m having a lot of fun with this new writing endeavor. I love that I could share that little tidbit with you. I’m appreciative of those who have subscribed or given family members and friends gift subscriptions. Thanks to all who have read, subscribed and encouraged me.
Onto the mailbag… your questions, my answers:
Q: What happens to the Big 12 if/when the Pac-12 raids and steals their top four teams? — @benwilkinson
A: There’s a lot of Big 12 vs. Pac-12 sentiment out there. I don’t think your scenario spells the end of the Big 12, necessarily, but would it force that conference to take on new partners that don’t bring as much media-rights value. The Big 12 TV footprint isn’t great as it stands. Access to the College Football Playoff becomes problematic, too. But I think we’re going to see turmoil and uncertainty for the next few years before things settle down.
Q: When it all comes down to it, what do you think will ultimately save the Pac 12? — @vakaviti
A: The same thing that threatens it — television. ESPN and a potential streaming partner (ESPN+ or Amazon or Apple TV+) are now the solution. Also, some good leadership. Commissioner George Kliavkoff spent his first year connecting with campus leaders across the Pac-12. That generated some good will, but now it’s time to slide into visionary mode and lead.
Q: Any chance the remaining Pac-10 ADs and presidents declare UCLA and USC ineligible for conference championships in their final two seasons? I know the answer is ‘no’ but it sure would feed my vindictiveness. — @CenterFielder3
A: The Bruins and Trojans are contractually bound to the Pac-12 through the summer of 2024. The parties could negotiate an early out, but there’s no kicking USC and UCLA out of the conference without compensation. If it makes you feel better, I suspect the football teams at USC and UCLA will be met with hostility on the road this season.
Q: What are the chances of unequal revenue sharing? — @hmckee53
A: An imbalanced split of media revenue feels like it is very much on the table. Minimally, it’s being discussed. I suspect Washington, Arizona, Stanford, Cal and ASU feel entitled to larger than an equal share because of their TV markets. I also think Oregon believes its brand merits additional compensation. They all have leverage right now.
Q: Phil Knight’s impact on UO and Duck sports specifically are massive. But while we hope he lives forever for all of the positive things he does, have he and/or the university talked about what happens after he’s gone? Will the Ducks and their brand take a big step back? — @robbieparness
A: Phil and Penny Knight have given more than $1 billion to the University of Oregon over the years. In 2021, they stepped up with $500 million more for the Knight Campus. Insiders tell me there is already a plan in place for a massive endowment from Knight that would continue to subsidize UO’s athletic department. I’ll have more on this in the coming weeks.
Q: Will hot pretzels return to Autzen this year? They weren’t part of last season’s reduced menu, and I was surprised how much I missed them. I can’t wait to watch a game in person, forget about realignment and enjoy the little things that make game day special. — @WoodburnDuck
A: I am on the “hot pretzel” beat now. I loved this question. And you’re right, it’s the little things that make a college football Saturday. If Autzen Stadium doesn’t bring the pretzels back, I will lead the crusade for their return.
Q: Amazon’s relationship with CBS/Paramount+ is intriguing. There’s a possible avenue to network-TV there, which I assume is still important. Despite the social media nonsense (I HAVE SOURCES) why would there be any other movement before other outlets can get involved after Aug 4? — @SteinerLine36
A: ESPN and Fox are in an exclusive, 30-day negotiating period with the Pac-12 that ends Aug. 4. There’s incentive for ESPN, particularly, to come with a strong Tier 1 offer and get the primary deal done without bidding against others. But I’d expect the streaming part of this could take additional time because the Pac-12 would want to talk with Amazon, Apple, etc. and let the market weigh in.
Q: What about adding Hawaii as football-only to sell last time slot of the night as part of package to ESPN and then adding Gonzaga as member for all other sports? Will the Bay Area schools not go for Gonzaga? — @ReedJones
A: Football is driving 80-85 percent of the revenue in college athletics. Gonzaga is a great basketball brand, but it doesn’t move the needle for television without football involved. Hawaii has only 445,000 television households in its market. That makes UH a long shot. That late college football TV window is probably more likely to go to a Pac-12 program in a much larger TV market kicking off at 7 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.
Q: Is there a trickle-down effect for FCS football when the FBS completely changes? Also what sport other than football gets the biggest change due to realignment? — @TylerHergert
A: I spoke to a number of Big Sky Conference sources who tell me they’re not worried… for now. There will always be a need among FBS members for lucrative payday football games. The FCS members are focused on ensuring they continue to receive revenue from the NCAA Tournament. As long as they keep access to the college basketball tournaments and that TV money, the FCS members should be OK.
Q: If the Pac-12 expands, how important is getting into the Central Time Zone? Or is it more important to lock down California? — @RoaringForkDvl
A: I took a deep dive on why television markets matter a couple of weeks ago. If you try to think like a TV executive, the strategy makes sense. ESPN needs content in the Pacific Time Zone. But if a Mountain or Central Time Zone university can add value to a TV contract, they become important.
Next Friday is Pac-12 Media Day. I'll be on the scene in Los Angeles for a big chunk of the week. My goal is to make you smarter and elevate the conversations you’re having with friends, neighbors and family. If you’re looking for sourced, in-depth reporting and commentary… you’re in the right place. Thanks for being here.
Have a great weekend.
Thank you for reading. I appreciate all who have supported, subscribed and shared my new independent endeavor with friends and family in recent months. If you haven’t already — please consider subscribing.
Canzano: Mailbag deals with Big 12 vs. Pac-12, hot pretzels and the fate of Gonzaga
Hey John: Another great article by you to start the week-end. Looking forward to what you experience in LA this week! Pray Chip Kelly will speak with you, and Lincoln Riley too. As you know, I am a life long Duck fanatic, who has loved the Pac-12 since it was the Pac-8. I respect the Chipster a lot. I saw his arrogrance emerge, when he was in Eugene, but do not fault him at all. He got rescued from back east at a small school, he had a new offense, and Mike Belotti offered him a job. While he ran the Ducks, we had a super team, and I thank Phil Knight and Belotti for their huge contributions to the Ducks. Chip grew in Eugene, and I see now that it was just Chip being himself, and with Nike and so many behind him, and his super play calling out the side of his mouth, with a shield over his face, I just loved to watch our offense so much. His salary only went up a little from his former job, and any coach who did what he did, would change some. Could it have been the salary increase? Sure that was part of it, but Chip showed me new things from jump street. No huddle, always in a shotgun, plays coming in from huge cards on the sidelines, held up by players, and so much more. He did well in his first two years at Phily in the show. He was my first choice after we dumped Mario. I knew the odds were against him coming back, but now I am super excited with our new head coach. A quality family guy who is young and smart. An SEC guy who ran the defense for a national champonship at Georgia. To me, he has all the tools to be a big time winner in Eugene. Defense still wins the big games, and I know Oregon has some great players. I do not get super excited about new recruits who have not played in a real game in Eugene. They all said Mario was a super recruiter before he came to the Ducks, John, you or I could have won the same award Mario did while he was at Alabama, as recruiter of the year. If Nick Sabin gives you a job in his super program, and tells you to go hit the road, for new players, you just go do it. Much like if Uncle Phil offers you a position; you take it and be thankful and put in 100% effort and show respect. Mario and slick Willy were not proven coaches when the Ducks gave them a job. I said publicly before either of them even coached one game here, that they were not the right guy for the position. On facebook I got bashed real bad by some real experts from all over. I do know football, and I think Oregon will have a good season this year, with the new men running the team. I have met the athletic director, Rob Mullens. about 12 years ago at a baseball play-off game after the pac-12 regular season. That morning, from Portland, I had tried to buy a ticket for the game online, and it did not go smoothly. I told Mr. Mullens that afternoon at the game my small plight, he wrote down my name, and he was very cordial. The next day a staffer of his called me, got everything in order, and I was very pleased to once again be a Duck! I have nothing but good things to say about all I know about the current AD in Duckland. I was beyond happy when Mario ran off to Miami. I thought because he beat Ohio State, won some games, we were stuck with him. Sure glad I was wrong. Most Ducks I know thought he and Willy were two super people, and I was sure neither one of them had my support. Mario was beyond horrible at clock management. He was a lineman in college and the NFL, and he just could not see past his ego. Recruits are like pipe dreams, and just because he knew the trenches well, and how to instruct the guards and tackles, and other big men, when the game started I watched him like a hawk. Sure glad Willy and super Mario are back in Florida! I admire and respect what UCLA and USC have done by deciding to join the Big 10 in two years. Major sports are run by tv. The rich get richer and the others stuggle to remain competitive. This move has shook up the pac-12, and i am glad. Larry Scott buried the pac-12 and am glad he is gone too. Since the "final four" started in college football, the Pac-12 has had only two teams, UW in 2016, and the Ducks of Chip in 2014, make this elite group. The SEC had had ten appearances, and the Big 10 has had six. Gee, do you see the pattern here John? I know you and I both do. In my opinion, the pac-12 is about five years away from the big boys in football and basketball. These two sports, with their tv revenue, their brand, their absolute superiority across the board, are what all schools would love to have. We have a super guy in Uncle Phil. who has given some one billion to the Ducks in recent years. We have a great brand and uniforms and top flight facilities. We have a coach who I hope will stay in Eugene. Lanning is intelligent, and he puts his family and faith at top of his list. along with his new job. He invites players to his house for bbq and outdoor games. His wife survivied cancer, the whole family loves Eugene, and the Ducks were very lucky to get him. He may not beat Georgia in Atlanta in Septemeber in a already sold out game. He will have a great first year in Eugene. The players respect him; he treats the kids as they deserve to be treated. He has a fresh, very positive attitude. He has brought in some new coaches who will instantly make a big impact. He is the quality of coach we have not had since Chip left. I predict the Ducks will not lose more than two games for 2022. With Nike and we life long fans, a good schedule with quality teams coming to Autzen for most games, a proven qb from the SEC in Bo Nix, and at least one other good qb, the sky is the limit. I remember still the old days when the Ducks did not have the facilities of today, and Rich Brooks did a great job working with what he had. It rained many Saturdays, and I got so wet at some games, that the losing was made a little worse. When Don James and his Huskies were coming to Eugene, I shuddered all the way driving down I-5 from Portland for the game. Huskies would see my Duck colors, and honk and wave, and do all sorts of things. I knew we were overmatched and James only won like 19 of the 21 games he played the Ducks. Then, by a divine miracle and lots of hard work, the football Ducks beat Washington 13 or so games in a row. We Ducks were reborn, and to this day, beating UW in any sports makes me very pleased. The new Husky stadium got a huge many million dollar retrofit. I went there last fall for my first view of the new digs. For first time ever, you could buy a beer in a can with your hot dogs! It rained pretty hard most of the game. I was in a Duck section and nobody wanted to sit down as the seats were beyond wet. We stood and cheered, and it was my first victory in Seattle with my Ducks! The tall beer, which was only 12 dollars, very cold, tasted like honey nectar. We dominated the Huskies that day, and I saw the Husky coach jump one of his palyers on the sideline in disgust!! I laughed so hard, and felt so good to watch the puppoes that day show their true colors, and had to point out to my other Ducks by me, the disturbance on the Husky bench! The rain increased, it was windy and cold, and I sure was a proud Duck that day! I could not help but be very happy! The dogs come to Eugene this fall, and if there is one game I cannot miss in person at Autzen, this is the one. I will see all the SEC and Big 10 games on my comcast, while I wait for the pac-12 games and their late starts. With three tvs, voice activation of all remotes, and one large tv mounted on my living room wall, an electric recliner,and a black kitty who likes sports, in my mind football is almost here! Have a great time in LA John, and please tell Chip that there is at least one Duck you know who wishes the Bruins a good season, and who understands very well why they are leaving the pac-12. My hat is off to the Trojans too, who were very smart to make the same move. I still love the pac-12 a lot, dream of playing with the big boys before my days are gone as I am 70, and am so glad I have a subscription to the Bald Faced Truth! God Bless You and family John, and I hope to cross your path soon! My special Nike air Pegasus model number 38s, in Duck colors, are the best shoes I have ever had. They are like slippers,and I got them in September of 2020; they were hard to find before they sold out. Besides the two no shows the Ducks pulled last season against Utah, these shoes have been very successful! My black cat has brought me nothing but great luck, and I am so blessed that we chose each other at a shelter in Sherwood, Oregon almost three years ago. His name is Shadow and it fits him to a t. He plays with his shadow, any shadow, my shadow, he catches insects in mid-air, and we follow each other around pretty much 24/7. Love my kitty, my family, my faith, the Ducks, and a few friends. Once again John, am so honored to be part of the Canzano group! GO DUCKS
Thanks John, PSU story was really heartwarming, good for them. To say USC and and UCLA will be met with a little hostility may be the understatement of the year.