The post season is not to far away, and it is fun to predict what teams will qualify for post season Bowls. A history of a conference as the Big 12 gives some interesting insights.
When comparing BIG 12 teams in the last decade, it is intriguing to look at the Bowl appearances and types of Bowls the various teams have participated in. Teams are selected for the more prestigious bowl because of their success during the year. Since 1999 Big 12 Teams have participated in the Rose Bowl, the Fiesta bowl, the Orange Bowl and the Sugar Bowl. All of these had a payout of over 12 million Dollars even back in 1999, and more Bowl money has been allotted in the last few years. In 2006, 2007, 2008, and 20010 Oklahoma participated in Bowls with the lowest pay out of around 15 million and the highest of 18 million.
So how have the present Big 12 teams fared in the Bowl system? It might be no surprise that Oklahoma has fared the best. Since 1999 Oklahoma has had 12 Bowl appearances, and 8 of these Bowls have been the highest paying Bowls from the Rose Bowl in 2000, which paid out 13.5 million, to their highest payout of 18 million which was the BCS Championship Bowl in 2008. Oklahoma’s payouts since 1999 have totaled close to 130 million.
Most football enthusiast probably would not be surprised that the Big 12 team demonstrating the most success next in line is one of Oklahoma’s chief rivals,Texas. Texas has had 11 out of 12 Bowl appearances and 4 of these were the major Bowls. Their highest Bowl payout was the BCS Championship Bowl in 2009 which paid around 18 million. Texas also has made 2 Rose Bowl appearances and 1 Fiesta Bowl which pay out in double digit millions.
Nebraska has had 10 appearances (2 paying over 12 million) is next in line in being a bread winner for the Big 12 with a total of over 40 million, however now will be earning money for the Big 10 Conference. Other contributors include Kansas State with 7 appearances (1 paying around 14 million), Texas Tech 11 appearances (totaling around 17 million), Oklahoma State which made 8 appearances (totaling around 15 million) and Missouri with 7 appearances(totaling above 13 million). Iowa State had 7 Bowl appearances, and Kansas had 3 contributing around 9 million added together. The one team that has had the least success in post season appearances has been Baylor which has only participated in the Texas Bowl in 2010.
So how will this trend change in the next decade? Will losing Nebraska which shifted to the Big 10 in 2011, and possibly losing Missouri in 2012 significantly effect the total amount earned by the Big 12 Conference. Will new teams coming into the Big 12 as possibly TCU change the balance? It will be exciting to see, starting with the post season of 2011
Resources
http://www.collegefootballpoll.com/2010_archive_bowls.html