For multiple reasons....
First, culturally we are a closest fit than the majority of the Pac-12 schools. KSU is more like WSU. WSU is more like OSU etc.
Second, if the remaining members of the conference (see UW and Oregon) think they belong in the Big-10, and aren't committed to the success of the conference, let's navigate our own future. A watered down Pac-12 with Mountain West teams is not that compelling to me.
WSU would bring perhaps Oregon St. and together we'd bring the PNW and the west coast audience, namely Seattle area market.
Apple Cup would likely stay on the books as the state would go ballistic if this series was canceled. You have the governor of the state handing out the trophy every year and attending the game.
First, culturally we are a closest fit than the majority of the Pac-12 schools. KSU is more like WSU. WSU is more like OSU etc.
Second, if the remaining members of the conference (see UW and Oregon) think they belong in the Big-10, and aren't committed to the success of the conference, let's navigate our own future. A watered down Pac-12 with Mountain West teams is not that compelling to me.
WSU would bring perhaps Oregon St. and together we'd bring the PNW and the west coast audience, namely Seattle area market.
Apple Cup would likely stay on the books as the state would go ballistic if this series was canceled. You have the governor of the state handing out the trophy every year and attending the game.