OMAHA (KPTM) — The Big 12 is calling the Big Red's bluff.
Reports surfaced Sunday that the league has given the University of Nebraska as well as the University of Missouri until Friday to decide if they want to remain a part of the conference.
The Austin American Statesman reports that the deadline could be extended until June 15th. Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany says the timetable for expansion could be moved up with this week's developments.
Should they stay or should they go? Husker Nation is abuzz about a possible move to the Big Ten Conference.
Anticipation is building and the talk just keeps getting louder and louder. With the landscape of college athletics at a crossroads, fans are anxiously awaiting word on Nebraska's future.
For 14 years, the University of Nebraska's student–athletes have suited up for play in the Big 12 Conference. But should those days be a thing of the past?
For the most part, people KPTM talked to say yes. "Things change and I think we should go forward with change," said Augie Roper.
That could mean a spot in the Big Ten. "It's a 120 year old conference. Stable, been there forever. Nebraska will be solid there. I say go," said Ken Malm.
Added Linda Mann: "I think it would be good for the school and if you're really a true Nebraska fan, you want what's best for the school."
Still not everyone is thrilled about the idea. George Davenport wants to stick with tradition, yet says, "I know the economics of it and we don't want to drop rowing or bowling or any of the women's sports, so better to switch allegiances than to drop sports."
A conference move would spell the end for some of Husker fans' favorite match–ups. "There's a lot of passion with the rivalries we have with Oklahoma and Texas and that's hard to give up. You want to beat those teams every year and you want to go head to head," Roper said.
But it would also pave the way for new ones. "As old as I am and watching so many games, it's going to be sad to not be playing the same teams and stuff but you know, they'll make it exciting enough, we'll have more rivalries that are probably going to be even better," Mann said.
Added Malm: "We'll have Iowa. They're a neighbor. Border to border. I'm sure that will be a rivalry real quick."
Competition even those opposed to a Big Ten jump could get used to. "Maybe more good teams. Maybe. A few more and something new, it would be exciting," Davenport said.
If Nebraska does not make a commitment and moves to the Big Ten, that could trigger the Pac-10 Conference to become the Pac-16.
Big Ten and Pac-10 expansion could leave four Big 12 teams, Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State and Baylor, left on the sidelines. Fans KPTM talked to say they feel bad that could be the case, but say Nebraska needs to put its interests first.