Board of directors confirms Big 12 happy at 10

That doesn't mean they wouldn't be happy if the right No. 11 came along.

Oklahoma State President Burns Hargis, chairs the board of directors, said he was "flattered" that Florida State and other schools have expressed interest in joining the once-fledgling league, but when the subject of Notre Dame was broached, Hargis had a different response.

"That's something we would have to pursue," he said.

Historically an independent in football, Notre Dame hasn't yet expressed interest in joining the Big 12 — or any conference, for that matter. But it may be forced to consider its options depending upon the proposed changes to the postseason and the Big East's long-term viability. Most of Notre Dame's other sports compete in the Big East.

One of the iterations being considered for a four-team playoff would emphasize conference champions. That could limit access to the national championship game — and possibly other major bowls — for the Fighting Irish.

Some have floated the idea that Notre Dame could work with the Big 12 by playing a handful of games against league members, allowing it to retain traditional games against Southern California, Michigan, Boston College and the service academies.

The only other news of interest on a relatively mild day at the Big 12 meetings regarded acting commissioner Chuck Neinas, who stepped into the fold when Dan Beebe was forced out and was largely responsible for bringing the conference back from the brink of extinction.