is because the conference didn't want to implement the zipper model and there was no other way to cleanly divide up the 14 schools to satisfy certain requirements. First requirement is the 4 schools in the northwest want to play each other annually. Second requirement the 4 Cali school want to play each other annually. The 4 Cali schools were given 2 protected cross-division games (the only schools to get them) so they could continue playing the other 2 schools in the other division. Third requirement, both conferences wanted equal access to Cali recruits. Hence why the 4 Cali schools were divided between the divisions.

The reason the Pac-12 wants to become the Pac-16 is because it can cleanly divide up the schools. Expansion 8 would become the East Division and the Original Pac-8 would become the West Division. The northwest schools and Cali schools are satisfied. The East Division could be appeased because the 2 rotating cross-division games would involve 1 WA/OR school and 1 CA school.

Another reason the Pac-12 may get a commitment from the OK schools first and start talking to the 2 TX schools I mentioned is because it would make Texas Tech nervous. The Pac-12 is probably the only hope for Texas Tech. If it doesn't seem like the Pac-16 isn't an option for Texas Tech, then it is hard to say what reaction it can stir up in the state government. Now I am not suggesting that Texas Tech has any influence on Texas, but the school may have an influential politician within the state government on its side. The situation may even play out similar to when Mark Warner got involved with the ACC adding VT to the conference.