Pac-10 to Talk of Expansion at S.F. Meeting

Pacific 10 Conference athletic directors will be discussing expansion this weekend in San Francisco because of Arkansas’ decision to jump from the Southwest Conference to the Southeastern Conference next year, Pac-10 spokesman Jim Muldoon says.

University of Arizona Athletic Director Cedric Dempsey said the Pac-10 is ready to look at its options.

“I feel that we would be negligent as a conference if we didn’t explore what is out there,” Dempsey said. “We are headed toward the merging of conferences and realignment on a national basis. It is important for the Pac-10 to stay in the forefront.”

San Diego State of the Western Athletic Conference reportedly has expressed interest in joining the Pac-10. Arizona and San Diego State agreed last week to renew their football series on a non-conference basis.

“I predict if we do what a lot of people are doing, there may be four or five major conferences and a football playoff in the very near future,” Dempsey said.