THE BIG 12 ... WHOA, MAYBE MAKE THAT 11

     The Univ. of Texas "may reconsider" joining the Big 12
Conference if the league allows recruits who don't meet NCAA
minimum test scores or GPAs, according to today's DALLAS MORNING
NEWS.  Steve Richardson reports UT has no binding agreement to
join the conference, which is scheduled to begin competition next
year with four members of the old SWC joining the Big 8.  The Big
8 let each school decide whether to admit such "partial
qualifiers" or non-qualifiers, which are athletes who fail to
meet either standard.  Nebraska officials have argued that
denying these athletes the opportunity to attend Big 12 schools
will put the league at a "competitive disadvantage nationally."
The issue will be discussed at a meeting of league CEOs January 7
in Dallas.  Eight schools must agree for a policy to take effect.
Pac-10 officials say a standing offer to Texas to join that
conference is still valid (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 12/15).