Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott is in town for a couple days for what he is calling a "Front Porch Summit," which is a gathering of school officials from the Pac-12 to discuss athletic and academic issues. Utah is hosting because the Utes volunteered to do so.
Scott, who hopes to get some quality time on Utah's ski slopes once the conference is over, was his usual energized and upbeat self this morning as he med with members of the media.
We have a story up on our website about his visit. But in short, he is looking for ways to 'globalize' the Pac-12. He wants to do it through the Pac-12 network which is being developed, through oversea events particularly in China and through digital and social media. Basically, the commissioner is planning an all out blanketing of the world with the Pac-12.
"We want to re-invent what a conference can be in terms of what it means and delivering beyond just sporting events and competitions," he said. "We want to show how we can broaden that appeal to a university level."
He came up with the 'Front Porch" idea after some meetings with University of Washington officials.
"There is already a focus on athletics in the conference and we're looking at how that can play a role and serve as a platform for the universities to bring more exposure and create events and awareness on the academics side," he said. "It's about maximizing opportunities."
Such gusto shouldn't surprise anyone, given the way he has overhauled the league since he was appointed commissioner.

As for what he sees in the athletic realm, Scott is pleased with the 'seamless' transition Utah has made to the Pac-12 and is eager to see new rivalries form as a result of the Utes' presence.
He discussed with the conference athletic directors the state of basketball in the league, acknowledging the Pac-12 is having a down year. However, he believes it is an anomaly.

As for the Pac-12 and Big Ten agreement, Scott said although the goal is to have teams scheduled for series by 2017, some schools hope to have home and home series in place before then.
Utah is one of several schools that has voiced interest in starting their series earlier than 2017.
"Football is the most complicated because you schedule so far out, but there are some talks already taking place," he said.