Is Air Force to Pac-12 a potential conference realignment move? 3 reasons why it's a big win for Teresa Gould

As conference realignment moves rumble on, Air Force to Pac-12 has become a hot topic of speculation. Last week, the Falcons were also strongly linked to a move to the American Athletic Conference.

On Monday, the Mountain West Conference sought to secure its future with a signed agreement with its members, which was inked by seven out of eight teams, including the Falcons and the UNLV Rebels, but the Utah State Aggies threw a curveball.

The Aggies joined the Pac-12 expansion, leaving the MWC teetering on the edge of dissolution. On Tuesday, CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd reported that Air Force to Pac-12 had become a viable option for commissioner Teresa Gould, with the Falcons now rethinking their future in the Mountain West.

So, would Air Force to Pac-12 be a viable conference realignment and expansion move?

3 reasons why Air Force to Pac-12 would be a big win for the conference

#3. Falcons could nab Colorado market

The Pac-12 has aggressively pursued schools in different time zones in its expansion and realignment schemes, and the Colorado market cornered by the Colorado State Rams and the Air Force Falcons would be a huge scalp for the rejuvenated conference.

This would have a knock-on effect on the conference's negotiation stance during television rights deals due to the marketability of its programs.

#2. Air Force would replace AAC targets

The Pac-12 expansion plan hatched by commissioner Teresa Gould included nabbing programs from the AAC, including the Tulane Green Wave and the Memphis Tigers.

A few days ago, the schools, including South Florida and UTSA, released a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to the AAC and snubbing the Pac-12. Adding both the Utah State Aggies and the Air Force Falcons would help Gould seamlessly replace the two targets.

#1. Air Force to Pac-12 could lead to MWC dissolution

According to the Mountain West Conference regulations, the conference requires nine-member signatures to cause its dissolution, which would waive any exit fees and notice period for the remaining teams.

The Falcons move could be the domino that topples the MWC, with only two more signatures required for the stunning conference realignment move that will deal a blow akin to the Pac-12's demise last year.

Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould would get the biggest win out of this due to the non-payment of exit fees, which her conference had committed to help the programs joining it.

Although the Falcons have been more seriously linked with the AAC, Air Force to Pac-12 could be a stunning about-turn that could lead to the toppling of one of the biggest conferences in the country.