So what would happen to Cal and Stanford? Independence? *

Us and Stanford to the B1G. *

I do think Stanford would try to recruit us in as a pair.

Because I doubt the Big Ten gives a shit about Cal. And I'd guess they don't care about Stanford much unless it gives them leverage to add a power in a revenue-generating sport.

The Big10 would love getting Stanford and their $1.8billion

In annual research money into the academic side of the conference as well as opening opportunities for research collaboration.

That's real money.

Proof that football is what's driving the bus on conference

Realignment. If that were most important, the B1G would have Stanford already.

My best guess

They'd jump on an invitation from the Big Ten, if one is forthcoming. If not, independence for both probably is the most likely option. If not, they could deemphasize (to FCS) football, or perhaps even drop it altogether. The Mountain West is also an option. They'd love to have either Stanford or Cal, or both, although those schools might not be overjoyed at that option.

In my childhood, the Pac winning the Rose Bowl over the Big Ten was in the "death and taxes" category. Now, the Pac-12 could be deleted from existence due to the actions of the Big Ten. The irony is not lost upon me.