How badly do Big 12 schools that aren't located in Austin, Texas, want to keep their games off of the Longhorn Network? So badly that they would consider playing only 11 games in 2012 rather than be on it.

That's what Texas Tech is reportedly considering according to RedRaiderSports.com. It seems the school is thinking about cancelling its game against Texas State after finding out it might be broadcast on the network.

Tech learned of this possibility several days ago, and according to the source, is "adamantly opposed to playing on the Longhorn Network" and is "putting serious consideration into canceling the game and playing an 11 game schedule" this fall.

"We are extremely disappointed," the source told RRS. "Our hope is that the Texas State game will be played on a primary ESPN platform."

Texas State is a member of the WAC. Since it's a home game for the Bobcats, the WAC has the right to choose which ESPN affiliate broadcasts the game, 

Now something to consider here is the money Texas Tech would lose if it cancelled this game. Texas State stands to make quite a bit of money for hosting a game against Tech, and if Tech wants to back out of the game it will have to pay a substantial buyout to do so.

So not only is Texas Tech thinking about dropping a game just to avoid the Longhorn Network, but it's willing to pay to do so.

But will Tech actually have to cancel the game? A report from Chip Brown of Texas Rivals affiliate Orangebloods Friday morning stated that the LHN and ESPN will not "pursue" airing the game on the LHN, saving the WAC and the Bobcats from having to make the decision in the first place.

Assuming that report is accurate, the issue could be considered resolved before it even really got raised. But the intensity and immediacy of Tech's response still shows how deeply opposed the Red Raiders -- and likely the rest of the Big 12 -- remain towards helping the LHN.