OSKALOOSA — By an almost 2-1 margin, those readers who answered this past week’s Question of the Week: How do you think Obama is handling the crisis in the Gulf of Mexico, said HE’S DROPPED THE BALL.

Forty-nine — 35 percent — answered HE’S DOING ALL HE CAN while 84 — 60 percent — said HE’S DROPPED THE BALL. Seven — 5 percent — replied I DON’T CARE.

The Question of the Week poll is not scientific and only reflects the opinions of those Internet users who have chosen to participate. The Question of the Week is just another way the Herald’s readers can voice their opinions about issues that affect them.

This week’s Question of the Week deals with college sports conference realignment.

There’s tremors shaking the ground of college athletics as the University of Colorado jumped from the Big 12 to the PAC 10 Thursday. There is a possibility that the Big 12 schools in Texas and Oklahoma may join Colorado in the PAC 10. The University of Nebraska also is leaving the Big 12 for the Big 10; Missouri may follow them.

If this turns out to be true, then the Big 12 would cease to exist and Big 12 schools such as Iowa State would be left without a conference home. The Associated Press reported Friday that Iowa State president Gregory Geoffroy and athletic director Jamie Pollard said they were deeply disappointed by Colorado and Nebraska’s pending departures from the Big 12. The statement said the Big 12’s members would discuss their options and potential initiatives over the next several days. It also said that while Iowa State would try to pursue action in its best interests, decisions made by other Big 12 members were beyond Iowa State’s control.

Just as in so many aspects of life, money is a prime motivation to leave the Big 12. The Big Ten Network generates millions of dollars for member schools, and now Nebraska will get a piece of the pie. While this could generate an awesome football border rivalry between Iowa and Nebraska, Iowa State — no friend of the Cornhuskers — will be left out in the cold.

Is this a raw deal or just good business?

What do you think?

This week’s Question of the Week: Is Pac-10, Big Ten expansion a good thing?

People can vote on The Herald’s Web site, oskaloosa.com, from Monday through noon on Friday. Then, votes will be tallied and published the following Monday.