(11-23-2015 01:10 PM)XLance Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 08:36 AM)JRsec Wrote:  I spoke with a Texas insider who feels Texas wants to right their ship in football before making a move. He felt that the only acceptable alternative to the Big 12 was the SEC due to geography but that Texas didn't want to play catch up as a member of the SEC's Western division, but that they would consider making that move with Oklahoma, and prefer to do it with two others, once Texas felt that it could compete at a higher level with those schools.

I thought that was an interesting take, and one in which the reasoning had the ring of truth as far as motives go. We'll see.

That Dude must have been smoking a Robusto and not a Presidente, JR. The chance of Texas going to the SEC is even less than if they were to land in the ACC.

I disagree. The most natural fit for Texas outside of the Big 12 is the SEC.

1. Travel would be hellacious to either the PAC, B1G, or ACC
2. The money would probably be less in the PAC
3. The B1G offers few marquee games and occupies a demographically stunted portion of the country.
4. The ACC is probably more academically in line with what UT wants, but is comprised mostly of private schools rather than large and influential state schools. The ability to pool resources and lobby for grants isn't so great. In addition, you have UNC running the roost. Is UNC willing to lose influence to a superpower like Texas? I doubt it.

The SEC is the most well-rounded of any of the options outside of the Big 12. That doesn't mean UT is chomping at the bit to come, but the possibility is real.

Texas would probably prefer to remain in the Big 12, but...

1. Others including OU and KU will be leaving soon. The Big 12 is a ticking time bomb.
2. There are no strong options for replacements.
3. UT can probably swing a couple of regional additions it would prefer to have into the SEC whereas most leagues would probably balk at that.
4. UT would prefer to be aligned with regional powers like OU(who is likely going SEC) Arkansas, and I think the powers that be would probably rather be in league with A&M as well.