1. the ACC does or doesn't make a play for Texas and/or friends?
2. as the rumor states Oklahoma goes to the SEC?
3. Texas decides with friends to go to the PAC?
4. the Big 12 expands with two G5 schools from Florida?
You may answer all 4 contingencies, or just the one you would like to discuss.
I would love to see Oklahoma come to the SEC. They are exactly the type of program that we need to expand with. Now I have been giving who number 16 should be. And if the SEC can't lure Texas then I would be fine with Iowa state rather West Virginia.
(07-18-2015 12:21 PM)hawghiggs Wrote: [ -> ]I would love to see Oklahoma come to the SEC. They are exactly the type of program that we need to expand with. Now I have been giving who number 16 should be. And if the SEC can't lure Texas then I would be fine with Iowa state rather West Virginia.
Interesting you picked ISU over WVU. Those are the only 2 schools with no state political ties to impede a move to another conference from the B12 like OU, KU, and Texas have. It would be purely the GoR and exit fees that stand in the way of them moving.
Some quick thoughts:
1. the ACC does or doesn't make a play for Texas and/or friends?
If OU and/or KU move to the B1G or SEC. The ACC will be waiting with an offer for Texas and friends. LHN becomes ACCN and ESPN retains UT's rights. ACC is greatly strengthened in FB. The other option if the ACC doesn't play ball is moving them to the SEC and making the ACC even weaker in comparison, or leveraging Texas to get a piece of the PACN. Texas won't move as long as OU sits tight however. If OU (and KU) goes to the B1G, then Texas will strongly consider that unless ESPN makes it difficult via the LHN.
2. as the rumor states Oklahoma goes to the SEC?
Who is the partner is the big question there. I can't see OSU, unless the SEC wants to go past 16 eventually. Doubling up in OK is a bad move. Baylor or TTU make a lot of sense in that spot to help get higher SECN rates in TX if UT is not the partner. KU would be possible if the B1G says no. BB depth is the SEC's weakest part. WVU would be easiest to pull and would gain exposure greater than their footprint in the PA/VA/DC areas. UT would definitely be in a hard spot with the 3 greatest traditional rivals for them now in the SEC. They would have a major decision to make.
Would KU and Texas be the B1G's priority adds next or would they turn their efforts strongly to prying what they want from the ACC?
3. Texas decides with friends to go to the PAC?
Not happening without a piece of the PACN going to ESPN. If that happens then ESPN could build a very nice FB conference by adding Texas and some friends if UT is willing. My guess is it would include OU, and possibly KU, and be a way to take care of TTU and OSU.
4. the Big 12 expands with two G5 schools from Florida?
It makes the most sense if FOX is going to end up being the major driver of the B12. Rumors have swirled for awhile that USF and UCF are Fox's preferred adds to get to 12. I think ESPN has no interest in B12 expansion until after the B1G situation is settled and then it will try to move pieces to fit the outcome best to them. Any G5 expansion would likely be at FOX's behest whom OU has a strong relationship with.
(07-19-2015 06:08 AM)jhawkmvp Wrote: [ -> ] (07-18-2015 12:21 PM)hawghiggs Wrote: [ -> ]I would love to see Oklahoma come to the SEC. They are exactly the type of program that we need to expand with. Now I have been giving who number 16 should be. And if the SEC can't lure Texas then I would be fine with Iowa state rather West Virginia.
Interesting you picked ISU over WVU. Those are the only 2 schools with no state political ties to impede a move to another conference from the B12 like OU, KU, and Texas have. It would be purely the GoR and exit fees that stand in the way of them moving.
Several reasons for it. 1st being that Iowa is a more populated state. 2nd ISU is a AAU school and 3rd. ISU would be an easy fit into the western division.
1. the ACC does or doesn't make a play for Texas and/or friends?
Ignoring the GOR issue, probably the smartest thing those two could do is get their best football products together (with a little help from some local G5s since the Tobacco Road and VA crowd will want no part of this) and combine forces in a 18 team super league:
Big Coast West
Kansas
Kansas State
Iowa State
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
Texas
Tech
TCU
Baylor
Big Coast East
Cincinnati
West Virginia
Pittsburgh
Louisville
East Carolina
Clemson
Georgia Tech
Florida State
Miami
2. as the rumor states Oklahoma goes to the SEC?
OU would be a good addition. It would destroy the Big 12, solidify DFW as SEC country, bring a new, if small state into the footprint and let OU and A&M divide the Texas blue chips between them each year.
But can OU overcome the issues it has? We wont take OSU they just aren't worth a slot if you already have OU. Doubling up in any state is not financially feasible right now. Can OU separate from OSU? And even if they do, that means 2 of their 3 OOC games are spoken for assuming that OSU and UT remain on OU's schedule.
3. Texas decides with friends to go to the PAC?
PAC would be ecstatic for UT to join. They'd be more ecstatic if they could just have OU and Texas and not worry about taking care of their far less attractive baby brothers but they'd hold their nose and do it to land those two together.
4. the Big 12 expands with two G5 schools from Florida?
Expansion only happens with a network and if a network happens than again, its dumb to double down in any state. It amounts to wasting an expansion slot.
Pick one of them (I know UCF is trendy right now, but I think USF is the better long term pick) and then get Cincy to go with as a bridge for WVU and a foot into Ohio
1. the ACC does or doesn't make a play for Texas and/or friends?
The ACC has already had discussions with UT a few summers ago. No agreement for movement happened then, would need a major change for it to happen now.
2. as the rumor states Oklahoma goes to the SEC?
I would absolutely love that move. OU in the SEC West would make the schedule even harder and better; the way I like it.
3. Texas decides with friends to go to the PAC?
I would guess the Texas Legislature would require UT to find safe landing spots for several of their schools and either an ACC deal couldn't work out or FOX dropped lots of cash to make them PAC members.
4. the Big 12 expands with two G5 schools from Florida?
Boren gets his wish. B12 expansion with a championship game.
(07-19-2015 05:00 PM)murrdcu Wrote: [ -> ]1. the ACC does or doesn't make a play for Texas and/or friends?
The ACC has already had discussions with UT a few summers ago. No agreement for movement happened then, would need a major change for it to happen now.
2. as the rumor states Oklahoma goes to the SEC?
I would absolutely love that move. OU in the SEC West would make the schedule even harder and better; the way I like it.
3. Texas decides with friends to go to the PAC?
I would guess the Texas Legislature would require UT to find safe landing spots for several of their schools and either an ACC deal couldn't work out or FOX dropped lots of cash to make them PAC members.
4. the Big 12 expands with two G5 schools from Florida?
Boren gets his wish. B12 expansion with a championship game.
I don't disagree with your assessments. But I find #4 to be a different than your take. I think Boren's demands were made to create a damned if you do and damned if you don't scenario so that either way Oklahoma could find a reason to leave. If they get two G5's Boren can claim to be appeased, but the Donors of OU might well get to take the fall by screaming no and hell no over and over. If there are no additions then Boren gets to say it's time to leave. But either way I think they will leave.
(07-18-2015 12:21 PM)hawghiggs Wrote: [ -> ]I would love to see Oklahoma come to the SEC. They are exactly the type of program that we need to expand with. Now I have been giving who number 16 should be. And if the SEC can't lure Texas then I would be fine with Iowa state rather West Virginia.
Not sure Iowa State is a cultural fit. If OU was the SEC's #15, I would probably expect the phone calls to be made in this order:
1. UNC
2. VT
3. NC State
4. WVU
As JrSEC and the dude have stated, VT and the SEC were chatting at the Greenbrier a few summers ago. There is a new President in charge in Blacksburg. The previous one got them out of the Big East and into the ACC. VT's football program only needs a new coach to get some production rolling. Beamer would probably be against any move that could threaten his job or legacy, so movement would require alumni/BMD/President's blessing to happen.
I was reading on the landthieves.com realignment thread the other day, there was a poster claiming that if OU wanted to get out of the B12's GOR and take their TV rights to another conference, their bean counters estimated getting out would cost them roughly $60M. Now if the ACC Network actually launches on time as rumored in the end of 2016, it could be very costly for any ACC school to leave after that point as they would have received fair market compensation for the granting of their rights.
(07-19-2015 05:06 PM)JRsec Wrote: [ -> ] (07-19-2015 05:00 PM)murrdcu Wrote: [ -> ]1. the ACC does or doesn't make a play for Texas and/or friends?
The ACC has already had discussions with UT a few summers ago. No agreement for movement happened then, would need a major change for it to happen now.
2. as the rumor states Oklahoma goes to the SEC?
I would absolutely love that move. OU in the SEC West would make the schedule even harder and better; the way I like it.
3. Texas decides with friends to go to the PAC?
I would guess the Texas Legislature would require UT to find safe landing spots for several of their schools and either an ACC deal couldn't work out or FOX dropped lots of cash to make them PAC members.
4. the Big 12 expands with two G5 schools from Florida?
Boren gets his wish. B12 expansion with a championship game.
I don't disagree with your assessments. But I find #4 to be a different than your take. I think Boren's demands were made to create a damned if you do and damned if you don't scenario so that either way Oklahoma could find a reason to leave. If they get two G5's Boren can claim to be appeased, but the Donors of OU might well get to take the fall by screaming no and hell no over and over. If there are no additions then Boren gets to say it's time to leave. But either way I think they will leave.
I completely agree with your assessment. I think UT agrees with it as well and won't just add two G5's to appeal to OU's public outcries because they might be walking out the door anyways.
(07-19-2015 05:22 PM)murrdcu Wrote: [ -> ] (07-18-2015 12:21 PM)hawghiggs Wrote: [ -> ]I would love to see Oklahoma come to the SEC. They are exactly the type of program that we need to expand with. Now I have been giving who number 16 should be. And if the SEC can't lure Texas then I would be fine with Iowa state rather West Virginia.
Not sure Iowa State is a cultural fit. If OU was the SEC's #15, I would probably expect the phone calls to be made in this order:
1. UNC
2. VT
3. NC State
4. WVU
As JrSEC and the dude have stated, VT and the SEC were chatting at the Greenbrier a few summers ago. There is a new President in charge in Blacksburg. The previous one got them out of the Big East and into the ACC. VT's football program only needs a new coach to get some production rolling. Beamer would probably be against any move that could threaten his job or legacy, so movement would require alumni/BMD/President's blessing to happen.
I was reading on the landthieves.com realignment thread the other day, there was a poster claiming that if OU wanted to get out of the B12's GOR and take their TV rights to another conference, their bean counters estimated getting out would cost them roughly $60M. Now if the ACC Network actually launches on time as rumored in the end of 2016, it could be very costly for any ACC school to leave after that point as they would have received fair market compensation for the granting of their rights.
I wonder if OU gave a two year notice if those exit fees could be greatly reduced. I also wonder if their isn't an exit clause to the GOR. Maybe that's the reason Boren has been sabre rattling?
As far as the ACC goes. The buyout is something like 50 million to leave the ACC, and why would ESPN back the SEC on such a move? I believe the SEC is already getting full carrier rates in those states. So what's the advantage? What do we have to gain? The real prize would be Texas and Oklahoma. But if we can only lure Oklahoma. Then who's left that would be worth adding? There really is only four programs that would add value. Iowa state, Kansas, TCU and WVU. Of those four only WVU is new to either the Big12 or SEC. So WV has neither historic value or population. It also ranks below all three other Universities.
(07-19-2015 09:31 PM)hawghiggs Wrote: [ -> ] (07-19-2015 05:22 PM)murrdcu Wrote: [ -> ] (07-18-2015 12:21 PM)hawghiggs Wrote: [ -> ]I would love to see Oklahoma come to the SEC. They are exactly the type of program that we need to expand with. Now I have been giving who number 16 should be. And if the SEC can't lure Texas then I would be fine with Iowa state rather West Virginia.
Not sure Iowa State is a cultural fit. If OU was the SEC's #15, I would probably expect the phone calls to be made in this order:
1. UNC
2. VT
3. NC State
4. WVU
As JrSEC and the dude have stated, VT and the SEC were chatting at the Greenbrier a few summers ago. There is a new President in charge in Blacksburg. The previous one got them out of the Big East and into the ACC. VT's football program only needs a new coach to get some production rolling. Beamer would probably be against any move that could threaten his job or legacy, so movement would require alumni/BMD/President's blessing to happen.
I was reading on the landthieves.com realignment thread the other day, there was a poster claiming that if OU wanted to get out of the B12's GOR and take their TV rights to another conference, their bean counters estimated getting out would cost them roughly $60M. Now if the ACC Network actually launches on time as rumored in the end of 2016, it could be very costly for any ACC school to leave after that point as they would have received fair market compensation for the granting of their rights.
I wonder if OU gave a two year notice if those exit fees could be greatly reduced. I also wonder if their isn't an exit clause to the GOR. Maybe that's the reason Boren has been sabre rattling?
As far as the ACC goes. The buyout is something like 50 million to leave the ACC, and why would ESPN back the SEC on such a move? I believe the SEC is already getting full carrier rates in those states. So what's the advantage? What do we have to gain? The real prize would be Texas and Oklahoma. But if we can only lure Oklahoma. Then who's left that would be worth adding? There really is only four programs that would add value. Iowa state, Kansas, TCU and WVU. Of those four only WVU is new to either the Big12 or SEC. So WV has neither historic value or population. It also ranks below all three other Universities.
Boren is the former governor of Oklahoma. It has been said that the Oklahoma constitution forbids any contract or law from a neighboring state that impinges upon Oklahoma sovereignty over their own state affairs. Some have argued that this will be their ace in the hole. We'll see.
Hawghiggs as far as your second school is concerned if we have Oklahoma then we don't need T.C.U.. Oklahoma delivers DFW all by itself.
(07-19-2015 09:38 PM)JRsec Wrote: [ -> ] (07-19-2015 09:31 PM)hawghiggs Wrote: [ -> ] (07-19-2015 05:22 PM)murrdcu Wrote: [ -> ] (07-18-2015 12:21 PM)hawghiggs Wrote: [ -> ]I would love to see Oklahoma come to the SEC. They are exactly the type of program that we need to expand with. Now I have been giving who number 16 should be. And if the SEC can't lure Texas then I would be fine with Iowa state rather West Virginia.
Not sure Iowa State is a cultural fit. If OU was the SEC's #15, I would probably expect the phone calls to be made in this order:
1. UNC
2. VT
3. NC State
4. WVU
As JrSEC and the dude have stated, VT and the SEC were chatting at the Greenbrier a few summers ago. There is a new President in charge in Blacksburg. The previous one got them out of the Big East and into the ACC. VT's football program only needs a new coach to get some production rolling. Beamer would probably be against any move that could threaten his job or legacy, so movement would require alumni/BMD/President's blessing to happen.
I was reading on the landthieves.com realignment thread the other day, there was a poster claiming that if OU wanted to get out of the B12's GOR and take their TV rights to another conference, their bean counters estimated getting out would cost them roughly $60M. Now if the ACC Network actually launches on time as rumored in the end of 2016, it could be very costly for any ACC school to leave after that point as they would have received fair market compensation for the granting of their rights.
I wonder if OU gave a two year notice if those exit fees could be greatly reduced. I also wonder if their isn't an exit clause to the GOR. Maybe that's the reason Boren has been sabre rattling?
As far as the ACC goes. The buyout is something like 50 million to leave the ACC, and why would ESPN back the SEC on such a move? I believe the SEC is already getting full carrier rates in those states. So what's the advantage? What do we have to gain? The real prize would be Texas and Oklahoma. But if we can only lure Oklahoma. Then who's left that would be worth adding? There really is only four programs that would add value. Iowa state, Kansas, TCU and WVU. Of those four only WVU is new to either the Big12 or SEC. So WV has neither historic value or population. It also ranks below all three other Universities.
Boren is the former governor of Oklahoma. It has been said that the Oklahoma constitution forbids any contract or law from a neighboring state that impinges upon Oklahoma sovereignty over their own state affairs. Some have argued that this will be their ace in the hole. We'll see.
Hawghiggs as far as your second school is concerned if we have Oklahoma then we don't need T.C.U.. Oklahoma delivers DFW all by itself.
Wow. I did not know that about Oklahoma state law. Maybe Boren does have an exit strategy.
As far as TCU goes. I felt compelled to add them to the list. My choices outside of Texas only really come down to two schools. Iowa state and Kansas. But I have a hunch that Kansas and UCONN will end up in the Big10. So, that really only leaves Iowa state out there as the only AAU program for the SEC to snatch up. Iowa state might not be a powerhouse. But they could actually be a game changer for the conference. If we had Iowa state. Could ESPN be able to charge more for SEC network in places like Minnesota and Wisconsin? How about Illinois? With a combination of ISU and Mizzou. Would this allow for a higher rate in a place like Chicago? I don't have the answers. But I find the questions to be intriguing.
A Southerner has a hunch that The Big Ten would go with Kansas and UConn? Oh that is too funny.
(07-19-2015 09:38 PM)JRsec Wrote: [ -> ] (07-19-2015 09:31 PM)hawghiggs Wrote: [ -> ] (07-19-2015 05:22 PM)murrdcu Wrote: [ -> ] (07-18-2015 12:21 PM)hawghiggs Wrote: [ -> ]I would love to see Oklahoma come to the SEC. They are exactly the type of program that we need to expand with. Now I have been giving who number 16 should be. And if the SEC can't lure Texas then I would be fine with Iowa state rather West Virginia.
Not sure Iowa State is a cultural fit. If OU was the SEC's #15, I would probably expect the phone calls to be made in this order:
1. UNC
2. VT
3. NC State
4. WVU
As JrSEC and the dude have stated, VT and the SEC were chatting at the Greenbrier a few summers ago. There is a new President in charge in Blacksburg. The previous one got them out of the Big East and into the ACC. VT's football program only needs a new coach to get some production rolling. Beamer would probably be against any move that could threaten his job or legacy, so movement would require alumni/BMD/President's blessing to happen.
I was reading on the landthieves.com realignment thread the other day, there was a poster claiming that if OU wanted to get out of the B12's GOR and take their TV rights to another conference, their bean counters estimated getting out would cost them roughly $60M. Now if the ACC Network actually launches on time as rumored in the end of 2016, it could be very costly for any ACC school to leave after that point as they would have received fair market compensation for the granting of their rights.
I wonder if OU gave a two year notice if those exit fees could be greatly reduced. I also wonder if their isn't an exit clause to the GOR. Maybe that's the reason Boren has been sabre rattling?
As far as the ACC goes. The buyout is something like 50 million to leave the ACC, and why would ESPN back the SEC on such a move? I believe the SEC is already getting full carrier rates in those states. So what's the advantage? What do we have to gain? The real prize would be Texas and Oklahoma. But if we can only lure Oklahoma. Then who's left that would be worth adding? There really is only four programs that would add value. Iowa state, Kansas, TCU and WVU. Of those four only WVU is new to either the Big12 or SEC. So WV has neither historic value or population. It also ranks below all three other Universities.
Boren is the former governor of Oklahoma. It has been said that the Oklahoma constitution forbids any contract or law from a neighboring state that impinges upon Oklahoma sovereignty over their own state affairs. Some have argued that this will be their ace in the hole. We'll see.
Hawghiggs as far as your second school is concerned if we have Oklahoma then we don't need T.C.U.. Oklahoma delivers DFW all by itself.
Texas is similar. I am not sure about Kansas. I remember back when the B12 GoR was signed, some speculation that the reason OU and UT signed it was they knew their state's sovereignty laws would limit or nullify the effects of the GoR if they ever decided to leave while the GoR is in effect.
So let's throw out another crazy scenario.
OU and OSU...I think it makes sense.
Does it provoke UT to follow suit or would they be happier elsewhere? If UT does wish to follow suit then do they bring another TX school with them to even things out? Would the SEC go for that to get UT? How would A&M respond to the prospect of an additional 2 teams from TX in the league? Let's say the other one is Baylor based on geography, academics, and apparent influence in state politics.
I know the odds of this would be a bit of a long shot, but any thoughts?
(07-23-2015 03:34 PM)AllTideUp Wrote: [ -> ]So let's throw out another crazy scenario.
OU and OSU...I think it makes sense.
Does it provoke UT to follow suit or would they be happier elsewhere? If UT does wish to follow suit then do they bring another TX school with them to even things out? Would the SEC go for that to get UT? How would A&M respond to the prospect of an additional 2 teams from TX in the league? Let's say the other one is Baylor based on geography, academics, and apparent influence in state politics.
I know the odds of this would be a bit of a long shot, but any thoughts?
If the GOR is not in play then why take Baylor? Just take Texas and OU and call it a great day for brand acquisitions. But the GOR is going to be in play. Therefore Kansas has to take a little brother, Oklahoma does as well. Texas needs to cover a private. West Virginia needs to go on their own and T.C.U. and Tech need to find a way into the PAC. Otherwise it's no go.
(07-23-2015 05:28 PM)JRsec Wrote: [ -> ] (07-23-2015 03:34 PM)AllTideUp Wrote: [ -> ]So let's throw out another crazy scenario.
OU and OSU...I think it makes sense.
Does it provoke UT to follow suit or would they be happier elsewhere? If UT does wish to follow suit then do they bring another TX school with them to even things out? Would the SEC go for that to get UT? How would A&M respond to the prospect of an additional 2 teams from TX in the league? Let's say the other one is Baylor based on geography, academics, and apparent influence in state politics.
I know the odds of this would be a bit of a long shot, but any thoughts?
If the GOR is not in play then why take Baylor? Just take Texas and OU and call it a great day for brand acquisitions. But the GOR is going to be in play. Therefore Kansas has to take a little brother, Oklahoma does as well. Texas needs to cover a private. West Virginia needs to go on their own and T.C.U. and Tech need to find a way into the PAC. Otherwise it's no go.
OU and Texas would be ideal, but I'm thinking state politics has more to do with OSU tagging along than the GOR. Of course, if the GOR is paramount then it's the same situation.
Can OU leave without OSU? Not sure they can or really want to. I can understand why Boren would feel a loyalty to OSU given his role in state leadership.
I'm just spitballing on the Texas politics, but it might be necessary to find a 4th team if Texas gets involved at all.
(07-23-2015 07:02 PM)AllTideUp Wrote: [ -> ] (07-23-2015 05:28 PM)JRsec Wrote: [ -> ] (07-23-2015 03:34 PM)AllTideUp Wrote: [ -> ]So let's throw out another crazy scenario.
OU and OSU...I think it makes sense.
Does it provoke UT to follow suit or would they be happier elsewhere? If UT does wish to follow suit then do they bring another TX school with them to even things out? Would the SEC go for that to get UT? How would A&M respond to the prospect of an additional 2 teams from TX in the league? Let's say the other one is Baylor based on geography, academics, and apparent influence in state politics.
I know the odds of this would be a bit of a long shot, but any thoughts?
If the GOR is not in play then why take Baylor? Just take Texas and OU and call it a great day for brand acquisitions. But the GOR is going to be in play. Therefore Kansas has to take a little brother, Oklahoma does as well. Texas needs to cover a private. West Virginia needs to go on their own and T.C.U. and Tech need to find a way into the PAC. Otherwise it's no go.
OU and Texas would be ideal, but I'm thinking state politics has more to do with OSU tagging along than the GOR. Of course, if the GOR is paramount then it's the same situation.
Can OU leave without OSU? Not sure they can or really want to. I can understand why Boren would feel a loyalty to OSU given his role in state leadership.
I'm just spitballing on the Texas politics, but it might be necessary to find a 4th team if Texas gets involved at all.
And I think you speculated about the most logical one, Baylor. There are many here that would vehemently disagree with that but I don't. Baylor politically, historically, and legally would be the best choice. Why? They are the most limited school in Texas in their ability to locate well elsewhere. If the ACC doesn't take anyone but West Virginia then Baylor is in a tough spot. So if there is to be a version of Texahoma to the SEC I think it is Texas, Oklahoma, Baylor, and Oklahoma State. I hope it doesn't come to that, but it could. Right now though to our favor things couldn't be chillier between OU and UT.
Also I think that T.C.U. and Texas Tech would be logical options to the PAC to get their network into that market. So if W.V.U. goes ACC and KU goes Big 10 there are your votes to disband.
(07-23-2015 08:21 PM)JRsec Wrote: [ -> ]And I think you speculated about the most logical one, Baylor. There are many here that would vehemently disagree with that but I don't. Baylor politically, historically, and legally would be the best choice. Why? They are the most limited school in Texas in their ability to locate well elsewhere. If the ACC doesn't take anyone but West Virginia then Baylor is in a tough spot. So if there is to be a version of Texahoma to the SEC I think it is Texas, Oklahoma, Baylor, and Oklahoma State. I hope it doesn't come to that, but it could. Right now though to our favor things couldn't be chillier between OU and UT.
Also I think that T.C.U. and Texas Tech would be logical options to the PAC to get their network into that market. So if W.V.U. goes ACC and KU goes Big 10 there are your votes to disband.
And honestly, Baylor would probably fit into the SEC quite well. Waco is near Dallas and so they would be in the center of a new Western flank. They have good academics and a commitment to football...they just built a new stadium. Baptists who like football? Where have I heard that before?
Someone said a while back that UT was on the clock. Will they go with OU or stay and rebuild the conference...or perhaps go elsewhere. Well, if that is the case, then there appears to be a limit to how long Boren and crew would wait on the Longhorns. I think in that scenario that OSU is the more likely #16. The question would be what does UT do in response? Do they come to envy their rivals' spots in the SEC or do they look to create separation in another way?
Taking the Texas 4 to the ACC along with the LHN makes a lot of sense to me although the travel would be a nightmare. It wouldn't be much better in the Big Ten and certainly not in the Pac 12 although they were certainly willing to go West a few years ago.
I still wonder about the GOR though...where's the weakness? Some seem to be fully sure it exists.