If this happens, I would propose OU and Texas go into the west and call it the SEC Southwestern Conference Division, then move Alabama and Auburn to the east and call it the SEC Southeastern Conference Division.
If OU/Texas do leave the B12 for the SEC. Would the Big 12 retain it's "Power 5" status as a conference if they added some more teams. Candidates would be Houston, SMU, Cincy, BYU, Memphis, to start. There would be motivation for those schools to join if the B12 retains it's Power 5 rating. If not why would those schools leave their current conferences? Maybe Houston and SMU would due to geography making travel a bit better and getting a schedule with teams their fans are more familiar with and have a history with going back to the SWC days.
From reading the Mods on InsideTexas I'm now of the opinion that this is going to happen and sooner rather than later. Of course, those are the same guys who were sure that Saban to Texas was a serous rumor.
I have seen several proposals as to how the SEC would have their divisions. One interesting one was four four team divisions. I like that setup except I don't know how to have a Championship game. Moving Auburn and Alabama into the East doesn't excite me. I think I would rather split the two new teams up with one in each division. By the way am I the only one that was really surprised by this?
It seems like the path’s eventual destination is a national “The Big Boys Conference” consisting of the traditionally elite teams from the SEC, B10, etc. Many of the reasons why I became a fan of college football seem to be disappearing with this ongoing, money driven, conference realignment.
OU as the call girl? Texas reminds me, based on comments from fans of schools who fled the Big 12, of Glenn Close in Fatal Attractions. She might look hot, Mr. SEC, but she is going to boil your friggen ( avoiding profanity per SB directives) pet bunny rabbit once you let her in your home and she goes crazy on you.
Carol Frost sets two United States records at the Cornhusker State Games Carol Frost sets two United States records at the Cornhusker State Games That's why mom always gets the nod over dad
Bill, no you're not the only one surprised. My proposal really started as a joke. Under it, the West would include Texas, Texas A&M, and Arkansas therefore the Southwest Conference Division moniker. It started as a joke but geographically moving Alabama and Auburn to the east would make the most sense. I would hate to lose the Alabama vs LSU game every year but it would make the rest of the season very interesting.
With the SEC adding OU and Texas, They are going to be the richest conference. I read that the BIG has revenues of about 780M to 720M for the SEC. Add in Texas and OU and it's going to skyrocket. Now there is speculation that the the B1G needs to respond, but who is left that will move the needle? PAC12 also a bit under the gun in terms of revenues. ACC lagging behind as well in terms of revenues.
The big in the past wouldn't consider anybody who wasn't in the AAU. West Virginia wouldn't be a bad addition, not from a TV sets they bring but they are a better football program than either Rutgers or Maryland when they joined, but they brought demographics. It would rekindle the Penn State rivalry though. Oklahoma State would be a similar addition.
Dr. Tom was right. He asked 10 years ago if their would be a solid, committed big 12 in ten years from now. No guarantees, so he recommended we bail.