Texas AD = Notre Dame to Big 12 or Texas to Pac-12 if A&M bolts.....

[NWASooner]

If it hasn't been obvious that Texas and Oklahoma are one step ahead of everyone else in the conference shuffle, this should be it.  It's from Chip Brown and there's so much win in this article it's not even funny.

This is starting to become very similar to the "Missouri to the Big 10" debacle.

The latest on Texas A&M, including comments from DeLoss Dodds

Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds said today if Texas A&M leaves the Big 12 to join the SEC, his hope will be that the Big 12 stays together.

Dodds' statement came in response to a question during a luncheon speech at the Young Men's Business League of Austin.

Dodds also said if it meant peace in the Big 12, the Longhorn Network would never air a high school football game.

Dodds asked how many Aggies were in the crowd. When one of the Aggies asked if airing high school games on the Longhorn Network would be an unfair advantage for Texas, Dodds asked the Aggie about the state 7-on-7 tournament featuring high school players on the College Station campus every summer.

Dodds smiled and asked, "Do you know how we feel about that tournament being in College Station?" Then he smiled and said, "You probably don't because we never talk about it."

If Texas A&M was to leave, Dodds said the Big 12 might seek to bring in another school. Dodds also said if there was not sentiment to hold the Big 12 together by the remaining members that Texas and possibly Notre Dame could join forces to create a new conference.

Dodds gave no indication that Texas would pursue the possibility of becoming an independent.

A top administrator at another Big 12 school said the possibility of some Big 12 schools talking to the Pac-12 could become a reality again if Texas A&M was to bolt for the SEC.

In short, everyone in the Big 12 is back in scramble mode until Texas A&M makes clear what its intentions are.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry told The Dallas Morning News Wednesday, "I'll be real honest with you. I just read about it the same time as y'all did. ... As far as I know, conversations are being had. That's frankly all I know. I just refer you to the university and the decision makers over there."

A Texas A&M source with direct knowledge of the Aggies' situation told Orangebloods.com the TAMU regents will be meeting later this month - possibly as early as Aug. 22 - to introduce a new chancellor and deliberate a potential move to the SEC.

A&M president Bowen Loftin has told reporters there is "uncertainty" about the Aggies' future in the Big 12.

The SEC has been largely silent on Texas A&M. And according to one SEC source, the Aggies will have to basically submit an application for acceptance into the SEC (that is expected to be rubber stamped in no time). That process allows members of the SEC to have plausible deniability about any move until A&M's application is submitted.

Two sources in the Big 12 said they've heard the SEC is also interested in adding Florida State to the SEC East.

Sources in the Big 12 say the same political forces that tried to slow down the breakup of the conference last summer are already trying to get answers from A&M about its intentions.

The Texas Legislature is no longer in session. But I was told Wednesday, "the legislators will have something to say about this."

For those wondering how Gov. Rick Perry might factor into all of this, Perry is weighing a run for the White House in 2012.

One source told me a move to the SEC by Texas A&M might help Perry, an A&M graduate and former yell leader, with voters in SEC states.

That's because a move by the Aggies into that conference would help the SEC get into Texas for recruiting purposes. Couldn't quite tell if the source was half-joking. Sadly, the source is probably right.

Several sources thought out loud about why Texas A&M would trade being in the more winnable Big 12, which has an easier path to a national title without a league title game, for a place in the SEC West with the likes of Alabama, LSU, Arkansas and Auburn.

"Texas A&M should be in the top three of the Big 12 in football every year," one Big 12 source said. "In the SEC, they'll fight to be in the top half of the conference every year."

But sources close to Texas A&M say the Aggies are losing faith in the Big 12 as it is currently constructed and have serious issues with Texas and the Longhorn Network.

Basically, this is the Missouri debacle.

1.  Missouri flirts with Big 10 for years.
2.  Texas says "GTFO."
3.  Big 10 never offers Missouri.
4.  Texas threatens to leave for the Pac-10
5.  Everyone (Missouri) is thankful that Texas stayed.
6.  Meanwhile, OU is the silent partner that keeps getting everything it wants.

A&M isn't going anywhere but don't be surprised if they the same GTFO treatment that Missouri got.....

[Hawk]

a&m belong with their big brother's in Austin. What they really ought to do is take all the Texas schools and form their own conference with them. They can have their own "republic" championship and everything!

[regi]

GTFO out of what? A crappy deal in a fading conference. A&M is pulling Texas around by the shorhairs right now, the Big 12 will go to equal revenue sharing for all, and ESPN and Texas will cool their heels on this Longhorn network or they walk. After that if OU wants to continue to kiss Texas' ass, they are welcome to it, but don't be shocked if they go independant and leave the rest of the Big 12 hanging.

[riccoar]

If ND ever joins a conference it would be the Big 10.

[NWASooner]

If ND ever joins a conference it would be the Big 10.

I agree but this is Texas' way of letting A&M know it doesn't need them.

[riccoar]

If A&M and a few more schools bolted, Texas might not be as brash.  Texas carries a lot of weight, but not as much if the Big 12 folds around it.

[Oklahawg]

The failure in the argument begins with understanding institutional academic standards. Texas and A&M can go anywhere they want. OU cannot. Notre Dame, for that matter, can go anywhere they want. OU cannot. Kansas, the #3 academic school in the Big 12-2 can go anywhere it is invited. Maybe Missouri or Iowa State could say the same thing. OU cannot.

For example, if the Big 10+2 were to add more schools OU lacks the academic standing to be admitted. Iowa State could. Missouri, maybe. Kansas, for sure. Texas and A&M in a heartbeat. That is the rub for OU fans. Even the Pac10/12 is a notch above OU academically.

While this is rarely discussed I believe it is a factor in enlarging conferences. The SEC is not bothered by this; any conference with Ole Miss and MS State in its membership has already set the bar rather low. In fact, its a factor that (likely) would prevent Texas from coming this way. A&M would only entertain the SEC to (finally) get rid of Texas as the "big brother".

==

If Notre Dame is to join the Not-So-Big 9 over the Big 10/11/12 it would shock me - it is not as good a fit academically, or culturally. It also makes no sense for them to join a conference where they would immediately be #2 in the pecking order (behind Texas) if not #3 (OU would obviously carry enhanced clout once A&M leaves).

[ErieHog]

I agree but this is Texas' way of letting A&M know it doesn't need them.

To the contrary, this is exhibit A in why TAMU wants out;  only Texas would be arrogant enough to believe that they could virtually single-handedly pull Notre Dame halfway across the country and out of 100 years of independent play.

[Torqued pork]

I can't take anyone seriously who mentions ND to the Big XII as a possibility.

[jswineberiaskirk]

The best part was when the article stated that aTm going into the SEC would help aTm grad Perry get votes in SEC country by opening up Texas to SEC recruiting. I think he would do ok vote wise there anyway, but, accepting that premise, think of the power the SEC would have then!

[dooley]

So, Texas doesn't get its way so it threatens, deflects, and insults everyone.  Sounds about right.

[HOGSWEAT]

If Texas and Notre Dame start their own conference, I hope its called the Big Fat Doo-Doo Head Conference

[texas tush hog]

I agree but this is Texas' way of letting A&M know it doesn't need them.

You really do love the sips don't you?

[3kgthog]

Notre Dame will never join a conference in football. Mark it down. Oh, and keep the SEC the way it is.

[Torqued pork]

After further review watching the egos in Austin clash with the egos in South Bend could be entertaining.

[nwarazfan]

Chip is Texas' Clay Black Sheep Henry.  He'll get the spin out that DeLoss wants out.  The Big 10 is putting out rumors that it will go after ND, Texas and A&M. 

[Rey Pygsterio]

Anyone who says Notre Dame is a possibility in the Big 12 should not be taken seriously.

[Khallos]

Texas and ND in the same conference?

Now that would be a conference I would love to hate.

[East TN HAWG]

This is comical because who would join a league with ND and TX?  No one from SEC or Big 10 would join.  Some might join out of desperation ie OSU, KS St, IA ST.

[texas tush hog]

If it hasn't been obvious that Texas and Oklahoma are one step ahead of everyone else in the conference shuffle, this should be it.  It's from Chip Brown and there's so much win in this article it's not even funny.


Excuse me, but did not Chip Brown say there was nothing to the A&M to the SEC rumor? Why is it still going?Is Chip more knowledgeable than the A&M BOR and Governor Perry? Chip only repeats what Deloss Dodds tells him to say.

[Feralhog]

If it hasn't been obvious that Texas and Oklahoma are one step ahead of everyone else in the conference shuffle, this should be it.  It's from Chip Brown and there's so much win in this article it's not even funny.

This is starting to become very similar to the "Missouri to the Big 10" debacle.

Basically, this is the Missouri debacle.

1.  Missouri flirts with Big 10 for years.
2.  Texas says "GTFO."
3.  Big 10 never offers Missouri.
4.  Texas threatens to leave for the Pac-10
5.  Everyone (Missouri) is thankful that Texas stayed.
6.  Meanwhile, OU is the silent partner that keeps getting everything it wants.

A&M isn't going anywhere but don't be surprised if they the same GTFO treatment that Missouri got.....

I don't blame you for hoping AM stays, but my money is on them leaving.

[Dumb ole famrboy]

If the Big 12 falls apart the LHN contract gives ESPN the option to purchase the exclusive broadcast rights to all UT Athletics. What conference would want UT if the conference can't offer UT athletics as part of their broadcast package.

[texas tush hog]

I don't blame you for hoping AM stays, but my money is on them leaving.


I will not go so far as to guarantee it but awfully close.

[beantownhog]

I can't take anyone seriously who mentions ND to the Big XII as a possibility.

^^^^THIS x 100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000^^^

If ND won't team up with Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin, why in the WORLD would they they head to Texas, OU, OSU, Baylor, et. al.?  ND would go to the SEC first, and that AIN'T happening!

[texas tush hog]

Mine too...just how much longer will the Aggies put up with the "A&M, the Texas' bitch crap". Not much longer.

Everything down here says,not much longer.

[colemjh]

I do not think that that PAC 12 or Big 10 would allow Texas to join with the UT Network.

[Hornkiller]

Anyone who says Notre Dame is a possibility in the Big 12 should not be taken seriously.

Not yet. Now if the era of the super conference is indeed coming which would usher in a playoff system it would totally change the rules. Notre Dame has always had cache with the BCS and NCAA but with the Big 10 wanting to expand and add Notre Dame they could fight any special concessions that the Irish could ask for in an attempt to get them to finally break down and join the Big 10.

Now we all now the Pac-12 will go along with whatever the Big 10 tells them to do. The SEC being the toughest conference in the land would probably want to make sure they get as many teams in as possible and join the two conferences in saying no to special concessions to Notre Dame. The Big East could go either way though saying no could be a way of pulling Irish Football in with the conference their other sports are affiliated with. The ACC has no dog in the fight but if everyone votes no would go on the bandwagon.

Now the Big 10's game plan isn't going to go down well in South Bend. And if there is anyone who can give the Texas Tea sips a run for their money in entitlement and arrogance, it's Notre Dame. Notre Dame doesn't want to share revenue with Ohio State and Michigan, much less Northwestern, Indiana and Illinois.

So you have the crumbling wreck of the Big XII-2 laying in the weeds. Notre Dame brings a big name to the Big XII-2 and a national TV draw. Notre Dame knows the Big XII-2 revenue stream isn't equally distributed and will get as much as Texas to come in and save the conference. Yes their generational rivalries with Michigan, Purdue and Michigan State could go by the waste side but they'll get to keep USC and Navy. And with the bad taste in their mouth from the Big 10's power move if Notre Dame is going to stick it to the Big 10 it might as well go all the way.

So if Notre Dame's hand is forced and it has to go to a conference to keep in the playoff / national title hunt what do they do? Reward the Big 10 for their dirty dealings with their membership? Make their membership in the Big East complete and be the Biggest Fish in the smallest pond? Or join Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri along with possibly BYU (who surely won't get the same indpendent deal) in the new conference being hailed as the savors and getting a big pay day?

If you look at the scenario that way, it's not a far fetched as it seems. But it has to come to the point where you're in a conference or you're dead to division I. And we're not there.....  just yet.

[texas tush hog]

I do not think that that PAC 12 or Big 10 would allow Texas to join with the UT Network.

The SEC damn sure won't.

[Hornkiller]

This is comical because who would join a league with ND and TX?  No one from SEC or Big 10 would join.  Some might join out of desperation ie OSU, KS St, IA ST.

Shoot you think for a second given the options that Baylor, Tech, O-State, Kansas St., Kansas and Iowa State wouldn't vote for that deal any day of the week and twice on Sunday? Go fend for themselves in C-USA or Mountain West or keep the Big XII together with a program that brings in eyeballs all across the nation.

Oklahoma and Missouri might have some reservations. But Oklahoma sees themselves on par with Texas and Notre Dame and would be up there in the money. Missouri might not be but if a new TV deal goes down anchored by Notre Dame it could be more then the Big 10 has meaning Missouri could be persuaded to stay where they are.

[NWASooner]

I don't blame you for hoping AM stays, but my money is on them leaving.

Given my choice, I'd rather A&M leave, which would send OU, Okie State, Texas, and Tech to the Pac-12.  That's where I was hoping OU would end up last year.

That doesn't mean it's going to happen, though.

[Feralhog]

Given my choice, I'd rather A&M leave, which would send OU, Okie State, Texas, and Tech to the Pac-12.  That's where I was hoping OU would end up last year.

That doesn't mean it's going to happen, though.

You're lucky Tejas is willing to allow you guys to hang on to their coattails. 

[tusksincolorado]

If it hasn't been obvious that Texas and Oklahoma are one step ahead of everyone else in the conference shuffle, this should be it.  It's from Chip Brown and there's so much win in this article it's not even funny.

This is starting to become very similar to the "Missouri to the Big 10" debacle.

Basically, this is the Missouri debacle.

1.  Missouri flirts with Big 10 for years.
2.  Texas says "GTFO."
3.  Big 10 never offers Missouri.
4.  Texas threatens to leave for the Pac-10
5.  Everyone (Missouri) is thankful that Texas stayed.
6.  Meanwhile, OU is the silent partner that keeps getting everything it wants.

A&M isn't going anywhere but don't be surprised if they the same GTFO treatment that Missouri got.....

Sounds like someone is a little nervous of the possibility of being left out with the only place to land is the PAC12. Wow, flights out of OKC to Seattle, Oregon, Bay Area, LA. Those are a solid 3 to 31/2 hour flights out West. I agree that OU is the "diamond" in this deal (if they get out of the latest NCAA Doghouse)......but you might just might want to stop your argument. The Little12-2 is on the verge of folding and you should hope for a sensible, logical, profitable conference.

[The Boar War]

If it hasn't been obvious that Texas and Oklahoma are one step ahead of everyone else in the conference shuffle, this should be it.  It's from Chip Brown and there's so much win in this article it's not even funny.


6.  Meanwhile, OU is the silent partner that keeps getting everything it wants.

How does "If Texas A&M leaves..." put you one step ahead.  Being one step ahead would require you to make the first move (for example leaving the SWC for the SEC for the same basic reasons 20 years before A&M began to notice).

Just because OU isn't mentioned doesn't mean they're the power broker working behind the scenes.  They are likely waiting on the chips to fall before they make their decision.  What exactly does OU want?  What have they received that indicates a huge victory for the Sooners?

[verticalhog]

I used to believe that the quality of academics argument was a real factor in this.  However, when the Big 10 took Nebraska rather than Missouri, that idea died.  Mizzou is clearly superior to Nebraska academically (Iowa State is comparable to Mizzour but doesn't have any television value).  If the SEC wanted to try to bring in some high-end schools academically, they should shoot for UNC and Georgia Tech.  Heck, you could bring in Baylor to counter Vanderbilt as a private school since they have pretty good academics.  I think the Big 10's choice of Nebraska indicates that conferences are more concerned with a national TV draw than academic standing.

[rzrbackrob]

Oklahoma following around Texass is pitiful and funny all at the same time.

Oklahoma wake-up: Texass is just not that into you.

This breakup will be like a Jerry Springer episode.

[Feralhog]

Oklahoma following around Texass is pitiful and funny all at the same time.

Oklahoma wake-up: Texass is just not that into you.

This breakup will be like a Jerry Springer episode.

OU beggin for a place to land will make me LOL a little

[texas tush hog]

Given my choice, I'd rather A&M leave, which would send OU, Okie State, Texas, and Tech to the Pac-12.  That's where I was hoping OU would end up last year.

That doesn't mean it's going to happen, though.

You just might get your wish.

[Cure]

Done deal. A&M to the SEC... Hearing that the paperwork is already in the SEC's hands and they're just waiting on the Aggie BOR to approve... Supposedly all but a done deal, official BOR meeting and vote on August 22.

[OTTER]

Might as well just rename Oklahoma, Texahoma.  Oklahoma is joined to Texas by it's lips being attached to Texas' arse anyway.

[MojaveJoe]

Done deal. A&M to the SEC... Hearing that the paperwork is already in the SEC's hands and they're just waiting on the Aggie BOR to approve... Supposedly all but a done deal, official BOR meeting and vote on August 22.

I doubt it - a lot of wanting to expand will depend on who they get for the eastern division with A&M. A&M is a great addition, at least financially and market wise (I like the current SEC frankly) but without adding a good eastern partner I don't think they'll just rubber stamp em.

[Hognspace]

I doubt it - a lot of wanting to expand will depend on who they get for the eastern division with A&M. A&M is a great addition, at least financially and market wise (I like the current SEC frankly) but without adding a good eastern partner I don't think they'll just rubber stamp em.

You would be thinking wrong...

[GuvHog]

Done deal. A&M to the SEC... Hearing that the paperwork is already in the SEC's hands and they're just waiting on the Aggie BOR to approve... Supposedly all but a done deal, official BOR meeting and vote on August 22.

I'm not a betting man but if I were and what you've posted is true, I would lay a very large wager that OU already has an offer to join the SEC on the table too.

[NWASooner]

I'm not a betting man but if I were and what you've posted is true, I would lay a very large wager that OU already has an offer to join the SEC on the table too.

Doubt it.  They were full ready to join the Pac-10 last year.  My guess is that offer still stands.  Either way, Okie State is going with them wherever they go.

[sportswriter41]

I have being hearing a lot about OU looking seriouisly into joining the SEC. At this point it would not surprise me.

[Lake City Hog]

Of all of the schools OU is going to get screwed the worst, being tied to little brother is really limiting their options. The Pac 12 doesn't want TT or OSU, the big question is will they take OSU to get OU?
Texas is going to care of Texas and the "Sooner" OU figures that out the better off they will be. The Big 12 had one chance to fix the Big 12 and they blew it. The other 11 schools should have voted Texas out of the league and went after a school to take their place. That might have saved Colorado and Nebraska and given the conference a chance to survive.

[tusksincolorado]

Doubt it.  They were full ready to join the Pac-10 last year.  My guess is that offer still stands.  Either way, Okie State is going with them wherever they go.

You think that offer is still there with the LOI...again, on the table?

So just how will that alignment break down?

Okie East
Okie State East
Colorado East
Zona East
Zona State East
Utah East
Tech East

Spoiled Children West
Washington West
Wash state West
Da Ducks West
Da Beavers West
Stanford West
UCLA West

If i were you I would get on all frequent flyer programs!

[GuvHog]

The Rivals Texas A&M affiliate is reporting that A&M to SEC is a done deal and that the SEC member schools have voted to accept them.

http://tamu.rivals.com/

[tusksincolorado]

They'd better be.  Otherwise NWASooner better read up on popular hotel destinations in Moscow, ID and Ruston, LA.

I think you missed one....Laramie, WY

-25, 15+ mph breeze, and 30 inches in November....bring your Wickie and Diet Coke!

[NWASooner]

They'd better be.  Otherwise NWASooner better read up on popular hotel destinations in Moscow, ID and Ruston, LA.

OU isn't worried about finding a place anywhere.  It's the Kansas State's of the world that are about to get hosed.

[regi]

SEC is not interested in OU, we have enough acedemic issues already and no major tv market. Slive wants television markets for renegotiations with the TV people. OU brings nothing. A&M gets the SEC network in the Houston, DFW markets. That is every SEC game available to all those Texas kids and their parents (how does this not help Arkansas again?). Slive and the PTB, want either Mizzou (Kansas City and STL) or North Carolina (pipe dream), so it will be Mizzou.

Sooners will have to convince TCU, Houston and some others to join what is left of the Big12 for 1/2 what they and Texas get or Texas goes independent and OU will be in the Big East of the Plains.