SicEm365 (BU): Why SMU (and USF) Will Be in the Big XII

[Dukie]

This got posted pretty far down the ACC thread (thanks, stlpony) but really deserves its own thread. Hopefully the academic and other factors (like major-airport proximity) that Tony Altimore mentions will eventually matter more than former SWC foes wanting to keep a rival down:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stVThj9R_q4

[BUS]

That took a long time to watch but I guess that is another option.

Just keep winning.

[JasonB]

I would say it is pretty clear that we aren't a good cultural fit for the Big 12, and that with some athletic improvement we are a much better fit for "The Alliance".

[Water Pony]

I would say it is pretty clear that we aren't a good cultural fit for the Big 12, and that with some athletic improvement we are a much better fit for "The Alliance".

JasonB, I was struck by the same observations and the presenter's focus on cultural and university leadership profiles. My reaction was that we are more similar to ACC schools and their cultures and academics.

[Topper]

I still think that Tech, Baylor and TCU will find a way to keep us out of the Big 12 if we still want in. I have watched those 365 guys before and they have been dismissive of SMU all along. Interestingly they seem to forget that Baylor once walked away from its longtime conference as they criticize UT and OU for doing the exact same thing.

[ponyboy]

That is a fantastic deck. I downloaded a copy. Basically, it’s between SMU, the service academies, USF (and Rice and Tulane if AAU status is a factor). I feel a lot better about our chances.

This guy stresses that cultural and academic fit is important, that university leadership has a big say in this. We are overemphasizing butts in seats and the ESPN factor, though no doubt our recent football success never hurts. I agree that we are probably on the B12 next expansion list and I don’t see us getting vetoed by a TCU.

Also, the guy rightly concludes that it’s highly unlikely that the B12 would forfeit P5 status, short of an absolute implosion.

This gives me a hope I haven’t had in a long time. I’ve been privately thinking we were toast forever in terms of having a big-boy seat at the table. I actually think this is going to happen, even if the B12 doesn’t work out.

[Water Pony]

Agree.

One interesting point of view is Big 12 might view us more favorably, if they thought the ACC or PAC 12 would pursue SMU and "plant a flag" ;-D in the Dallas market.

[Mexmustang]

Exactly! Plus how cheap it would be for all sports to travel here to Dallas.

[SMU_Alum11]

I would say it is pretty clear that we aren't a good cultural fit for the Big 12, and that with some athletic improvement we are a much better fit for "The Alliance".

I noticed that as well on that chart where he says we are in the asteroid belt but if we were able to dramatically improve our sports performances then we would be in the ACC because academically we would be the top school in the Big12 and therefore not a cultural fit. However the Big12 might like that it raises their profile academically.

[redpony]

Yes, we would fit nicely into the ACC. Problem is they have no interest in SMU or expanding. Our chances of moving to the little8 are basically blocked by tcwho and rapeU.
I suspect we are going to be left out on an island or stuck in a trashed AAC due to our past lack of interest in promoting our major sports programs.

[SMUstang]

I tend to agree with most of what redpony said. But I'm not sure anyone would block our entrance into the Big XII, I just don't see an invitation coming. We probably are stuck in the AAC, but the AAC has a chance to reconstitute with UAB, UTSA, App State, and FAU. And if they can keep their media contract with ESPN, they will have leverage over the other G5 conferences.

[indianmustang]

Things that can be improved
Social media interaction ,now we see its getting better
Ap poll SO FAR 15 WEEKS since 2010

[Water Pony]

Although we have not been a great situation for decades, I am more optimistic about our ability to create a better situation for SMU FB, BB and, of course, our non-revenue sports. There are many reasons to feel we have recreated our iconic, national brand, including:
- Our performance on the FB field for the last three years
- We're competitive and will remain so.
- Our FB leadership
- Our ideal location in Dallas media and recruiting markets
- Our Born and Raised Recruiting and BOLD initiatives
- Success with Transfer Portal
- Academic reputation
- Substantial Endowment
- Recent and growing success in other sports, e.g. Men's and Women's Soccer, Golf, Equestrian, Men's Swimming & Diving, Women's Track & Field
- Desirable college experience and campus
- Facilities improvements, including for soccer, swimming & diving, etc.
- MBB and WBB upside in a fan friendly Moody Coliseum

If we continue to be ranked in FB and are valuable to other conferences, beyond Big 12 who is logistically and fan attendance & appeal a better fit for us; for the reasons above, we will be become among the first to be identified as a value-add addition.

[SMUstang]

Be careful, figures don't lie but liars figure.

[DiamondM]

Why does that chart show that SMU has 0 Olympic Medals? By my count, going back to 1968, we have something like 25.