Maybe it's a new direction

Each week I read of our area schools struggling to gain recognition, gain respect or fill stadiums. TCU has had a quality program, but gains only minimal national respect. The once powerful University of Houston is now almost unknown. UNT struggles for credibility and SMU has trouble filling a smallish Ford Filed.
I believe that there is an easy answer to all of these issues. Revive the old SWC. A conference could be formed including 8 to 12 of the following schools.
Conference USA members SMU, Rice, Houston, Tulane, Tulsa, Memphis and UTEP.
Big 12 Conference perpetual also ran Baylor
Mountain West Conference TCU, Colorado State and New Mexico
Western Athletic Conference New Mexico State and Louisiana Tech
Sun Belt Conference UNT and Arkansas State
The result would probably create a stronger and more competitive conference, with increased regional rivalries, better crowds, lower travel costs and easier recruiting opportunities. And the regional emphasis would guarantee better local media coverage. With five states represented and a strong national non-conference schedule there would be minimal, if any, loss in national scope
I believe that there is an easy answer to all of these issues. Revive the old SWC. A conference could be formed including 8 to 12 of the following schools.
Conference USA members SMU, Rice, Houston, Tulane, Tulsa, Memphis and UTEP.
Big 12 Conference perpetual also ran Baylor
Mountain West Conference TCU, Colorado State and New Mexico
Western Athletic Conference New Mexico State and Louisiana Tech
Sun Belt Conference UNT and Arkansas State
The result would probably create a stronger and more competitive conference, with increased regional rivalries, better crowds, lower travel costs and easier recruiting opportunities. And the regional emphasis would guarantee better local media coverage. With five states represented and a strong national non-conference schedule there would be minimal, if any, loss in national scope