Ponyx2 wrote:I don't think UT is going to allow any other Texas teams into the Big 12, and especially TCU. Besides, TCU doesn't bring anything to the table that they don't already have. So if the Big 12 loses a team, they will look west.
If the MWC loses any teams, I can certainly see Houston as being an attractive team...but Tulsa?
And I don't see TCU allowing us into MWC. They've been distancing themselves from us for years.
My take on it, anyway.
TCU will not join the Big 12. The Big 12 believes that they already own the Dallas-Fort Worth market, and there is little evidence to the contrary. TCU would never be permitted to join the southern portion of the Big 12 due to recruiting and rivalries. TCU would not be added to the north because it does not make geographical sense, brings in no new television market, and takes recruits away from the Big 12 south by sending them to its northern half.
Remember that if the Mountain West needs four teams, there are only so many options.
Nevada - limited television market in a conference that will certainly use any potential additions to increase television viewership.
Fresno State - poor academics and a very low athletic budget, Fresno State could have been added by the Mountain West long ago but never has been. Winning may not be enough in this case.
Boise State - poor academics, excellent football - Boise is the most likely candidate of all
Houston - average academics at best, Houston offers a winning football team and huge television market
Tulsa - an afterthought compared to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, Tulsa has been committed to athletics for years. The need for a fourth team would lead to their being taken, but if only three teams are taken expect them to be left out.
SMU - after decades of losing the Mustangs seem committed to win. After trampling Mountain West bid competitor Nevada, SMU looks set to improve. Offers a very large city, making the Mountain West's presence known more than it is with TCU alone. If the rumors of an indoor practice facility prove to be true, SMU's dedication to athletics would be very evident. The only thing holding SMU back at this point is its past.