more realignment conversation

[davidpaul123]

another pretty good read on conference re-alignment looking at what TCU should do...

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/3867 ... ntain-west

[Water Pony]

another pretty good read on conference re-alignment looking at what TCU should do...

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/3867 ... ntain-west

I can't imagine TCU viewing this as anything other the worst case scenario or a nightmare after everything they had done to distance themselves from this group, including us. It wouldn't be much for us either, since a new SWC with these members would not capture much national attention.

[davidpaul123]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/3871 ... st-and-bcs

[mathman]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/387163-boise-state-stands-between-mountain-west-and-bcs

That's an interesting read. Use the BCS formula against them. The Mid-Majors unite.

[couch 'em]

If teams moved to do such a thing, they would just changed the BCS formula to prevent "exploitation" of it.

[EastStang]

Any group that wanted to cherry pick CUSA, WAC, MWC and the MAC could find favor in the formula which is why the PAC-10 would defensively move to take Utah out of the equation by inviting them. Boise is more problematic in that they are not very good academically and the PAC-10 and Big XII would be loathe to add them. The Big XII might defensively add TCU to again take them out of the running or take BYU for the attendance and TV dollars. I think a adding Miami of Ohio to the equation or Northern Illinois might add something as well to a Mid-Major super conference, although I haven't done the research on that to pin that down. If such a formula caused the Big Ten and/or the PAC-10 to lose BCS status, they would simply take the Rose Bowl (which they own), pick up their marbles and leave the BCS.
Forming a mid-major Super Conference was what the WAC-16 tried to do and failed. It brought together three former SWC programs, BYU, AFA and some strong mountain teams like NM, UTEP and had good basketball with Utah and UNLV. And it had good cities like DFW, Houston, San Diego, Bay Area, CA, Denver region and LV. It failed miserably due primarily to scheduling disagreements and arguably after the split both conferences got worse in football (except for a single dominant team each year).

So a Super Conference of expediency without some glue is not bound for long term success. Add TCU, to former SWC mates, as well as Tulsa, Tulane, USM, Memphis and UTEP to form a real SWC and there could be some glue there with a strong regional presence (if you wanted 12 you could add in UNM, AFA, and any filler team like UNT, La. Tech, UAB, or CSU). But you should focus on regional strength and quality of programs.

[Charleston Pony]

after everything TCU has accomplished while we sat back and watched, I actually feel bad for them if they get passed by in any realignment that results in the formation of "super conferences"...but if that is their fate, I think the idea of a reborn SWC has potential.

Let's face it...TCU built their football program to the point they can compete with anyone...but that doesn't necessarily mean they will be given that opportunity going forward.

[Water Pony]

I agree that the Frogs earned and deserve greater consideration. However, the big conferences might argue that TCU is attractive as a result of one or tow loss seasons, which may not happen in a new, stronger BCS-type conference, plus their inevidentable erosion in results over time, i.e. an average TCU team won't add much to the mix.

My original challenge to TCU was that they were full of hubris and their long term prospects weren't necessarily better than ours. However, over the last decade they have proved me wrong in their move to MWC.

[gostangs]

The point is they dont add anything that matters to a conference more then we would - in fact there is less corporate tie ins (conference sponsor money) then SMU can offer. Is their on field product better then ours at the moment? Yes. Do they deliver any more to a conference TV contract then SMU - No. The two of us combined provide a deeper and better DFW demogrpahic - thats about the best both schools can hope for. That would be hard to swallow after all they have achieved I agree - but it is a numbers reality that matters - not an emotional reality.

[West Coast Johnny]

I'm a TCU fan, but I am not holding my breath about getting an invite to the Big 12. TCU and SMU are what they are... small, church affiliated colleges that play second fiddle to larger state institutions in their own cities. The Big 12 North allready resents the South and doesn't want another Texas school. Texas, OU, and OSU probably wouldn't mind having TCU in the conference as it gives them a road game in their own territory where they would have a big fan presence. Texas Tech and especially Baylor are threatened by an emerging TCU and will fight to keep us out of their club.

Even though the Big 12 doesn't want TCU, that doesn't mean that TCU won't get in. Beggers can't be choosers and there are not that many qualified schools available. If the Big 12 looses Missouri or Nebraska, you will see a movement to add Colorado State or Memphis. Although those schools have only a fraction of the TCU success and history, they bring markets and Memphis is a basketball power. If Texas, A&M and or Oklahoma bolt for another conference (which I'm hoping happens) then TCU gets invited.

I'm hoping the Big 12 looses Missouri, Nebraska, and additionally, Texas bolts to the Pac 10 and brings A&M with them. It would mean a big 12 comprised of:

North - Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, BYU, Colorado State, Memphis
South - Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, SMU, Texas Tech, Baylor

That would be a good conference.

[Mexmustang]

I just don't see Memphis...and I am not sure we can list them as a basketball power for long.

[Samurai Stang]

another pretty good read on conference re-alignment looking at what TCU should do...

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/3867 ... ntain-west

This is an incredibly stupid article. I simply do not even know where to begin. There is simply too much to correct.