Realignment: I Think We Are Screwed

[StallionsModelT]

It really pains me to say this but I think we are going to be left without a dance partner once all this realignment is done. I really can't talk myself into believing that the MWC or a leftover Big 12 would want anything to do with us. I don't blame the current administration, coaches, and boosters. The 20 years preceeding Jones/Orsini spelled out our fate. It just sucks that we continue to pay for things we did a generation ago. I say this as a real question, b/c I don't know that I have an answer for it.

Would you want to be a part of any conference that includes the likes of UNT, Arkansas State, Tulane, UTSA, La Tech, and Rice? I agree with someone on another thread that the world of college football will shrink to 64. Small, private schools like SMU will be further isolated and put in a position where alumni/boosters/etc. will not want to pour their resources (i.e. time and money) into a product that has no chance of improving its lot. Would SMU consider abandoning football if we are faced with such a scenerio?

[ponyboy]

Risk averse, T?

[SMUSportsTalkNow101]

This thred started a bit too dark. Won't ever get that bad. SMU may get left out of a new bigger conference but there is still hope that maybe it gets in one, too. Many months to come of speculations/accusations and determination.

[StallionsModelT]

Ha! I am seriously worried about what happens to us. Whatever happens happens and ultimately we'll have to accept where we end up. I love the current direction of the program and the athletic dept as a whole, but I hope its not too little too late.

[NickSMU17]

Everyone is worried...I think the odds are 50/50 we improve ourselves....

Either way we continue until the end of June's contract, see where the NCAA landscape lies...if it really puts us to far on the outside with no chance of getting in...I think we will fold it up...

I think there is a lot of time/lawsuits/other external events in the next 5 years for us to make an accurate determination...

[Stallion]

We are not going to fold up-Geez. You guys sound like a bunch of Ken Pyes. Its not exactly like we've been a big time program for the last 20 years

[NickSMU17]

We are not goimng to fold up-Geez.

Look at the optimist...

[skyscraper]

Talk of folding up is ridiculous.
We have one of the newest stadiums in the country. Mr. Ford didn't shell out mega bucks for a soccer/lacrosse stadium. It's for football.
There are so many moving parts right now, for anyone to give up at this point is silly.
I'm a believer that all of this chaos is SMU's best chance to sneak into a conference somewhere. An orderly conference shift would leave us in the cold.

[Mustang75]

When the first AQ schools get left out, the [deleted] hits the fan and congress gets involved. You heard it here first.

[ponydawg]

I don't think we fold, too much invested.
Rice on the other hand........ they thought of folding a few years ago.
This could be the nail in the coffin for them if they get left too far behind.
As long as the little guy has a chance to stun the big guys, we will still play and dream.

[NickSMU17]

I only said we would fold when there are no more available options....If we are stuck in a all private school conference, our athletic deficits will be so outrageous we won't have a choice...A league with Rice, tulune, Tulsa, unt...just doesn't pay the bills

[Cardinal Puff]

I am confident we have some very astute players in this conference change game. Would take our leaders over the administrators and boosters of Baylor and Tulane. Just compare who is in charge and supporting SMU athletics now as compared to the transition time at the end of the SWC.

[mrydel]

We could end up worse no doubt, but look where we are in the food chain. The odds of improvement, if we are prepared and vigilant, are good. I am going to think pleasant thoughts.

[CalallenStang]

StallionsModelT,

Back away from the ledge. We aren't in bad shape right now. It could be better, for sure, but we are well-positioned to turn all of this into a slightly better situation.

[smupony94]

News here in Austin just said the UT and TCU ADs met today but no word on what was said. TCU and UT are playing baseball this weekend down here but kind of early for him to come to Austin