Sports Illustrated: Texas A&M

[Hoss]

SI.com has a story saying that Aggie High is having discussions with the Southeastern Conference, considering options there, etc.

Considering the fact that Aggie High regent Gene Stallings wants the school in the SEC, and that mayor Rick Perry reportedly is willing to do anything possible to make sure Aggie High and UT stay together, how would things change if those two schools suddenly went to the SEC?

It makes sense, at least on the surface. The culture of the cities (if you can call them cities) seems more SEC than West Coast. They clearly value athletes over students. They are driven by huge, free-spending fan bases who would travel well just about anywhere. Can you imagine annual matchups between UT and Bama? Aggie High and LSU? The regional rivalries, plus the size of the crowds and TV audiences, would be huge.

That doesn't even touch on how cool it would be to see UT and Aggie High renew acquaintances with Arkansas.

I'm sure the Pac-10 has offered a sweetheart deal to get UT (and its money) over there, but the SEC just seems like a more logical fit.

[ponyte]

There is no way, no freaking way , A$M goes to the SEC.

The confusion for players and fans when A$M played MSU would be too greater an embarrassment even by SEC standards.

[Hoop Fan]

i see no reason why A&M and texas have to be in the same league. both have options and can still play non conference just like UT and OU used to.

[Big Hoss]

i see no reason why A&M and texas have to be in the same league. both have options and can still play non conference just like UT and OU used to.

Rumor has it that UT has told A&M that either they come with them wherever they go, or the annual rivalry game is pretty much dead.

[ponydawg]

On old Chipper's Twitter it is said that OU told Tulsa World that SEC is showing more interest in OU, but that the OU AD said they are going to stick with UT. If SEC makes a run at the Texas, aTm, OU, plus 1 to get to 16. PAC 10 takes Utah from MWC, is that enough movement to hurt the MWC and hope for a Big 12 conf that would include us and TCU?

[Hoofprint]

That's true — they'll both draw big crowds wherever they end up. But the Aggie/Horn game is a big event with state-wide interest. It's one of those rivalry games that should remain a rivalry, like Bama/Auburn, USC/UCLA, etc.

Of course, I guess the Nebraska/Oklahoma game lost a lot of sizzle this morning.

[Hoop Fan]

i see no reason why A&M and texas have to be in the same league. both have options and can still play non conference just like UT and OU used to.

Rumor has it that UT has told A&M that either they come with them wherever they go, or the annual rivalry game is pretty much dead.

I know, but that is a bush league negotiating ploy for Texas to get its way. If A&M wants to go SEC and pledges to agree to play Texas every year in the non-conf, how can the legislature stop them. why ? at that point it seems to me the legislature says to both of them you have to play each other non-conference but neither one should dictate the others future.

[Big Hoss]

i see no reason why A&M and texas have to be in the same league. both have options and can still play non conference just like UT and OU used to.

Rumor has it that UT has told A&M that either they come with them wherever they go, or the annual rivalry game is pretty much dead.

I know, but that is a bush league negotiating ploy for Texas to get its way. If A&M wants to go SEC and pledges to agree to play Texas every year in the non-conf, how can the legislature stop them. why ? at that point it seems to me the legislature says to both of them you have to play each other non-conference but neither one should dictate the others future.

Because the folks at UT think their [deleted] doesn't stink. They think they are better than everyone else, and why shouldn't they? They get a bigger share of the current Big 12 TV deal as I understand it. And honestly, they have so much money and clout right now that they could go to pretty much any conference and say they want in, and I bet that conference would make it happen. In my opinion, if UT went to the SEC and said they wanted in, it would happen.

[huskerpony]

Their last ultimatum worked out really well for them too....

Don't forget the A&M athletic director was AD at Nebraska when the Big 12 was set up. He personally got burned in that deal more than anyone. Wouldn't be surprised if he is pushing for a split, but I doubt he will get his way.

[huskerpony]

Radio just reported here that A&M has an unconditional offer to the SEC along with Va Tech!

[couch 'em]

Radio just reported here that A&M has an unconditional offer to the SEC along with Va Tech!

If true, step 1. If they accept, look for two more schools to be offered that are only acceptable to add when done in combination with the above two schools.

[Hoofprint]

OMG, now they're raiding the ACC, too?

Wonder if the speculation that SEC goes after Florida State will pan out, too. Maybe also Miami, to have the Big Three in Florida?

Imagine the SEC if it added A&M, VaTech, Florida State and then came back to grab Texas. No other conference could touch it.