Stay or Move to Big 12

[ponyfan777]

1st off I really like the AAC. But, moving to the Big 12 might be a true possibility. Your thoughts...

Go Ponies!

[Comet]

Depends on what version of the Big 12 it is and what the potential media revenues are. Regardless of that, I'm just a fan of regional rivalries so playing against Baylor and TCU more frequently would be pretty fun.

[Water Pony]

Despite our anxiety to be a P5, we probably should not get ahead of ourselves or others by being a first mover (think musical chairs). ;-D

We need to know what any conference's situation and likely media power will be; along with who else we might be joining with.

Two appealing options are a strong Texas contingent within some combination of Big12/AAC schools or PAC 12, which is less likely but very desirable.

In summary, we need to be very patient.

[mustangxc]

I don't care what conference we are in. I do care what teams we share the conference with. I want SMU to play in the league that maximizes the amount of former SWC teams. If that is the Big XII or AAC so be it. We will have more meaningful games, better crowds, and easier road trips against TCU, Houston, Texas Tech, Baylor, and Oklahoma State (an original SWC member) than we will against most other opponents.

[Charleston Pony]

I don't care what conference we are in. I do care what teams we share the conference with. I want SMU to play in the league that maximizes the amount of former SWC teams. If that is the Big XII or AAC so be it. We will have more meaningful games, better crowds, and easier road trips against TCU, Houston, Texas Tech, Baylor, and Oklahoma State (an original SWC member) than we will against most other opponents.

Agreed. I would like to see both Houston and SMU rejoin TCU, Baylor and Texas Tech along with others to form a group of anywhere from 12-18 members with divisional play and a football championship game (from a pure competition standpoint) but we all know the networks are ultimately going to dictate who aligns with who because they sign the checks everyone is so hungry for.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

I have zero interest in playing Baylor. I hope their sins land them in the Sun Belt.

The rest? Sure I guess.

[EastStang]

Add in Tulane Tulsa, and Rice and Navy, you have a southern Ivy division. SMU, Baylor, TCU, Tulane, Rice, Tulsa, and Navy. Never happen.

[peruna81]

If we can increase exposure and revenue sources by joining a revised Big 12, I'm in.

Not thinking that is going to happen, but yeah, sure.

[ponyboy]

I do think weΓÇÖll be playing some more of our ΓÇ£natural and traditional rivals,ΓÇ¥ as well as some more regional teams, in conference pretty soon. Whether thatΓÇÖs a new Big 12 or an expanded AAC remains to be seen.

[SMUguy]

Make the Big 12 come to us.
Then turn TCU and Baylor away.

[BUS]

I don't see the little 8 making it as a conference. Too many leaks.
Personally, AAC to expand.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Another big blow to the Little 8 and boost to The American - the host of Inside The Big 12 moved to The American this week to be the director of video communication.

https://theamerican.org/news/2021/8/12/general-american-athletic-conference-announces-three-staff-additions.aspx

IRVING, Texas ΓÇô Commissioner Mike Aresco has announced the addition of three new staff members to the American Athletic Conference.

Morgan Uber has been named as Director of Video Communications and Reporter. Erica Holmes has been named Director of WomenΓÇÖs Basketball Operations and Sport Administration. Jernaya Sharp joins the staff as Administrative Fellow.

ΓÇ£I am pleased to welcome Morgan, Erica and Jernaya to The American and look forward to having them provide outstanding service to our member institutions and other constituents,ΓÇ¥ said Aresco. ΓÇ£Morgan is a talented and creative reporter with demonstrated on-camera experience at two Division I conferences who will enhance our video productions. Erica is a skilled, dedicated and hard-working professional who will have an integral role in the administration of our womenΓÇÖs basketball and Olympic sport operations and will be an important liaison with our member schools. Jernaya is a rising star who will bring perspective as a high-level student-athlete to her administrative role with the conference.ΓÇ¥

Uber will serve as The AmericanΓÇÖs primary on-air talent for conference-produced programming, creating broadcast-quality video content and providing on-site coverage of conference championships and other events. She will additionally oversee the conferenceΓÇÖs Campus Connect initiative to identify and mentor students interested in pursuing careers in reporting.

Uber previously served as the Digital Correspondent for the Big 12 Conference since December of 2019 and was the Network Correspondent and on-air talent for the Patriot League from 2016-19. She is the winner of a 2019 Sports Video Group/NACDA College Sports Media Award for outstanding live game event production and won the 2016 Kansas City Press Club Heart of America Award for sports reporting. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri with a bachelorΓÇÖs degree in journalism.

[ClassOf81]

I hope the power brokers who have a say in realignment remember how Baylor and TCU worked to keep us out ... and that we return the favor

[PonyTime]

I hope the power brokers who have a say in realignment remember how Baylor and TCU worked to keep us out ... and that we return the favor

I would prefer that we were in a league with both of them and give them the poundings that they deserve year in and year out.

[Water Pony]

I hope the power brokers who have a say in realignment remember how Baylor and TCU worked to keep us out ... and that we return the favor

I would prefer that we were in a league with both of them and give them the poundings that they deserve year in and year out.

It is hard to imagine that we gain P5 status, while the Bears and the Frogs might lose theirs is not even a remote possibility. In short, we would be thrilled to be in any conference with them. Given our long journey in the wilderness, we may have a path to being promoted and should be more than satisfied with any membership with our former Texas partners. And, we can then pound them on the field.