With A&M Move to SEC Imminent, Who is SEC’s Next Deep, Awkward Expansion Kiss?
Posted by Adam Butler on August 9, 2011
12, 11. 10........?
A wise man once said, “Fool me once, shame on….shame on you…Fool me…you can’t get fooled again”.
Now that Texas A&M appears ready to heed that sage advice and Gig the Big 12, who else will join the Aggies in the hopes of “Whoop”ing it up in the SEC? Given the ever-changing, highly-charged, political nature of such moves, answering that question and making predictions on expansion is asking to have egg on your face. That said, one school makes the most sense–Missouri.
As in every other walk of life, conference expansion is all about the money. And, even when it’s not about the money, it’s about the money. The SEC–that has no interest in being saddled with a suddenly, (surprisingly) pedestrian TV package despite being the premiere collegiate athletic conference in America.
A&M would bring a ton of alums dressed as TV viewers, and Mizzou would provide the same thanks to the large (by comparison to most of the league locales) K.C. and St. Louis markets. MU would also provide a nice geographic with A&M in the West and pave the way for Bama and Auburn to slide into the SEC East.
Some have suggested A&M’s arrival would necessitate a new member in the East, but none of the would-be candidates (Clemson, Miami, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech) make as much sense as MU. Why would Clemson move? Could Miami hang in the facilities arms race? Ga Tech? Maybe, but its biggest asset for this discussion (the ATL) is already an SEC market. Va Tech? One has to wonder about its long-term overall program viability once Frank Beamer retires. Yes, i know we have Vandy, but every league needs a “Doremat”.
Meanwhile, after barely avoiding being cross-cut last year, Mizzou has to see the train of Big 12 dissolution coming and better be in a position to jump off the tracks. They can’t afford to be left at the altar, again.
OU and Ok. State will skip off into the sunset together, somewhere. They aren’t in play for an SEC spot. Mizzou may be, soon, though, if they aren’t already. And, if SEC Commissioner Mike Slive so much as opens his mouth to extend an offer, Mizzou should accept immediately because the Big 12 looks as if it is about to implode.
However, if Mizzou botches the move or the SEC looks elsewhere–don’t count out one wild card–Kansas.
The Beakers wouldn’t just prop up a moribund SEC basketball league (aside from Kentucky, of course) they would resuscitate it. Immediately. And, rumblings out of Lawrence suggest KU Head Coach Bill Self has no interest in slumming in a (perceived to be lesser) conference once the Big 12 folds.
It should be interesting. Stay tuned.
15 Responses to “With A&M Move to SEC Imminent, Who is SEC’s Next Deep, Awkward Expansion Kiss?”
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StLouisHog said
OU woudl be the first choice of the SEC after A&M, but they want to bring Oklahoma State with them and the SEC has zero interest in Oklahoma State. That opens the door for Missouri in the west, and Missouri also brings the Kansas City and St. Louis television markets. In the east, I think West Virginia and NC State are the most likely additions. The SEC would love to have UNC, but they will not leave the ACC. The SEC would also like to get VT but that isn’t likely because of the politics between VT and UVA. West Virginia is in a basketball conference and would love to jump to the SEC. NC State wants to get out from under UNC’s thumb and would also welcome a move to the SEC. They also bring the Charlotte and Raleigh/Durham television markets.
Adam Butler said
Stl–
That is what I meant Re: the Oklahoma schools.OU isn’t a viable option b/c it is tied at the hip to Ok. State.
But, they will land somewhere together quickly once the Big 12 folds.
BwoT said
How many times do I have to say it! Arkansas State, duh!
Brett Kincaid said
It makes a lot of sense, actually. The SEC would be able to shore up that Jonesboro-Paragould-Cape Girardeau market.
Adam Butler said
Don’t forget Cardwell, Mo. A lot of players come out of Mr. T’s.
BwoT said
Missouri and Clemson are both out because the SEC already has two Tigers.
Brett Kincaid said
But the SEC doesn’t have any Red Wolves!
BwoT said
Has anybody discussed this Nut Squeezin’ Tradition they have at College Station? If this move happens, and I’m still not convinced it will, maybe we want to keep that game in Dallas so we don’t have a bunch of crew cuts running around Dickson playing the squeeze box on the scrotums. Have you seen this?
http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/2006/10/02/my-thats-disturbing-the-aggie-squeeze/
Adam Butler said
At least it’s better than the Texas Tech bell ringer.
Jeff said
“Doremat”?
Please tell me this is a reference I don’t get. Because it can’t be a typo.
Adam Butler said
Jeff, Jeff, Jeff. Cmon. You’re better than that. I’m certainly better than that.
Vandy=The Commodores=The ‘Dores= Dore Mat.
BwoT said
I see what you did there. A pun on two levels.
Jeff said
Ahh yes. See? I am blonde.
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