The Last Non-Conference Southwest Classic
Posted by Brett Kincaid on September 26, 2011
It seems most everyone in Razorback Nation is still reeling from Saturday’s beatdown in Tuscaloosa. That’s fine. You get one day. Then you need to sack up and get ready for the other 8 games on the Hogs schedule this year.
The second quarter of the Arkansas season begins this weekend in Dallas in the Southwest Classic against former SWC foe Texas A&M. We can officially jettison that modifier after this game, though, because Texas A&M has finally been officially accepted as a new member in the SEC. As you are no doubt tired of hearing us say, we brought you this story long before the MSM jumped on the bandwagon. Our reporting on this started back on August 9 thanks to good sources in Aggieland.
The SEC announced the move will be effective next July, and said Texas A&M will participate in all sports during the 2012-13 academic year. That gives the SEC 13 members and its first addition since South Carolina and Arkansas in 1992.
The Aggies’ defection from the Big 12 had been held up by the possibility of legal action from Baylor and other members. The statement released by the SEC did not mention that situation, and spokesman Charles Bloom said he could not comment.
Of the many questions yet to be answered regarding the look of the SEC next season is this: What will become of the Southwest Classic? This is the third year of a 10 year deal to play the non-conference game in Dallas at Jerry World. Will the game continue to be played at neutral site even as a conference game? I don’t like that idea. As conference members, the fans of both schools deserve a game at home and a chance to visit the other school’s venue. Both Reynolds Razorback Stadium and Kyle Field offer electric atmospheres for college football.
I’m also eager to get the perspective from Mike Anderson and Dave Van Horn. The Aggies have built elite basketball and baseball programs, both of whom will cycle onto the Razorbacks schedules. I for one am thrilled that the deal is done and welcome the Aggies to the SEC.
7 Responses to “The Last Non-Conference Southwest Classic”
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
Maukavelli said
My vote for the Southwest Classic: Let’s lobby the SEC to drop one conference game each year. I’ll just randomly pick an opponent from the SEC West with no ulterior motive …. Alabama. We never play Alabama again. Move A&M into that slot until the braintrusts in Birmingham learn new math and add a 14th team, and then substitute SMU in the annual Dallas matchup.
You missed the bigger picture of adding A&M: Gary Blair returns to Fayetteville with his NATIONAL CHAMPION women’s basketball team. Can the BlogHawgs intrepid reporters get comment from former Women’s AD Bev Lewis?
Brain said
I would imagine the SW Classic goes away. The two main positives for this game was:
1) Recruiting exposure in TX: taken care of now that Houston and Dallas markets are going to have a large presence in SEC media days, in their papers, and tv.
2) $5mm guaranteed game: This goes away with it being conference. The SEC is not going to let us grandfather that in and keep the pie, I would think. With the requirement to play at least 1 SEC game in LR, you cannot afford to have a conference game locked in to a neutral site where every other year you play TWO conference games on campus.
That is not to say we replace it with someone else to try and keep a lucrative payout and more TX exposure. (BCS conference bound TCU??)
Maukavelli said
SMU is probably BCS conference bound. At least according to ESP*N mouthpiece Craig James, who is nothing if not objective.
Brain, you need to write up a 1500 word summary on how the scheduling is going to work in a 13 team league. I have a Ph.D. and all, but I can’t figure it out. Somehow, I’m sure, though, the Hogs will get screwed. Probably end up with Florida as a permanent SEC East opponent, while Bama draws Vandy and LSU will get Kentucky.
BwoT said
These are all great arguments for ending the SW Classic; however, they serve beer in Cowboys Stadium.
So, you know, we should prolly keep playing there.
BK said
Textbook humble-brag by Maukavelli. Well played
Maukavelli said
You caught that, huh?
Adam Butler said
How could we miss it?