Saving The Big XII...

[Dr Death]

With the latest rumors of Texas/Texas A&M heading north to the Big 10, and Colorado/Nebraska already gone, I've been thinking of how the Big XII can save itself. Keep in mind, while football is dominating this shake-up, basketball is pretty big in the Big XII as well.

That said, assuming the four teams mentioned leave, here is who I would invite to join the Big XII. Now keep in mind, they can't replace Texas and/or Nebraska. But, with an eye to the future, I think adding these four teams could potentially stabilize the Big XII and set it up to be even stronger within 5 years.

First and foremost, they need to get on the horn to Boise State. I know, it doesn't make geographical sense, but neither does Texas in the Big 10. Boise State is one of two teams that can be considered a power now that might be available. Notre Dame being the other, and knowing ND's penchant for independence, I don't see them joining.

I know as well that Boise doesn't have a great tradition, but the youth today don't care what a team did in the 70's or 80's... they care about now. And lately, Boise State has been darn good. Boise could step in and replace Nebraska and... they'd be much more exciting to watch as they can actually put points on the board.

In the wide open Big XII it seems lately that the Huskers just don't fit. Perhaps the Big 10 will serve them well, but Boise would be a welcome addition. They've won a lot lately and they can play offense.

Second team... TCU. Another team that doesn't have a rich tradition, however lately, they have been very good. TCU made a goal several years ago to establish their football team and they've followed through very nicely. They would step in and immediately be as good, and probably better, than Texas A&M.

The next two teams will be controversial, but at least hear me out. Houston... they would fit in the Big XII with their spread offense and they've had decent success lately. I believe they would be better than Colorado has been lately and may be as good as Texas Tech was during the Mike Leach era... which means... 8-9 wins per year and a bowl game every season.

And finally... SMU. Yes, I am aware of how bad their football program has been since the Death Penalty. But... they now have June Jones. Jones took over a Hawaii team that was on the brink of dissolving their football program altogether and with-in 9 seasons had them in a BCS Bowl Game. They were 0-12 the year before he arrived and 9-4 his first season there. And in Hawaii, he had a measly $50,000 a year recruiting budget. Now, he's in Texas... where football players of high caliber are literally falling off trees and he's in a big city too, Dallas.

His second year at SMU they went 8-5 and won their bowl game in which they were heavy underdogs. Give Jones a few more years in Texas and the 4 and 5 star recruits are going to start lining up.

These moves would not make the Big XII as strong as it was a week ago, but give them 5 years and they might be a very strong conference again.

Big XII - North

Boise State
Iowa State
Kansas
Kansas State
Missouri
TCU

Big XII - South

Baylor
Houston
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
SMU
Texas Tech

All of this of course is dependent on if the Big XII actually wants to survive. But if they do, I think that these teams would make the most sense. I don't see anyway they could land a Notre Dame and after them, who's left? Boise and TCU would be the two best teams that may be available and Houston and SMU would fit in with their offenses and I believe Jones will get SMU to being a solid team, year in, year out.

I am just trying to stimulate some conversation and ideas, no need for anyone to say how stupid this idea is or that idea is... a few years ago nobody would have predicted Texas in the Big 10. So... thoughts, anyone?

[legendkiller5]

T-Magic, is that you?

[RaychelSnr]

Considering you are basing your scenario on Texas and A&M going to the Big Ten, that was enough to stop reading right there....because that scenario isn't going to happen

[hazelhood19]

Yeah, no chance that Texas and Texas A&M go to the Big 10. Not going to happen.

[Dr Death]

Quote: Originally Posted by hazelhood19

Yeah, no chance that Texas and Texas A&M go to the Big 10. Not going to happen.

Well, it's been reported on KCTV 5 that that's exactly what is going to happen. Rumors, I know. But rumors do have a way of coming to fruition. They are also saying Oklahoma is going to petition the SEC to get them in... it keeps getting crazier by the minute...

http://www.kctv5.com/sports/index.html

[legendkiller5]

I believe someone posted that there is no truth to that rumor.

[RaychelSnr]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dr Death

Well, it's been reported on KCTV 5 that that's exactly what is going to happen. Rumors, I know. But rumors do have a way of coming to fruition. They are also saying Oklahoma is going to petition the SEC to get them in... it keeps getting crazier by the minute... http://www.kctv5.com/sports/index.html

KCTV 5's report is 100% wrong in every way. They are kind of ummmmm....well let's just say they're not a station anyone who is worth anything ever goes to work at.

1)Texas A&M is considering the SEC or Pac 10, that report is really the only one that's ever mentioned A&M to the Big Ten.

2)Texas is going to the Pac 10. Oklahoma has stated publically they are going where Texas goes. And I can tell you neither OU going to the SEC or Texas to the Big Ten are in the cards from the people I know in both athletic departments.

3)Oklahoma State and Texas Tech are just happy to be going with Oklahoma and Texas, they're in the limo getting the party ready for the drive east.

[Dr Death]

Quote: Originally Posted by MMChrisS

KCTV 5's report is 100% wrong in every way. They are kind of ummmmm....well let's just say they're not a station anyone who is worth anything ever goes to work at. 1)Texas A&M is considering the SEC or Pac 10, that report is really the only one that's ever mentioned A&M to the Big Ten. 2)Texas is going to the Pac 10. Oklahoma has stated publically they are going where Texas goes. And I can tell you neither OU going to the SEC or Texas to the Big Ten are in the cards from the people I know in both athletic departments. 3)Oklahoma State and Texas Tech are just happy to be going with Oklahoma and Texas, they're in the limo getting the party ready for the drive east.

I've also seen it out of a station in Dallas. So I'm just going with what's being reported. I understand where you're coming from and the sources you have. Like I said, I'm just trying to stimulate some conversation. I am one who does not want to see the Big XII fall apart...