Just wondering, does the State government have any decision making power on which conference OU/OSU/TU (etc.) join?

And for both OU and Texas, this would almost certainly mean the end to all those horrible 11AM kickoffs.

The SEC has much more power in positioning for TV times and some of the schools are in the Eastern time zone.

11AM kicks are horrible for the school, town, team, fans, TV and recruiting. And I know Lincoln Riley and Joe Castiglione are both completely sick of them.

Berry Tramel wrote this:

Yeah based on a few articles I’ve seen, the combo of the TV deals and getting the 11 AM kickoff for Nebraska plus everyone (including Bob Bowlsby) giving OU the finger when Castiglione complained was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Just wondering, does the State government have any decision making power on which conference OU/OSU/TU (etc.) join?

No idea, but let’s say they do. From a realistic standpoint…would you really want to stick your neck out and be the politician (or group of politicians) that is blamed for OU not being allowed to join the SEC and being forced to stay in the Big 12? How do you think becoming the scapegoat to a huge, rabid and highly emotional fan base (that is extremely frustrated by scheduling and the big 12 in general) would play into your reelection prospects?

In OK, OU football may be the one thing that’s more powerful and has more influence than rich people or the state government.

I doubt one school has veto power over who can join the conference.

And even if so, I don't think A&M would necessarily block Texas.

From what I've read, you are right. It takes something like 75% or 80% of the majority.

No idea, but let’s say they do. From a realistic standpoint…would you really want to stick your neck out and be the politician (or group of politicians) that is blamed for OU not being allowed to join the SEC and being forced to stay in the Big 12? How do you think becoming the scapegoat to a huge, rabid and highly emotional fan base (that is extremely frustrated by scheduling and the big 12 in general) would play into your reelection prospects?

In OK, OU football may be the one thing that’s more powerful and has more influence than rich people or the state government.

This right here. Is there some bizarre political move that could happen with Stitt/Legislature to put pressure on the OU Board of Regents? Maybe... but no sane person is sticking their neck out on this issue unless their constituents are from Payne County.

It's been reported that Mizzou and A&M are opposed.

It's been reported that Mizzou and A&M are opposed.

That is 85% in favor unless they have one more? No idea if two saying no is enough or not.

This could all just be a ploy for OU and Texas to get more money for TV rights in the Big 12. No idea if any of it is true.

It's been reported that Mizzou and A&M are opposed.

Yes…people within those institutions are publicly saying that for their fanbases but the meeting will be held behind closed doors just like before and no one will know the count or how each school voted. What they say publicly is largely irrelevant. It will likely be 14-0 in favor if it comes down to that.

It's been reported that Mizzou and A&M are opposed.

only one person has reported that mizzou was opposed ... lots have reported that mizzou would vote yes .. and thier football coach is also on board ..


the only no vote for sure is TAMU ..

That is 85% in favor unless they have one more? No idea if two saying no is enough or not.

This could all just be a ploy for OU and Texas to get more money for TV rights in the Big 12. No idea if any of it is true.

As Pete said above…no one will even negotiate a new tv contract with the big 12 right now. Highly doubt it’s about trying to get more money out of a big 12 TV deal.

^

With baseball it would likely mean the extensive renovations for Mitchell Field would finally be funded and completed.

The biggest issue in the SEC would be the lack of wrestling but OU could still stay in the Big 12 for that, or just schedule as they always have.

I don't believe it would be possible for the B12 to exist as an entity without OU & UT as fb members.
The ACC would be attractive for KU to join.

Money talks.

And this would be a financial windfall for all involved.

Given the fact that all universities have taken a huge financial hit over the last two years with perhaps more tough times ahead and with everything shifting heavily to streaming, revenue is what will drive all these decisions.

One one hand I start to wonder, why would we want to leave the conference where we are the big fish and continually get to the playoff. But on the other hand, this is an issue that is not going to go away and as powerful and mighty as we think OU is, we sure need to watch that we aren't left on the outside looking in when it all shakes out in the end. I do believe Castiglione is the absolute best at what he does and have full trust in him that he is doing what is best for OU. As much as we hate to admit, I feel the need at this moment to marry ourselves with Texas as a package. In the grand scheme of things it's really all about money, and OU quite frankly doesn't bring the possible viewership or what not which does Texas. What we do bring is a historied program that is arguably hardly matched and we need to use that to our advantage so that we're not left out holding our pride flag when really it's all about the bottom dollar. Joe is trying to situate us to be well positioned for the next century of college football and it's his vision that is going to get us there. Let's face it, geographically speaking we are in the gray area of the country as to which region we belong to so we might as well marry ourselves to the east because if you don't like 11AM kickoff now, we might start getting multiple 9PM kick-off hours or even later if we played the Pac12 schedule. As for the OSU deal, they can finally be at the top of the conference with OU and Texas' absence. But in reality I don't think the Big12 would make it very well without OU/TX in the long haul as I believe, should this SEC deal happen, it will ultimately kick the super conference theory into full steam. In terms of the Bedlam rivalry, I'm sorry but it's really not much of a competition in terms of overall wins/losses to each other. Though I do understand the point of view OSU fans have looking in from the outside, It is what it is. Sorry Cowboys.

One one hand I start to wonder, why would we want to leave the conference where we are the big fish and continually get to the playoff. But on the other hand, this is an issue that is not going to go away and as powerful and mighty as we think OU is, we sure need to watch that we aren't left on the outside looking in when it all shakes out in the end. I do believe Castiglione is the absolute best at what he does and have full trust in him that he is doing what is best for OU. As much as we hate to admit, I feel the need at this moment to marry ourselves with Texas as a package. In the grand scheme of things it's really all about money, and OU quite frankly doesn't bring the possible viewership or what not which does Texas. What we do bring is a historied program that is arguably hardly matched and we need to use that to our advantage so that we're not left out holding our pride flag when really it's all about the bottom dollar. Joe is trying to situate us to be well positioned for the next century of college football and it's his vision that is going to get us there. Let's face it, geographically speaking we are in the gray area of the country as to which region we belong to so we might as well marry ourselves to the east because if you don't like 11AM kickoff now, we might start getting multiple 9PM kick-off hours or even later if we played the Pac12 schedule. As for the OSU deal, they can finally be at the top of the conference with OU and Texas' absence. But in reality I don't think the Big12 would make it very well without OU/TX in the long haul as I believe, should this SEC deal happen, it will ultimately kick the super conference theory into full steam. In terms of the Bedlam rivalry, I'm sorry but it's really not much of a competition in terms of overall wins/losses to each other. Though I do understand the point of view OSU fans have looking in from the outside, It is what it is. Sorry Cowboys.

Everything you said is valid. To your very first point, "why would we want to leave", the benefit of winning the Big12 every year will be largely moot once the 12 team playoff is implemented. The many other benefits have been laid out by others but I think Joe C and Joe H know that a few years from now the semi-auto berth that OU would walk into no longer has such a draw.

I said the Big 12 wouldn't last when TAMU and MU left, and I still think it's on life support. The quicker OU makes a move, the better for them IMO. Bummer for OSU to be left out, but they'll find a landing spot.

I can't help but think the Big Ten would be a better move for OU/TX. I don't want OU to be stuck in this current situation much longer, though. If the Big 12 doesn't move to add teams, OU should leave.

I can't help but think the Big Ten would be a better move for OU/TX. I don't want OU to be stuck in this current situation much longer, though. If the Big 12 doesn't move to add teams, OU should leave.

Nobody worth having would come to the Big 12. Who would we add? Louisville? SMU? Tulsa? Scrambled to add TCU and West Virginia last time, and they are weak sisters.

There are good reasons Nebraska, Colorado, A&M and Mizzou all jumped at the first chance. The Big 12 is a sinking ship.


And one point that hasn't been mentioned: with the ever-weakening power of the NCAA, conferences will have even more clout, especially the powerful ones.

I can't help but think the Big Ten would be a better move for OU/TX. I don't want OU to be stuck in this current situation much longer, though. If the Big 12 doesn't move to add teams, OU should leave.
personally, i'd prefer the big ten over the sec... but i'd think that ou would be a tough sell since the big ten prefers its schools to be part of the aau. now... they've historically courted notre dame which isn't a member and nebraska lost its membership after joining, so there are exceptions.

A&M jumped because of the formation of the Longhorn network. At yesterdays SEC news conference, they still do not want to be in the same conference with Texas.

personally, i'd prefer the big ten over the sec... but i'd think that ou would be a tough sell since the big ten prefers its schools to be part of the aau. now... they've historically courted notre dame which isn't a member and nebraska lost its membership after joining, so there are exceptions.

I bet we see the AAU thing become less important very quickly if OU and UT for some reason don’t get into the SEC. ISU and KU would be a good fit in that regard but I still would kind of like to see KU to the ACC. Would love to see ISU go to the Big 10

A&M jumped because of the formation of the Longhorn network. At yesterdays SEC news conference, they still do not want to be in the same conference with Texas.

It just makes them look scared to compete and if this comes to pass, petty and silly.

A&M jumped because of the formation of the Longhorn network. At yesterdays SEC news conference, they still do not want to be in the same conference with Texas.

Yeah but they don’t have near enough leverage in the conference or prestige to stop it. Based on Carey Murdocks article…all other SEC schools are for it and would likely sit down with aTm in an attempt to persuade them to get on board…but will move forward regardless. If they go with a 4 pod divisional set up, I think you could pitch them on including them in one with LSU, Miss St and Ole Miss so that they still can win their division without having to go through Texas. Then everyone will get one rivalry game outside of their pod that they play every year. I bet they both would jump at restarting the rivalry if in the same conference (though probably not act excited about it publicly)…the money and popularity is just too good not to fire that back up again.

It would be pretty cool to be in a pod with Arkansas, UT, and Mizzou then get to play a variety of other SEC teams every year.

As an okstate fan, this blows. Assuming the pac12 would even take okstate, watching those games would be painful. 2 hours behind our current time? Games starting at 9 or later? No thanks. I would probably be watching much less football..which I'm sure the school is concerned about (losing viewers, not losing me personally lol).

I'm concerned okstate wouldn't be selected for the PAC12. If that happens, wouldn't they drop to conference USA? Would they be better off trying to keep the conference together?

personally, i'd prefer the big ten over the sec... but i'd think that ou would be a tough sell since the big ten prefers its schools to be part of the aau. now... they've historically courted notre dame which isn't a member and nebraska lost its membership after joining, so there are exceptions.

The road games would make the B10 a non starter for UT and OU fans. Same problem with the PAC.

personally, i'd prefer the big ten over the sec... but i'd think that ou would be a tough sell since the big ten prefers its schools to be part of the aau. now... they've historically courted notre dame which isn't a member and nebraska lost its membership after joining, so there are exceptions.

the big 10 will be terrible for recruiting

Nobody worth having would come to the Big 12. Who would we add? Louisville? SMU? Tulsa? Scrambled to add TCU and West Virginia last time, and they are weak sisters.

There are good reasons Nebraska, Colorado, A&M and Mizzou all jumped at the first chance. The Big 12 is a sinking ship.


And one point that hasn't been mentioned: with the ever-weakening power of the NCAA, conferences will have even more clout, especially the powerful ones.
+1

OU board of regents meeting has been moved up from October to September ..

Nobody worth having would come to the Big 12. Who would we add? Louisville? SMU? Tulsa? Scrambled to add TCU and West Virginia last time, and they are weak sisters.

There are good reasons Nebraska, Colorado, A&M and Mizzou all jumped at the first chance. The Big 12 is a sinking ship.


And one point that hasn't been mentioned: with the ever-weakening power of the NCAA, conferences will have even more clout, especially the powerful ones.

Yeah, I don't disagree, at all. My hatred for the SEC colors my thinking, also it would be fun to move into the Big 10 and start dominating right away, which I think OU would. Possible that happens in the SEC, too, but I have my concerns.

I especially agree with the sinking ship.

I really dislike the SEC and the South in general.

But this would be a very smart move for OU, and that's the most important thing to me.

At some point, the SEC becomes so big (not in terms of number of teams but market share) that they may be tempted to just eschew the NCAA entirely and just be The SEC

At some point, the SEC becomes so big (not in terms of number of teams but market share) that they may be tempted to just eschew the NCAA entirely and just be The SEC

I think that's a likely scenario for the entire Power 5.

Be curious to know who, if anyone, is/are coming and going from the Max Westheimer and Will Rogers airports

I think that's a likely scenario for the entire Power 5.

power 5 becomes power 4 if OU and ut go to the sec

Another big change rippling through CFB: the ability for players to get paid for name, image and likeness.

The huge exposure and success of the SEC will trickle down to the players.

That is going to affect recruiting, you can be sure... Especially when half our games come on before most recruits are out of bed.

power 5 becomes power 4 if OU and ut go to the sec

Sorry, that's what I meant.

Another big change rippling through CFB: the ability for players to get paid for name, image and likeness.

The huge exposure and success of the SEC will trickle down to the players.

That is going to affect recruiting, you can be sure... Especially when half our games come on before most recruits are out of bed.

^^

That's exactly right. Castiglione is no dummy. He sees the writing on the wall and he's doing a preemptive strike to secure Oklahoma as a powerful name for the next century of college football.

^^

That's exactly right. Castiglione is no dummy. He sees the writing on the wall and he's doing a preemptive strike to secure Oklahoma as a powerful name for the next century of college football.

And Lincoln Riley is equally sharp and completely tuned into current youth culture.

He uses social media as an effective tool, was instrumental in landing the new Nike deal, and has the foresight to do big events like the recent BBQ where all those recruits could get a professional photo session in an OU uniform and with exotic cars. All of them immediately posted all that on Instagram, you can be sure.

The middle-aged crowd can bemoan all this stuff but Lincoln gets it and OU would never, ever make this move if he wasn't fully behind it. People underestimate his ample intelligence and the fact he is still one of the youngest head coaches and an innovator in many ways.

Castiglione finally realized that the OU fan base was tired of the 8 little brothers piggy backing on OU.
OU kept asking to not have all home games at 11am but the tv channels only see value in UT and OU games and little value in the other 8. That is why OU was always on at 11am.

My guess is that big 12 picks up 4 or 6 of the AAC schools. the Little 8 and add Memphis, Cinci, Houston SMU USF and UCF. And this year Cinci would be the best team in that conference this year.

OSU fans make fun of OU fans because not all OU fans went to OU. But the reality is, a school wants more fans than just the alumni. The more eyeballs watching your football games the better.

And Lincoln Riley is equally sharp and completely tuned into current youth culture.

He uses social media as an effective tool, was instrumental in landing the new Nike deal, and has the foresight to do big events like the recent BBQ where all those recruits could get a professional photo session in an OU uniform and with exotic cars. All of them immediately posted all that on Instagram, you can be sure.

The middle-aged crowd can bemoan all this stuff but Lincoln gets it and OU would never, ever make this move if he wasn't fully behind it. People underestimate his ample intelligence and the fact he is still one of the youngest head coaches and an innovator in many ways.

Great points. Lincoln does really get it. That’s why we get the players we do.

lol... as a guy who watches most of the games on tv, i actually like the 11am games... i get to watch and then get on with my day.

i'll show myself out. : )

Great points. Lincoln does really get it. That’s why we get the players we do.

If he hadn't been saddled with Mike Stoops and a horrific defense, he'd likely have won at least one national championship.

As it was, he couldn't fire the brother of the guy that hired him and then handed him the head job, so he rode with it for a while then ended up letting MS go mid-season and everybody completely understood.

In his first big hire, he gets Alex Grinch who is a giant leap forward. With at least a decent and heading towards good/great D, we will be even more competitive.


I loved Bob Stoops. He was the right man at the right time. But I like Lincoln even more and would rather have him than literally anyone else in the country; Saban is 69 and doesn't have many more years in him anyway. If Lincoln wants this move to the SEC, then so do I. And if it comes to pass it will likely help to keep him in Norman for a very long time.

Another big change rippling through CFB: the ability for players to get paid for name, image and likeness.

The huge exposure and success of the SEC will trickle down to the players.

That is going to affect recruiting, you can be sure... Especially when half our games come on before most recruits are out of bed.

Saban said Bryce Young has inked close to $1mm in likeness deals. The recruiting advantages for the SEC are hard to comprehend.

Saban said Bryce Young has inked close to $1mm in likeness deals. The recruiting advantages for the SEC are hard to comprehend.

You don't think they'll be repeating those numbers to every single player they want to sign?

In football, high school seniors are still 3 years away from getting paid, at the very earliest. Only the biggest schools with the most exposure will have players making serious income before they turn pro.

Imagine being 17 and knowing that kind of money was at least a possibility within a year or two.

Another big change rippling through CFB: the ability for players to get paid for name, image and likeness.

The huge exposure and success of the SEC will trickle down to the players.

I suspect this is a big part of this, as well, and why it's coming up now.

Players are going to be attracted to where they can get the most exposure and turn that into money. You can make an argument that this would help the Pac-12, given the size of markets they play in, but those markets aren't necessarily as invested in college football. Certainly not as much as the SEC.

The dynamics in CFB are going to change dramatically in the next few years and I think the admins and coaches at OU and Texas feel they need to be in a more high profile conference to recruit players looking for NIL money.

You don't think they'll be repeating those numbers to every single player they want to sign?

In football, high school seniors are still 3 years away from getting paid, at the very earliest. Only the biggest schools with the most exposure will have players making serious income before they turn pro.

Imagine being 17 and knowing that kind of money was at least a possibility within a year or two.

Would be disingenuous to make that representation to the linemen and/or most defensive players.

And there’s a bit of a novelty aspect to NIL deals at this point. Will be interesting to see how durable the money is over the intermediate term.

lol... as a guy who watches most of the games on tv, i actually like the 11am games... i get to watch and then get on with my day.

i'll show myself out. : )

Ha. Sometimes it is nice even when you go to the games, because you get home in time to watch the featured afternoon and evening games.

But it's definitely not the best thing for the school, conference, and local businesses.

But it's definitely not the best thing for the school, conference, and local businesses.

It's horrid on recruiting.

You can't get kids and their families there in time for the game. That's a very big deal and why OU pitches a fit (to no avail in the Big 12).

That, too.

If this does happen, I just hope the home crowd never EVER chants "S.E.C.... S.E.C...."

That, too.

If this does happen, I just hope the home crowd never EVER chants "S.E.C.... S.E.C...."

God I hope they don't. I'm bracing myself for it but hoping everyone remembers the fact that we've done it ironically every time we beat an SEC team.

Ha. Sometimes it is nice even when you go to the games, because you get home in time to watch the featured afternoon and evening games.

But it's definitely not the best thing for the school, conference, and local businesses.

It was great when I sold parking on game days as a student. You just had to sell from about 8am to 11. The night games were selling all day from 10am to kickoff. Gets hot (or cold) out there.

Players are going to be attracted to where they can get the most exposure and turn that into money. You can make an argument that this would help the Pac-12, given the size of markets they play in, but those markets aren't necessarily as invested in college football. Certainly not as much as the SEC.

Most in the big west coast markets would never even know college games were being played.

I can't describe to you the difference between that area and the Big 12, let alone the SEC.

Let's just say absolutely everyone I knew in L.A. was aware I was from Oklahoma and went to OU and even in the ultra-dark days of John Blake, nobody even knew or cared to give me crap. In that respect, it was quite nice!

OTOH, I was working in downtown L.A. with a ton of USC graduates when we won it all in 2000, and we had a big meeting the very next day. I didn't say a word; just sat there with a huge smile on my face to the extreme envy of everyone from USC and UCLA.

I hope we don't join the SEC, but I feel like it is trending towards us joining.

The SEC is just out of our league. Yes I know we beat Florida last year, but LSU destroyed us the year before. Alabama will always be a mark on the L column. And I fear a good Florida, LSU, Georgia team will be one too.

I get it. It's more money for the University of Oklahoma, but until we see a 12 team playoff, I want out. The Big 12 is probably the only reason why OU joins the four team playoffs every year. As far as I know it is still only talk of a 12 team playoff and nothing has changed.

Worst case scenario we see OU joining the SEC, the four team playoff stays, and we see OU lose three or four games a year and miss the playoffs. Not to mention I like watching Bedlam, and who knows what will happen to that. A year without OU vs. OSU just isn't something I want to see.

Saban said Bryce Young has inked close to $1mm in likeness deals. The recruiting advantages for the SEC are hard to comprehend.

You mean Alabama, right? Do you think Vanderbilt players are rolling in the dough? Lol

I hope we don't join the SEC, but I feel like it is trending towards us joining.

The SEC is just out of our league. Yes I know we beat Florida last year, but LSU destroyed us the year before. Alabama will always be a mark on the L column. And I fear a good Florida, LSU, Georgia team will be one too.

I get it. It's more money for the University of Oklahoma, but until we see a 12 team playoff, I want out. The Big 12 is probably the only reason why OU joins the four team playoffs every year. As far as I know it is still only talk of a 12 team playoff and nothing has changed.

Worst case scenario we see OU joining the SEC, the four team playoff stays, and we see OU lose three or four games a year and miss the playoffs. Not to mention I like watching Bedlam, and who knows what will happen to that. A year without OU vs. OSU just isn't something I want to see.

This is just 100% false. We just waxed their second best team by 35 points last year and took their second best team to double overtime 3 years ago with a defense that couldn't stop UCO. The only team in the SEC that will out recruit OU once we get there is Alabama now that the other schools lose the SEC selling point that get's some kids to pick one of them over OU. OU will consistently compete for the 1 or 2 spot every year as long as Riley is still on the staff. We've played Alabama twice in the last decade and are 1-1 and we most likely will not play them every year. I predict that we will be out recruiting Alabama or at least be on par with them within 2 years of joining the SEC.

How do you think you beat the best teams? You have to play them year in and year out.

The SEC is just out of our league.

You might be better suited as an Texas A&M fan. Lol.

OU will be fine.

You mean Alabama, right? Do you think Vanderbilt players are rolling in the dough? Lol

OU will be on that level. No one else outside of Alabama has the winning history, prestige and coach that OU does. You can't compare OU's SEC recruiting advantages with Vanderbilt.

You might be better suited as an Texas A&M fan. Lol.

OU will be fine.

HAHA. Their fanbase is painful to watch right now.

This is just 100% false. We just waxed their second best team by 35 points last year and took their second best team to double overtime 3 years ago with a defense that couldn't stop UCO. The only team in the SEC that will out recruit OU once we get there is Alabama now that the other schools lose the SEC selling point that get's some kids to pick one of them over OU. OU will consistently compete for the 1 or 2 spot every year as long as Riley is still on the staff. We've played Alabama twice in the last decade and are 1-1 and we most likely will not play them every year. I predict that we will be out recruiting Alabama or at least be on par with them within 2 years of joining the SEC.

How do you think you beat the best teams? You have to play them year in and year out.

Well Florida was missing a lot of players who opted to sit out and Trask had a bad game, which I admit could happen any day.

It remains to be seen. But I think we can all agree the road to the FBS championship will be more difficult if OU joins the SEC.

And we can't sleep on LSU, Georgia, Florida, even Auburn and South Carolina have their seasons.

Most in the big west coast markets would never even know college games were being played.

I can't describe to you the difference between that area and the Big 12, let alone the SEC.

Let's just say absolutely everyone I knew in L.A. was aware I was from Oklahoma and went to OU and even in the ultra-dark days of John Blake, nobody even knew or cared to give me crap. In that respect, it was quite nice!

OTOH, I was working in downtown L.A. with a ton of USC graduates when we won it all in 2000, and we had a big meeting the very next day. I didn't say a word; just sat there with a huge smile on my face to the extreme envy of everyone from USC and UCLA.

Haha.

Yeah, when I lived in CA, I often felt like I was introducing people to the world of college football. lol

Being at a bar at 9AM to watch college football always felt strange, though. That's usually reserved for futbol fans, not football fans.

^

All sports on the left coast are pretty insignificant in relative terms.

I had a friend come visit from OKC and he mentioned Tiger Woods was playing in a big tourney just miles from my house and that we should go. I had no idea and we just bought tickets at the event. Imagine if he was playing in OKC or Tulsa or even Dallas.