According to you.

Harroz is a very well-respected university administrator and a super sharp man. I trust that he knows what he's talking about.

+1. I’d be more surprised if he didn’t make that statement!

its just kind of an embarrassing statement from the president.

Aren't you an OSU grad despite your screen name?

Aren't you an OSU grad despite your screen name?
That would make complete sense. The guy obviously has some real disdain for OU. I was literally about to comment that it was weird coming from a gator.

its just kind of an embarrassing statement from the president.

LOL. How embarrassing. A university president speaking about what he believes to be an academic benefit of the massive decision he just announced.

According to you.

Harroz is a very well-respected university administrator and a super sharp man. I trust that he knows what he's talking about.

No one is saying any different. One can have the upmost respect for a person and think a pr statement is cringey. They aren’t mutually exclusive

No one is saying any different. One can have the upmost respect for a person and think a pr statement is cringey. They aren’t mutually exclusive

You are an OSU grad and fan with ulterior motives, plain and simple.

You are an OSU grad and fan with ulterior motives, plain and simple.

It’s not an ulterior motive to understand that joining an athletic conference doesn’t increase your chances of obtaining AAU status but also why a university president would want to link the two. Didn’t know that would be such a controversial statement. Seems kind of obvious to me.

What a joke. Neither Ohio State nor Michigan are South or East. This whole thing is a mess, or starting to be one.

As for your second tidbit, college football has become a professional sport. It became that way when athletes were ruled eligible for financial incentives through deals and whatnot.

This will hurt the NFL. If I were NFL owners I would be pretty concerned about the long term future. Nick Saban said that some of his players will be millionaires by the time they finish their college career. If you had enough money to live off of for the rest of your life at 23, would you continue to play such a dangerous sport such as football at the next level? I don't think a few will. I'm sure there will be a few, but I'm guessing we will see a lot decide to take their life in another direction.

but it's also great that those with the talent in the NCAA can make $$ while their bodies will still allow instead of having to wait to the NFL. It's kind of like basketball really, best to get your $$ now.

From an academic standpoint I agree, but from a wear and tear/talent prospective there's no reason why an athlete should wait 4 years to earn if they're THAT GOOD now.

It’s not an ulterior motive to understand that joining an athletic conference doesn’t increase your chances of obtaining AAU status but also why a university president would want to link the two. Didn’t know that would be such a controversial statement. Seems kind of obvious to me.
What is the issue with linking the two? I don’t get it.

was watching the first half of the 2015 ou/tennessee game earlier tonight and it dawned on me that we might be playing against josh heupel in our near future... that could shape up to be a pretty interesting series.

was watching the first half of the 2015 ou/tennessee game earlier tonight and it dawned on me that we might be playing against josh heupel in our near future... that could shape up to be a pretty interesting series.

Josh Heupel, Mike Leach and Shane Beamer. All head coaches in the SEC who used to coach for OU.

Plus Bob's brother, Mark Stoops at Kentucky.

Josh Heupel, Mike Leach and Shane Beamer. All head coaches in the SEC who used to coach for OU.

Plus Bob's brother, Mark Stoops at Kentucky.

oh, right... totally forgot about mike leach and mark stoops! there are going to be some interesting matchups ahead. leach lost a lot of points with me after the msu/tulsa game last year.

Right now there will be no "breather" games. I bet this also gets the SEC Championship game out of Atlanta every year. Jerry J. must be lickin' his chops right now.

Right now there will be no "breather" games. I bet this also gets the SEC Championship game out of Atlanta every year. Jerry J. must be lickin' his chops right now.

They have more good teams but they have some clunkers: Vandy, S. Carolina, Miss St., Ole Miss, etc.

The only real breather in the Big 12 was Kansas.


SEC will be tougher overall, no doubt.

Yeah, l guess in some years some of those are clunkers. I guess l'm seeing the schedule with less Western Carolina's and such. I know Alabama always has one or 2 but if OU works to keep bedlam, there won't be as much room for them.

The University of Oklahoma's move to the SEC was approved by the OU Board of Regents Friday, July 30. There are still questions surrounding the move.

What is the issue with linking the two? I don’t get it.

If the implication is a direct connection between an athletics conference membership leading to an increase in academic ranking, then it's a pretty transparent indication that the academic ranking in question is, well, questionable. My assumption is Harroz doesn't mean that, and instead is looking towards better academic fundraising coming hand in hand with the SEC membership.

Ah that makes sense. I was thinking the same as well if more money coming into the school means more funding in general couldn’t be a bad thing. I just wish our state wouldn’t need to rely on sports to increase funding for our higher learning institutions.

It's a real disadvantage of OK not being full of corporate sponsors and high income alumni as schools do back east. It's just a population game.

I hope this works out.

https://www.si.com/college/oklahoma/football/report-big-12-and-pac-12-to-discuss-merger-scheduling-alliance

I hope this works out.

https://www.si.com/college/oklahoma/football/report-big-12-and-pac-12-to-discuss-merger-scheduling-alliance

As you weigh Option 1 vs Option 2, you need to keep in mind the long term option that would be best for Oklahoma State. Sure you would like to see OU & UT pay a penalty for leaving the conference. Do what is in the best interest of OSU, look out for your own interests. You think the 8 teams that will be left in the Big 12 aren't looking out for there own interests.

Do something now for the sake of OSU before you get left out in the COLD.

As you weigh Option 1 vs Option 2, you need to keep in mind the long term option that would be best for Oklahoma State. Sure you would like to see OU & UT pay a penalty for leaving the conference. Do what is in the best interest of OSU, look out for your own interests. You think the 8 teams that will be left in the Big 12 aren't looking out for there own interests.

Do something now for the sake of OSU before you get left out in the COLD.

OSU is looking out for the best interest of KSU and TCU, right? That's what a good member does.... sacrifice their own benefits to help their conference mates.

Does this mean the horns down :ou2 can be reinstated?

OSU is looking out for the best interest of KSU and TCU, right? That's what a good member does.... sacrifice their own benefits to help their conference mates.

What benefits...

Look at what's trending before your eyes, previous conference members Texas A & M, Missouri & Colorado jumped ship; all are in a more stable situation than the schools in the Big 12 minus OU & UT. You think they gave a rats ass about OSU and the Big 12 when they left.

With the Big 12 sinking ship, look for Kansas & Iowa State to take their game to the Big 10. Texas Tech, TCU, Baylor, West Virginia & Kansas State are all scrambling.

Admire OSU, but it's time to find a better situation for the long term. It's time to look out for OSU or they will be left out in the cold...

Boone Pickens left his alma mater in a good situation with a $165 million donation to improve campus facilities.

OSU (Stillwater) is 64.3 miles from Oklahoma City and 65.5 miles from Tulsa. Oklahoma City/Tulsa metros represent 1,283,420 TV households (730,440/552,980 - Nielsen 2021 estimates).

OSU continues to improve in football recruiting. Look to the Pac-12 or Big 10. Sure (Pac-12) it's a two hour time-zone difference; don't think for one moment that the conferences outside the SEC aren't willing to consider expanding.


Boone Pickens Stadium - 60,000
Gallagher-Iba Arena - 13,611
O’Brate Stadium - 3,500 (opened $60 million facility in February 2021)

Nice venues that make an overall impression on recruits.

What benefits...

Look at what's trending before your eyes, previous conference members Texas A & M, Missouri & Colorado jumped ship; all are in a more stable situation than the schools in the Big 12 minus OU & UT. You think they gave a rats ass about OSU and the Big 12 when they left.

With the Big 12 sinking ship, look for Kansas & Iowa State to take their game to the Big 10. Texas Tech, TCU, Baylor, West Virginia & Kansas State are all scrambling.

Admire OSU, but it's time to find a better situation for the long term. It's time to look out for OSU or they will be left out in the cold...
The state of Kansas has a preexistíng law stating both public universities must remain in the same conference.

The state of Kansas has a preexistíng law stating both public universities must remain in the same conference.

Don't doubt what you mentioned.

I recall Texas legislature thinking they had that as well with Texas & Texas A & M. Don't think that a successful challenge can't be achieved. Surprised Gov. Stitt didn't demand that of OU-OSU. He's got his hands full with the tribes.

Texas and Oklahoma have officially been voted in as members of the SEC by a unanimous 14-0 margin; did Texas A&M have a change of heart: https://www.si.com/college/texas/news/sec-officially-adds-texas-and-oklahoma-into-sec-with-unanimous-vote

Heard the different scenarios about when OU & UT make their move to the SEC.

Listening to the Sports Animal today with comments from Eschbach, Traber & Tramel they talked about the 4 team pod system which would include Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri & Arkansas in one pod. This IMO will be like meeting an Iowa State & a Kansas State on any given Saturday.

If anyone thinks there will be a breather allowing OU to catch their breath after battles with Texas (Cotton Bowl), Missouri & Arkansas, get ready for cardiac college football.

Also, look for Jerry's World (Arlington) to pitch for the SEC championship game alternating between Atlanta & Dallas; this IMO favors Arkansas, Missouri, OU & UT fan bases if a championship contender comes from this pod.

Does this mean the horns down :ou2 can be reinstated?

Definitely. I don't see the SEC catering towards Texas' hissy fits.

The Pac-12 officially announced they will not be pursuing any sort of expansion.

That means the remaining 8 in the Big 12 are going to have to add other schools and do the best they can.

It also means OU and Texas are going to stay on the hook for a big buy-out if they want to leave before the 2015-16 season.

The Pac-12 officially announced they will not be pursuing any sort of expansion.

That means the remaining 8 in the Big 12 are going to have to add other schools and do the best they can.

It also means OU and Texas are going to stay on the hook for a big buy-out if they want to leave before the 2015-16 season.

Oh boy, if we’re stuck in the Big 12 for three more years, it’s going to be three years of intense games and hostile environments. Should be fun!

I believe the PAC-12 in their announcement about expansion added the caveat "not at this time".

It looks like the B12 is gunning for BYU first and foremost. Probably followed by Cincy, Houston, Boise and C. Florida. I guess maybe SMU, but that may be a stretch.

BYU may be a tough get just because they are such a different type of school and I don't know how much they would actually benefit from being in the B12. I think the best option for the B12 is BYU and C. Florida. If they replace OU/TX with Cincy and Houston..... yikes.

At this point, I think the Big 12 should expand to 16 and solidify the league. The old members can always keep their options open, but it provides stability for other teams they're convincing to join. Here's a possible new Big 12:

OSU
Kansas
Kansas State
Iowa State
West Virginia
Cincy
BYU
Boise State or San Diego State

Baylor
TCU
Texas Tech
Houston
SMU
UCF
USF
Memphis

It's obviously a tier below the other leagues, but the champ would certainly be deserving of consideration...

At this point, I think the Big 12 should expand to 16 and solidify the league. The old members can always keep their options open, but it provides stability for other teams they're convincing to join. Here's a possible new Big 12:

OSU
Kansas
Kansas State
Iowa State
West Virginia
Cincy
BYU
Boise State or San Diego State

Baylor
TCU
Texas Tech
Houston
SMU
UCF
USF
Memphis

It's obviously a tier below the other leagues, but the champ would certainly be deserving of consideration...

Being a tier below the other leagues would destroy an already shaky ability to recruit good players.

If the playoff expansion happens, and big12 manages to retain an automatic playoff spot, I wonder if that will help their recruiting.

Recruiting has been a problem for Big 12 schools for years and almost every playoff has had a Big 12 school in it.

Recruiting has been a problem for Big 12 schools for years and almost every playoff has had a Big 12 school in it.

I get that, but have OU and Texas really had significant recruiting problems? Or just the other schools? If the Big12 has a guaranteed birth in the playoffs, and without OU and Texas in the conference, that certainly opens up an opportunity for other teams to make it into the playoffs more regularly. I could see that helping recruiting.

At the minimum, I could see it appealing to new schools joining the conference.

Being a tier below the other leagues would destroy an already shaky ability to recruit good players.

None of the remaining Big 12 schools have recruited well anyway. And, I do not see a plausible option where the Big 12 is not a tier below other leagues. That ship has likely sailed. These schools can at least create a stable situation.

I get that, but have OU and Texas really had significant recruiting problems? Or just the other schools? If the Big12 has a guaranteed birth in the playoffs, and without OU and Texas in the conference, that certainly opens up an opportunity for other teams to make it into the playoffs more regularly. I could see that helping recruiting.

At the minimum, I could see it appealing to new schools joining the conference.

I read yesterday that the WV rep to the playoff committee is now against the expanded play off format. He indicated that the proposal is on life support with PAC 12 and Big 10 also not in favor.

https://fansided.com/2021/08/26/college-football-playoff-expansion-life-support-gordon-gee/

None of the remaining Big 12 schools have recruited well anyway. And, I do not see a plausible option where the Big 12 is not a tier below other leagues. That ship has likely sailed. These schools can at least create a stable situation.
How stable can it really be? That could largely be based on how big a TV contract the remains of the Big 12 can get and that likely will be a problem.

The reality is that OU and Texas propped up the entire big12.

The other 8 teams have little value. The tv payouts will be much much less.

If I were OSU, Kansas, Kansas State, West Virginia and Tech I would beg, grovel, plead, etc. with all the FBS conferences to let them in. Then let the rest go to the FCS.

Go with an 8-team playoff system. This is an easier sell than a 12 team playoff system. You could rotate an 8 team playoff thru NFL sites on the Central (Dallas, Detroit or Minneapolis) with the East (Atlanta, Charlotte or Miami) & West Coasts (Los Angeles, Phoenix or Las Vegas).

How stable can it really be? That could largely be based on how big a TV contract the remains of the Big 12 can get and that likely will be a problem.

More stable than doing nothing while everyone tries to get out? That's kind of my point. I just don't see another option.


If I were OSU, Kansas, Kansas State, West Virginia and Tech I would beg, grovel, plead, etc. with all the FBS conferences to let them in. Then let the rest go to the FCS.

Yeah, groveling will convince them. Not many situations in life where the groveling option is a good plan.


The reality is that OU and Texas propped up the entire big12.

The other 8 teams have little value. The tv payouts will be much much less.

I disagree and, honestly, I say this as a three time OU alum, a lot of OU fans have just looked like a-holes crapping on conference partners from a century. Many of the remaining Big 12 teams are good partners with good athletic programs. OSU, for example, has been consistently good at football and basketball and has had great success in several other sports. Kansas raises the basketball profile of the whole conference. I could go on, but the remaining Big 12 teams are just as good as Ole Miss, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt.

I disagree and, honestly, I say this as a three time OU alum, a lot of OU fans have just looked like a-holes crapping on conference partners from a century. Many of the remaining Big 12 teams are good partners with good athletic programs. OSU, for example, has been consistently good at football and basketball and has had great success in several other sports. Kansas raises the basketball profile of the whole conference. I could go on, but the remaining Big 12 teams are just as good as Ole Miss, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt.

The thing is conference realignment isnt about how good an athletic program overall is. It is not about how many wrestling NC's or women's soccer NC's a school has. The bottom line is how big of a football audience do you have. How many people do you have who tune in game in and game out for football.

Yes some of the irate 8 have better programs than Ole Miss, MSU etc but the difference is those teams already have a seat at one of the 4 tables.

More stable than doing nothing while everyone tries to get out? That's kind of my point. I just don't see another option.



Yeah, groveling will convince them. Not many situations in life where the groveling option is a good plan.



I disagree and, honestly, I say this as a three time OU alum, a lot of OU fans have just looked like a-holes crapping on conference partners from a century. Many of the remaining Big 12 teams are good partners with good athletic programs. OSU, for example, has been consistently good at football and basketball and has had great success in several other sports. Kansas raises the basketball profile of the whole conference. I could go on, but the remaining Big 12 teams are just as good as Ole Miss, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt.Ok. I shouldn't have thrown grovel in there. But my point is still valid. The remaining good schools need to get out and find another home. Trying to keep a second rate conference together when money runs things isn't a viable long term option.

Oklahoma State has a competitive program; they could knock off OU & Texas, go undefeated and win the championship game--you're in.

Many of the remaining Big 12 teams are good partners with good athletic programs.

I would be a good partner too If I were benefitting from 2 of the other partners accounting for 50% of my income.

Oklahoma State has a competitive program; they could knock off OU & Texas, go undefeated and win the championship game--you're in.


Texas? UT is picked below OSU by most of the pundits I've read. ISU is clearly the 2nd best team in the Big 12 this year.

Texas? UT is picked below OSU by most of the pundits I've read. ISU is clearly the 2nd best team in the Big 12 this year.
ISU is good right now. But they don't have the name or the following. The Big 12 surviving in any form is about the money.

I read yesterday that the WV rep to the playoff committee is now against the expanded play off format. He indicated that the proposal is on life support with PAC 12 and Big 10 also not in favor.

https://fansided.com/2021/08/26/college-football-playoff-expansion-life-support-gordon-gee/

Yes, this is the most obvious way to punch OU, Texas and the SEC in the proverbial nuts. Would be a ball buster for them if The Playoff remains at four teams. Will be very difficult for OU and, especially, Texas to make the final four if they have to beat out clutch southern teams like Alabama and Vanderbilt.

…Will be very difficult for OU and, especially, Texas to make the final four if they have to beat out clutch southern teams like Alabama and Vanderbilt.
Lulz @ Vanderbilt.

Yes, this is the most obvious way to punch OU, Texas and the SEC in the proverbial nuts. Would be a ball buster for them if The Playoff remains at four teams. Will be very difficult for OU and, especially, Texas to make the final four if they have to beat out clutch southern teams like Alabama and Vanderbilt.

From what I understand, everyone does really want an expanded playoff. Using this excitement and momentum, ESPN apparently was pushing hard for it to happen sooner than later so they can cash in on the expanded playoff coverage under their TV contract. Word is that the playoff committee is holding back now waiting for the current contract with ESPN to expire so they can field more lucrative dollar deals for playoff coverage, and will also let this conference realignment stuff cool off. The current TV contract with them expires 2025-26 which also coincides with the Sooners and Longhorns officially moving.

I heard this on a nationally syndicated radio show, can't remember who was talking.

Yes, this is the most obvious way to punch OU, Texas and the SEC in the proverbial nuts. Would be a ball buster for them if The Playoff remains at four teams. Will be very difficult for OU and, especially, Texas to make the final four if they have to beat out clutch southern teams like Alabama and Vanderbilt.
You just lost all credibility by adding Vanderbilt. Lol.

Limiting the playoff out of spite reduces total money to all teams. Classic cutting of the nose to spite the face. Would be stupid and petty.

I suggest Boise State and BYU. I think that part of the country is fast growing and underserved in sport viewing. Eyeball potential that will be better served by future infrastructure. By 2025 it might be seen as the new growth area. And the mountain time zone evening starts might be just early enough to keep the eastern time zone viewers (and talking heads).

I think UCF has a massive student body and would be a net positive (not vs OU or UT, but vs existing 8). Give them a non directional name and they would be much more legitimate right now.

I’m struggling between Houston and Cincinnati. Houston obviously gives reach in a top ten market, but I don’t think much beyond. And I have little usable knowledge of the south Ohio and north Kentucky area that Cincinnati would draw.

Big 12 votes to accept adding BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, UCF to conference: https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/32182361/big-12-votes-accept-adding-byu-cincinnati-houston-ucf-conference

https://logodix.com/logo/1721422.jpg https://www.soccerwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/cincinnati.jpg
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mobilecause-avatar-production/shared_img/shared_imgs/240361/original/uh-interlocking-small.png?1554129061 https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/r54AAOSwgMxdTw90/s-l400.jpg

small detail... that's the logo for byu idaho, not the byu invited by the b12.

small detail... that's the logo for byu idaho, not the byu invited by the b12.


Oops, My Badd:


https://www.houseofurns.com/image/cache/catalog/Heromedallions/community/byu%20png-500x500.png

Good observation, Martin!

Can't wait to see the Sooners destroy teams this coming season!

99 days until college football!!!!

https://www.si.com/fannation/college/cfb-hq/ncaa-football-rankings/college-football-rankings-espn-preseason-top-25#gid=ci029ead6bd0002620&pid=7-michigan-wolverines