Big 12 to "encourage" 20 schools to apply for membership.....

[CTOkie]

and today's Hartford Courant reports that UConn has been emailed procedures to apply for membership.
A decision to expand by the Big 12 is expected by the end of October, according to the article.
My guess is that it will come down to two schools from the choices of Houston, BYU, UCF, Memphis and Cincinnati as football value will (and must) receive the Big 12's strongest consideration.
What UConn brings is a strong academic profile, elite basketball programs in both men's and women's and the opportunity to tap into the NYC and Northeast markets. If you're Oklahoma, are these factors really enough to win you over ? (There's probably 27 college football fans up here and most would rather watch a Jets-Buccaneers game, an exhibition NHL game or lesbian mud wrestling.)
My take is that the NYC and Northeast are too much into professional sports to care about Oklahoma or Texas traveling to East Hartford to play in front of 45,000 people....and while it would be neat to see UConn compete in basketball as a Big 12 member, it would not be enough to legitimize inclusion as far as I'm concerned. There simple is not a "culture" for college football in the Northeast and Boston College, Rutgers, Army and UConn are hardly powerhouses.
Ultimately, I do not see OU's membership in the Big 12 lasting much longer, regardless of what happens with expansion. And if OU wants NYC and Northeast exposure (vs Rutgers, Penn State and Maryland), make it as a Big 10 member.

 

[BillyRay_rivals31072]

If the Big XII wants to explore long distance expansion, then they need to pick up Florida teams. NOT UConn.

I don't want Houston. Sure they are playing great football right now, but how long will Tom Herman really stay around before another bigtime program comes calling?? And who actually thinks getting ANOTHER Texas program into the Big XII is a good thing?

I'm on the fence about BYU. I think it's a pretty solid program to add to the conference. But Utah just doesn't add much in terms of recruiting grounds. But hey, I'm sure BYU would LOVE to get it's foot into recruiting more Texas talent...just like the SEC programs did with their moves a few years ago.

 

[Section22Sooner]

But hey, I'm sure BYU would LOVE to get it's foot into recruiting more Texas talent.

As long as...
1. You're a Mormon
2. Join the roster when back from serving the 2+ year "mission".
3. Understand that you'll be 26 years old by the time you're an upper classmen.

 

[Plainosooner_rivals54053]

If the Big XII wants to explore long distance expansion, then they need to pick up Florida teams. NOT UConn.

I don't want Houston. Sure they are playing great football right now, but how long will Tom Herman really stay around before another bigtime program comes calling?? And who actually thinks getting ANOTHER Texas program into the Big XII is a good thing?

I'm on the fence about BYU. I think it's a pretty solid program to add to the conference. But Utah just doesn't add much in terms of recruiting grounds. But hey, I'm sure BYU would LOVE to get it's foot into recruiting more Texas talent...just like the SEC programs did with their moves a few years ago.

I'm not sure what it means, if Billy Ray and I agree about something important, but he is right on about UConn and Houston. And the same tv argument works for UH that was made against U Conn.

OU needs to approach this with what matters for OUr athletes and what helps us in recruiting. Football recruiting primarily. Neither helps. UH hurts.

Besides, Orangebloods want U H so I'm against it.

 

[soonerfastnloud]

While we are at it, let's add UTEP along with Houston, make it a really big Texass conference. Say NO to HOUSTON.

 

[BillyRay_rivals31072]

I'm not sure what it means, if Billy Ray and I agree about something important, but he is right on about UConn and Houston. And the same tv argument works for UH that was made against U Conn.

OU needs to approach this with what matters for OUr athletes and what helps us in recruiting. Football recruiting primarily. Neither helps. UH hurts.

Besides, Orangebloods want U H so I'm against it.

Well Plaino I guess maybe deep down we are more alike than we each lead on. Lol

I feel the same way about doing what helps in recruiting and/or expanding the footprint of the Big XII. Cuz let's be honest, there really are no great options here as far as expansion. All possible programs don't exactly inspire confidence and excitement. But I think if the Big XII just looks at this in terms of the future and expanding recruiting, then I think getting into Florida is the way to go. That gets the Big XII into a section of "SEC recruiting grounds". Plus Orlando and Tampa Bay are pretty big markets. The football programs aren't really anything to brag about, but I think the other benefits make them attractive expansion options. And getting those programs into a power conference would likely help elevate their football programs as well.

 

[St. John Sooner]

and today's Hartford Courant reports that UConn has been emailed procedures to apply for membership.
A decision to expand by the Big 12 is expected by the end of October, according to the article.
My guess is that it will come down to two schools from the choices of Houston, BYU, UCF, Memphis and Cincinnati as football value will (and must) receive the Big 12's strongest consideration.
What UConn brings is a strong academic profile, elite basketball programs in both men's and women's and the opportunity to tap into the NYC and Northeast markets. If you're Oklahoma, are these factors really enough to win you over ? (There's probably 27 college football fans up here and most would rather watch a Jets-Buccaneers game, an exhibition NHL game or lesbian mud wrestling.)
My take is that the NYC and Northeast are too much into professional sports to care about Oklahoma or Texas traveling to East Hartford to play in front of 45,000 people....and while it would be neat to see UConn compete in basketball as a Big 12 member, it would not be enough to legitimize inclusion as far as I'm concerned. There simple is not a "culture" for college football in the Northeast and Boston College, Rutgers, Army and UConn are hardly powerhouses.
Ultimately, I do not see OU's membership in the Big 12 lasting much longer, regardless of what happens with expansion. And if OU wants NYC and Northeast exposure (vs Rutgers, Penn State and Maryland), make it as a Big 10 member.

I would encourage them not to apply.. When GOR is done... We are gone...

 

[OUSOONER67]

Enough already with the expansion, OU needs to leave texass and the big 12, 11, 10, behind. I for one think it is hurting OU being in a conference that is unstable just cut bait and join another conference if anyone would take us now. I am sure we have had offers in the past to leave but whoever was in charge of that decision and declined needs to be let go immediately.