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?
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?
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