I don't know, Third Coast. The bar is set pretty low for conference membership when a TCU is considered to be a good fit, and, now, is accepted as a full Big 12 conference member..
This year TCU is averaging 33,500 fans. That's what you're going to get in TCU for the future. Texas will fill Amon Carter -- we did in the olden days -- and I suspect OU will, too. But TCU won't fill their own stadium for the other schools unless TCU is undefeated, and those days are largely over.
So why not Boise State and its 33,000 fans? Too far?
Ok, if Boise State is too far, then why not Houston or Rice? Truly, if TCU is considered to be a good fit, then Houston and Rice must be good fits also. If all Texas is really concerned about now is not money (apparently we have enough), but drive-ability to games, then Houston and Rice are both perfect fits. Plus, the Big 12 could make inroads in the City of Houston to limit A&M and SEC recruiting.
There is talk of Tulane. Tulane gives you AAU, New Orleans, Louisiana, and surely Tulane's "close enough" to satisfy Mack Brown. Tulane doesn't draw, but New Orleans would be a great town to go to every other year.
I'm not being facetious in this post either. If Mack Brown and the Texas admin has proximity as the driving force for Big 12 conference membership -- and it appears they do with the TCU take -- then add the local boys, sure, why not?
I personally don't agree with the "proximity strategy," but I don't work in Bellmont, and Bellmont sure thinks proximity is the smart move.
So when Missouri leaves, go to Houston or Louisiana, hold at 10, and go on with life.
This year TCU is averaging 33,500 fans. That's what you're going to get in TCU for the future. Texas will fill Amon Carter -- we did in the olden days -- and I suspect OU will, too. But TCU won't fill their own stadium for the other schools unless TCU is undefeated, and those days are largely over.
So why not Boise State and its 33,000 fans? Too far?
Ok, if Boise State is too far, then why not Houston or Rice? Truly, if TCU is considered to be a good fit, then Houston and Rice must be good fits also. If all Texas is really concerned about now is not money (apparently we have enough), but drive-ability to games, then Houston and Rice are both perfect fits. Plus, the Big 12 could make inroads in the City of Houston to limit A&M and SEC recruiting.
There is talk of Tulane. Tulane gives you AAU, New Orleans, Louisiana, and surely Tulane's "close enough" to satisfy Mack Brown. Tulane doesn't draw, but New Orleans would be a great town to go to every other year.
I'm not being facetious in this post either. If Mack Brown and the Texas admin has proximity as the driving force for Big 12 conference membership -- and it appears they do with the TCU take -- then add the local boys, sure, why not?
I personally don't agree with the "proximity strategy," but I don't work in Bellmont, and Bellmont sure thinks proximity is the smart move.
So when Missouri leaves, go to Houston or Louisiana, hold at 10, and go on with life.
