A&M-to-SEC rumors surface yet again

[TyBull]

A&M-to-SEC rumors surface yet again

Posted by John Taylor on January 24, 2011, 9:52 AM EST

Buoyed by the creation of the Longhorn Network, the speculation surrounding Texas A&M taking their athletic programs to the SEC refuses to die a merciful death.

In a column Monday morning, Kirk Bohls of the Austin American-Statesman writes that Texas’ deal with ESPN, announced last week, could create “a spike in Texas A&M’s interest in joining the SEC.† During the mini-expansion apocalypse way back in June, there were many reports connecting the Aggies to the SEC, including one that had the school’s board of regents giving the thumbs-up for the move.

That talk came in the midst of Texas’ discussions with the Pac-10, but both schools ultimately opted for conference “solidarity†and remained in the Big 12.

The new UT network, however, has caused the talk to surface once again, with the Aggies apparently none too pleased with a development that stuffs even more money into their in-state rival’s already bloated coffers.

“I certainly think it’s going to create some reaction from some Aggies who will say, ‘(The heck with) Texas. Let’s do our own deal,’†a prominent, unnamed Aggie told Bohls. “I don’t think Texas is winning friends and influencing people among their Big 12 brethren. As for the SEC, it may be a lot of noise, but I don’t sense a lot of groundswell from the president or athletic director’s office.â€

Bohls went on to suggest that A&M and Oklahoma, which is exploring the creation of its own TV network, could “unite at some point to shift to the SEC, which I think would scoop them up in a second.† The Sooners had been mentioned back in June as potentially having an interest in making their way to the SEC.

Bohls was also told that “A&M AD Bill Byrne may rally the other eight non-Longhorn schools to try to pool their third-tier rights together and package them under the Big 12 name.â€

So, yeah, this whole Big 12 alliance thing is rock solid.  Nothing to worry about here, commissioner Dan Beebe.  Nothing at all.

Permalink 46 Comments  Latest Stories in: Big 12 Conference, Oklahoma Sooners, Rumor Mill, Texas A and M Aggies, Texas Longhorns, Top Posts

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/b80Qg

[Guest nybullsfan]

If A&M and OU were to jump to the SEC, it'd be the end of the B12 for sure

UT would go independent, and then KU, KSU, and Mizzou would beg to get into the B10 or BE, while Tech and OSU get stuck with the MWC. Iowa State would prolly end up in the MAC.

[DELdaBull]

I would take Kansas and co in a heart beat.

[SRQ]

not sure OU can go bcs w/o taling osu with them

[Bull Dozer]

Things like this is why the BE is in nu hurry to add Houston, UCF, or any other C-USA team.  Bring Nova in Chill at 10 and see what shakes out with the Big 12.  It would be a shame to be "all full at the Inn" if the Big 12 fell apart due and not being able to add teams that have already been in talks with you over the last 12 months.  If this was a college application process the CUSA gang would be our safety school/schools and you never accept your safety school until you hear back from the ones that are at the top of your list. 

[smazza]

no way

does a and m leave texas-------state of texas would never let it happen

[Goldenbuc]

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/b80Qg

The bleacher report link is enough to shoot down anything here.  You do know that the bleacher report is a fan made blog...not a credible news source, right?  It's basically like a bunch of message board guys (like on here) who write up their opinions.

[GaUSFBull]

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/b80Qg

The bleacher report link is enough to shoot down anything here.  You do know that the bleacher report is a fan made blog...not a credible news source, right?  It's basically like a bunch of message board guys (like on here) who write up their opinions.

Even so ... read Bull Dozer's post above and stop holding your breath for that Big East invite ... you might pass out.