Texas A&M/Missouri to the SEC decision could happen soon

CBS: Texas A&M lobbies NCAA for rules interpretation


Rampant rumors floating that if UT/ESPN continue on the path to airing HS games and lower-tier Texas conference games on the LHN, the dominos are going to begin to fall, and this could happen sooner rather than later.

Missouri would probably be the first school to act by bolting for the SEC, paving the way for a Big12 collapse and leaving Texas' and A&M's hands clean. A&M would then accept their open invitation to the SEC and OU/OSU/TxTech would join forces with the Pac12. Kansas and Kansas State would likely end up in the Big East.

Texas obviously wants the Big12 to survive, as they are "double dipping" so to speak ... getting conference TV money plus $15 mil per year for the LHN from ESPN. Texas would likely be forced into independence if the Big12 fails, as the Pac12, SEC, and Big10 won't allow the LHN.



Free article: Conference realignment coming to conclusion?

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But given information we’re hearing from several Big 12 institutions that may be too late to save the Big 12. The fate of the conference (barely one month old) could hang in the balance at a critical Big 12 athletic directors meeting that is currently scheduled for Monday. The issue continues to be Texas and its broadcast partner ESPN.

Several sources inside Texas A&M suggest a move could happen sooner rather than later if current conference conditions remain the same, which frankly surprises me if true. I was told it could be "weeks" versus "next year" in terms of a final decision to accept a standing offer to join the SEC. That would likely mean a move to the SEC for the 2013 athletic season.

The smoke with Missouri is building according to SEC sources. After getting snubbed by the Big 10 last year, Missouri is posturing for an offer to the SEC and working the phones hard. It might just pay off for Missouri. Apparently, Oklahoma was told by several SEC sources that a future deal including Oklahoma State was highly unlikely...that they would need to split if they wanted to be seriously considered for inclusion. That explains recent rumors that OU has been inquiring about the PAC-12’s interest level in expanding the conference with both Oklahoma schools. If that doesn’t pan out, then the Sooners may come back to the SEC and consider working the politics of splitting with OSU. But, Missouri is ready to go now and if the chips start falling pretty soon, it looks like Missouri could be in line to get that western division SEC spot along with the Aggies.

What is also helping out Missouri's cause right now is that Arkansas is pushing the SEC to take both Missouri and A&M as a package. For the Razorbacks, that would be a great addition with the proximity of both schools and the built-in rivalries along with the enhanced recruiting possibilities in Texas and Missouri.

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