LSU Should Leave the SEC

Or should I say, they should try. I think it would be an eye-opening and humbling experience for their institution and fans....because here is what they'd learn.

1. LSU is not the national brand they think they are - yes, LSU is a very recognizable brand in the South, namely in the state of Louisiana, east Texas, and Mississippi. But outside of these areas, LSU doesn't have the draw their fans think they have. LSU is nowhere near the level of Bama, USC, Notre Dame, or even Florida when it comes to national relevance. If conferences are to expand, this is an important consideration. LSU does not bring this.

2. Academics - or should I say, lack there of. The SEC is not "known" for its academic prowess, and yet LSU is still ranked an abysmal 10 out of 14. Conferences don't want to add dead weight academically, and this is exactly what LSU is. The ACC is too strong in academics, so the Big 12 might make some sense here.

3. Financial Standing - with LSU's current budget issues and a possible financial standstill in the future, conferences will have to heavily consider the financial risk of bringing on the institution. Much like Greece and the EU, LSU would potentially drag down the entire conference financially. The SEC is the strongest conference when it comes to revenue, thus it could withstand an LSU restructuring, but I don't think any other conference would survive when LSU tanks.

4. Fan Base - one word, "trash." This weekend's reaction to the Devin White targeting says it all. Threatening officials, opposing fans, etc. Conferences don't want LSU as a representative.

5. Upside - When Texas A&M joined the SEC, we brought upside to the conference by opening up the Texas market. LSU on the other hand brings Louisiana, which no one would find attractive. Sure there's slight upside in sports performance, but quite frankly, that's outweighed by the financial hang and lack of academics brought by LSU.

In summary, LSU should try to leave the SEC so that they can learn their actual standing in the world. The Big 12 would likely take them out of sheer desperation, but no one else would. You're essentially on par with a school like Louisville when it comes to overall contribution as an institution.