-"We are proud and pleased to be offered an invitation to join the Big Eight conference," said Thomas R. Powers of Houston, chairman of the Board of Regents and chief executive officer of TransAmerica Fund Management Co. "We feel it will offer us an opportunity to increase exposure on a national basis and provide our alumni and students an opportunity to be a part of one of the major national conferences.”
-"We are certainly saddened by the demise of the Southwest Conference," Powers said. "I think it was something that was going to happen sooner or later.”
-"We certainly wish those who did not receive an invitation well. I feel sure they are fine institutions and they will find a place in some other program that will be appropriate for them."
Those quotes ran in the Houston Chronicle on February 24, 1994. What school was Thomas R. Powers representing? Baylor!
That’s right. Less than twenty years ago, Baylor was the first Southwest Conference institution to apply for membership in the Big 8 Conference. Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech would soon follow.
“Those who did not receive an invitation” referred to Houston, SMU, TCU and Rice. Funny isn’t it? Keeping 100 year old traditions alive didn’t seem too important then. They were excited about playing Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and their new conference rivals.
Would they be threatening lawsuits or preaching about keeping Texas rivals together if the Pac 16 wanted them to join the fray? Not a chance. In fact, if they weren’t being left out in the cold, you could use the same quotes above and just change Big 8 to Pac 12 and Southwest Conference to Big 12.
To be completely fair though, Baylor is in a desperate situation. Do I expect these tactics to keep the Big 12 together? Not a chance. However, it may buy them time to figure out their best option when the league falls apart.
What is that best option? Let’s face it. No other major conference wants them. So, immediately we can rule out the Big Ten and SEC. There is an outside chance the Big East takes them in. Why not? They already have TCU on the way. Word is they are more interested in the northern teams in the Big 12 (Kansas, Kansas State and Missouri).
There really would only be two reasonable options, neither of which they will like. One is the Mountain West Conference. The problem there is that it has undergone a major overhaul itself. Utah, BYU and TCU are gone (or are leaving), and Boise State, Nevada and Fresno State are on the way. Basically, Baylor would leave one unstable league for a weaker unstable league.
The second option would be Conference USA. They already have UTEP, Houston and SMU. That could be a drawback though. Not for Baylor, but the league. Do you want a fourth Texas school? Would two schools that were left in the dust in 1994 want to give them a home? If they do? Who else could they add to get to 14? My guess would be Troy, but that’s a topic for some other blog. (Just kidding. I am fascinated by expansion, but even I won’t stoop to Conference USA expansion stories.)
All Baylor really needs is to still be able to play the Texas schools leaving them behind. I doubt they could keep all three of their in-state brethren on the schedule every year, but getting at least one on their schedule at all times should keep ticket sales up. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they work out that agreement in exchange for waving their right to sue the SEC/Pac 12/ESPN or whoever else they are blaming for their demotion in the college football world.
Games of the Week
Oklahoma @ Florida State - This match-up of top five teams will have a huge impact on the national championship race. The Sooners humbled FSU last year in Norman, winning 47-17. The ACC hasn’t been a player in the national title picture in quite some time. A win here by Florida State should put them in control of their own destiny. Landry Jones of OU is looked at by many as a serious Heisman contender, but watch out for EJ Manuel of FSU. He has thrown for 581 yards and 6 TDs. However, FSU will have to improve their ground attack to compete with the mighty Sooners. I expect a tight game, with the experience of OU being the difference. I’ll say Sooners win 26-24.
Tennessee @ Florida - Is this the year? The Gators have won six straight over the Vols, and the last four games have been decided by a minimum of 10 points. Tennessee finally has an identity on offense, thanks to QB Tyler Bray. He has completed 68.5% of his passes for 698 yards with 7 TDs and no picks. The Vols can pound the rock too behind Tauren Poole (45 carries, 199 yards). That may come in handy. The team that has rushed for more yardage in this game has won eight in a row and 20 of the last 21. This will be a very competitive game. Tennessee’s offense is up to the task. Is the defense? I don’t think they are quite there yet. I see a Gator win 31-27.
Ohio State @ Miami, FL - I know the jokes. There will be no rules followed here. Call it the Ineligi-Bowl. It is still a very big game between two major programs. The U is 0-1 but played admirably at Maryland with eight players serving suspensions. The Buckeyes rolled thru Akron, then had to fight tooth and nail to edge Toledo. Miami QB Jacory Harris is back and ready. I was more impressed with the Canes one loss than I have been with two Buckeye wins. Last year, turnovers made the difference (OSU was +4). I see a sloppy game, that OSU wins late 20-17.
No comments:
Post a Comment