[jcmanson]

Rumors of Texas A&M and Florida State to the SEC.

[ATrain]

Rumors of Texas A&M and Florida State to the SEC.

They were saying that last year too.

[jcmanson]

Rumors of Texas A&M and Florida State to the SEC.

They were saying that last year too.

Yeah but this came from the Big 12 Commissioner and NC State head basketball coach, respectively.

[JK37]

Seems like a veiled threat toward the Big 12 in light of their disgruntledness over the Longhorns' new TV network.

But I agree with Michael Wilbon: what brand status does A&M have outside of Texas? UT is and always will be the national brand at home in that state. The SEC offers a lot to A&M, but what could they offer in return, beyond another team closer to a "super" conference? If the SEC is seriously talking to them, and this isn't just A&M hoping, then what am I missing?

[jcmanson]

Seems like a veiled threat toward the Big 12 in light of their disgruntledness over the Longhorns' new TV network.

But I agree with Michael Wilbon: what brand status does A&M have outside of Texas? UT is and always will be the national brand at home in that state. The SEC offers a lot to A&M, but what could they offer in return, beyond another team closer to a "super" conference? If the SEC is seriously talking to them, and this isn't just A&M hoping, then what am I missing?

I guess the SEC wants to get to 16 teams. If they got Texas A&M, FSU, and let's say VA Tech and Miami, quite impressive. And it would destroy the Big 12 and ACC as we know them.

[JK37]

I guess the SEC wants to get to 16 teams. If they got Texas A&M, FSU, and let's say VA Tech and Miami, quite impressive. And it would destroy the Big 12 and ACC as we know them.

But if last summer showed us anything, its that conferences have finally learned expansion is more about quality than quantity. I just don't buy the Texas A&M angle, and nobody;s talking about VT and Miami - yet. This sounds A&M driven, but not a peep from SEC.

Sly, does A&M give the SEC a large market in Texas? What tangible benefit is there to the SEC beyond just getting to 16 teams?!

[jcmanson]

Maybe they're thinking they can get Texas A&M, which could lead to the Big 12 breaking up, and then snag Texas.

[JK37]

Maybe they're thinking they can get Texas A&M, which could lead to the Big 12 breaking up, and then snag Texas.

Now, that's an angle I hadn't considered. But if I'm Texas, I strongly consider becoming an independent. They might be the only other program in the country besides Notre Dame who could pull it off on as high a national level.

[Sly Fox]

A&M delivers television sets in every market in the State of Texas. Both have similar-sized students bodies & alumni bases. Obviously UT carries more fans overall but the Aggy Nation is stronger than most assume outsiders recognize.

This is a serious threat to happen. But interestingly enough, I have heard here in Texas that the other school rumored to be extended an offer to join the SEC along with A&M is ... wait for it ... located in Chapel Hill. And before you UNC hoards laugh me out of the room, watch what goes down the next few days. UNC leaving their rivalries with Duke & NCSU is no more shocking than A&M leaving behind UT. Follow the dollars and the jealousy.

And for the record, Texas will not be going to the SEC. They will gladly go independent before letting that occur. I would expect them to follow Notre Dame's lead if the Big XII folds (which I do not expect to happen). The Horns can fill a schedule and still battle for the national title in football without having to schedule the Iowa States & Baylors of the world.

[lynchburgwildcats]

most substantiated rumor is A&M, clemson, fsu, and missouri to SEC with A&M obviously being the surest bet at this point.

[Jkill617]

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story ... icial-says

Just posted on ESPN that Texas A&M intends to join SEC.

[lynchburgwildcats]

if the SEC wants to expand from 13 to 16 - At this point A&M sounds like a lock to go to the SEC - they should go after NC state (gets them in the state of NC), Va tech (gets them in the state of VA), and a school like oklahoma, oklahoma state, or missouri that gives the SEC more geographical coverage. adding clemson and fsu doesn't make much sense from the geographical point, although it would be cool to add two more traditional rivalries in UF-FSU and USC-Clemson

[Sly Fox]

Aggy is gone to the SEC. It is just a formality. Their jealousy of big brother an hour and a half away in Austin has bubbled over amongst their alumni & fans. The administration really has no choice but to bolt to the SEC.

Mizzou would be ecstatic to get an invitation to the SEC. Frankly I don't see it happening. I would suggest they are more likely to be a part of a 16-team B1G.

I will be surprised if Clemson DOESN'T go to the SEC. They simply fit the SEC mold far too well (as does A&M).

As mentioned earlier, the Big XII's lottery ticket sits in South Bend. If the Irish can't be convinced to join that league for football then I believe that the possibility arises that a super conference of the major powerhouses across the nation could come into play. Its a crazy idea that could grow legs based on what goes down at the hands of Slive over the next few weeks.

[jack_sparrow81]

I still don't understand why the SEC is adding teams. This is going to eliminate the east teams from ever playing the west teams during the regular season. Your typical fan is going to rather watch Florida play Alabama LSU then Clemson. Candy and Kentucky will be lucky to win two games every year. A&M is going have the biggest wake-up call. This ain't the big 12

[jcmanson]

All of this really intrigues me.

This one move (TAMU to SEC) could completely change Division 1 athletics. Think about it.

You know the SEC isn't stopping at an odd 13 teams, they'll likely go to 16. At least 1, and possibly all 3 of those teams will come from the ACC. This will cause the ACC to at least get back to 12 by adding 1-3 others. They likely turn to Big East (WVU, Louisville, UCONN, Syracuse - really any of the football teams there). If they take teams from Big East, does that force the Big East to add more teams? Probably.

The Big 12 stated yesterday they will be aggressively pursuing expansion. You know that magical number of 12 will be their target. So, that's 3 teams from the MWC/WAC/C-USA leagues.

With the SEC at 16, I'm sure it won't be long until at least the Pac12 jumps at this. They flirted with it last year. They would add 4 from the Big 12/MWC/WAC/C-USA.

So, you're looking at 7 teams or more leaving the MWC/WAC/C-USA. It would be interesting to see what they do at that point. They really only have 3 options - merge, expand from FCS, or disband.

I really think it's only a matter of time before there's 4 super conferences - the SEC, PAC16, ACC, and Big 10/16.

[TH Spangler]

Okay guys forgive my ignorance..... IM just a fan (period). I have never studied in depth how the NCAA works, how they do business or make decisions. But from what I gather it’s mostly about money. Conferences like the Sunbelt & WAC seem to rely heavily on state subsidies to fund their programs. With today's "state and federal budget crises" do you think a squeezed is on the way for some? Could this have something to do with the shifting? Will some program come up seriously short on resources going forward? Do you think they (the NCAA) is in the process of eliminating those programs from the elite level?

I guess what IM asking is, do you think 64 teams will make up a "new elite set" and the rest will take a step back. Creating a "new second tier" ..... that includes the top FCS teams.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/standings

[Chris Lang]

SEC isn't extending A&M an invite. It's over ... for now.

[lynchburgwildcats]

ESPN's sources (which were the ones I was reading) are becoming less and less believable by the day. They were making everyone believe A&M to the SEC was a done-deal and that the SEC going to 16 teams was just about as close to a done deal. Now the SEC is fine with where they are now and don't want to expand. Ok, well what happened to it being a done deal, ESPN's "sources"?

[TH Spangler]

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/0 ... y-but.html

[Chris Lang]

ESPN's sources (which were the ones I was reading) are becoming less and less believable by the day. They were making everyone believe A&M to the SEC was a done-deal and that the SEC going to 16 teams was just about as close to a done deal. Now the SEC is fine with where they are now and don't want to expand. Ok, well what happened to it being a done deal, ESPN's "sources"?

Considering it was Doug Gottleib doing the "reporting," I didn't believe any of it for a second. He's a radio host, not a journalist. ESPN is the worst with throwing stuff against the wall and hoping it sticks.

[jcmanson]

That sucks. I got all excited for nothing.

[Sly Fox]

A&M to the SEC is a done deal. Sunday's announcement was for legal ramifications. It will all be wrapped up shortly.

[TH Spangler]

There are a lot of rumors ... one has VA Tech going as number 14?

[Pastorzackwbc]

Thanks, Sly...I have been unable to remember my login, so I created another one.

Yes, the Ags are going to the SEC...no doubt about it, just a matter of time and legal wrangling.

btw, the 'guarantee' of 20 mill that Beebe said we would get will be our exit fee. Have fun with cowTV and with Cougar High in the little 10.

any other info on the aggies, I'll be happy to fill anyone in as well as schools entering the SEC

formerly, PastorZack

[jcmanson]

aTm has informed the Big XII that it is "exploring options"

Didn't we already know that?