Saturday, August 13, 2011

Just over a year ago, Colorado and Nebraska fled the Big XII for what they presumed to be greener pastures. With both teams setting sail on their maiden voyage in their new conferences, Colorado in the Pac-12 and Nebraska in the Big 10 (12), the Big XII will be playing their first ever ten team conference schedule. 

Before the Big XII even embarks on this journey, it is in danger. Texas A&M is on the verge of going to the SEC, and although this isn't a sure thing it seems to be inching closer by the day. While no one is certain of what is going to happen to the Big XII (although Texas believes that Oklahoma is the Big XII linchpin), I do have an idea of what will happen to A&M. 

If the Aggies were to join the Southeastern Conference, one would think they would join up with the SEC West. While the Big XII is a solid football conference (see Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma St., Mizzou) it is far from the SEC West. Alabama, Auburn, and LSU have all won a title (in LSU's case two) in the past 10 years. A&M's last national title? 1939!

Right now, in the Big XII, A&M has a recruiting advantage over every school except big bad Texas. The Aggies rely on 'Tradition' (One whole conference title!), a truly incredibly fan base, and one heck of a football stadium. Sure, if they move to the SEC they can play the "SEC school in Texas" card, but how does that stack up to Les Miles, Nick Saban, and Gene Chizik flashing big fancy national championship rings?

Since 1997 A&M has gone 1-9 in bowl games (that is one more bowl win than lowly Baylor). To put that stat in perspective since 1997 Mississippi State (4), Ole Miss (7), Alabama (5), Arkansas (3), Auburn (8), and LSU (9) have all won more bowl games than the prestigious Texas A&M University. A&M's all time record against current SEC West opponents: 53-72-4. Seems like a place they'll succeed, right?

So when football is the most important sport in the college landscape, one would think that putting yourself in position to win a National Championship would be the prime goal for a move. But A&M is leaving for another reason entirely, Greed. 

Well that, and trying to escape the shadow of big brother Texas. 

@gbkcraw

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