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Covering the SEC, ACC, CUSA, Sun Belt, and other Southern Schools
Covering the SEC, ACC, CUSA, Sun Belt, and other Southern Schools
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SEC Expansion Rumors
The Aggies would fit into the SEC perfectly. Who else would the SEC look at to join A&M?
Breaking Down the SEC Expansion Rumors
8.10.11
More talk continues to surround Texas A&M joining the SEC. The Aggies are certainly the best realistic expansion option for the SEC due to their huge alumni base, large Texas media market, loyal fans, and great facilities. While I don't think the SEC is going to announce an expansion yet, this is a list of teams that would be good options to join the Aggies. If A&M doesn't join, then don't expect an expansion anytime soon.
More talk continues to surround Texas A&M joining the SEC. The Aggies are certainly the best realistic expansion option for the SEC due to their huge alumni base, large Texas media market, loyal fans, and great facilities. While I don't think the SEC is going to announce an expansion yet, this is a list of teams that would be good options to join the Aggies. If A&M doesn't join, then don't expect an expansion anytime soon.
The Top 2 if A&M does join
1. Missouri- The Tigers are the best pick after A&M in my opinion. Missouri brings two large TV markets with St. Louis and Kansas City. This is also a great academic institution that would help the SEC's reputation. The Tigers have proven over the last 5 years that they can field a quality football program and basketball program at the same time. Missouri does appear to want out of the Big XII and the SEC should jump on the Tigers if this is true.
2.Virginia Tech- Virginia Tech looks like a SEC school. Strong group of football fans with a program that has been in the BCS multiple times. Tech also would bring the Richmond and D.C. markets with it. Lane Stadium provides one of the best atmospheres in College Football and a move to the SEC would likely cause an eventual expansion. The only issue could be that The State of Virginia fought hard for Tech to join the ACC 7 years ago. Would a move to the SEC be looked favorable upon in The State of Virginia?
If the SEC Expanded to 16 these schools have to be considered
3. Oklahoma- Oklahoma brings a decent market with Oklahoma City, a nationally elite football program, and an overall good athletic program. The problem with OU is that in order to get the Sooner you likely have to bring in Oklahoma State. This would mean the SEC would have to add A&M, OU, OSU, and another school. Personally, I think 16 teams is to much for a football conference as we saw with the WAC nearly a decade ago.
4. West Virginia- While they aren't in the South, this program loves their football and typically fields a top 25 team. WVU has a rabid group of football fans and a great facility SEC fans would enjoy seeing a game at. West Virginia also has a very good basketball program and would be a good rival for Kentucky in the East.
5. Oklahoma State- The Cowboys wouldn't be added unless the SEC expanded to 16 schools. This school does have fantastic athletic facilities and a good group of fans, but it isn't attractive enough for the SEC to send an invite to without Oklahoma or A&M being involved.
Programs that come up in conversation, but won't get in
6. Clemson- The closest thing to a SEC school that isn't in the SEC is Clemson. The Tigers have a rabid group of football fans, one of the best football atmospheres in the country, and a solid football tradition. Clemson also has established football rivalries with South Carolina, Georgia, and even Auburn. The problem with Clemson is that you don't gain a new market and South Carolina isn't likely to approve the Tigers.
7. Florida State- FSU is the best football program in The South that isn't in the SEC and outside of Clemson has the best group of fans not in the SEC. Like Clemson though the Seminoles aren't likely to be added because their instate rival, Florida, isn't likely to allow it.
8. Georgia Tech- The Yellow Jackets were a member of the SEC 4 decades ago, but decided to leave the SEC. Georgia Tech is in Atlanta, but that market is owned by Georgia and might have more Auburn and South Carolina fans in it than Tech fans. Tech gets very little fan support and is a better fit academically for the ACC.
9. Miami- Another great football program, but not a good fit for the SEC. Miami is a small, private school with little fan support. The stadium is almost a half hour off campus and the facilities aren't to the level of most SEC schools. Personally, I've always thought the football program worked better as an Independent Power and not a member of a conference.
10. TCU- Like Miami, this is a private school that struggles to sell out a 40,000 seat stadium. TCU is in the DFW market, but that is Aggie, Longhorn, Sooner, and even Razorback Country. Since the SWC ended 15 years ago TCU has been in the WAC, CUSA, MWC, and now the Big East. Expect them to stay in the Big East for many years.
11. North Carolina- I find it funny when this name is mentioned. Personally, I think the SEC would love to have an elite State University with the national appeal of UNC, but this isn't a realistic name. UNC runs the ACC and would never leave its status there. Plus, there is to much tradition on Tobacco Road for UNC, Wake, NC State, or Duke to ever split. North Carolina also sees itself as an elite state university and is "above" the SEC schools.
12. Louisville- Great basketball program that has had its moments in football. Louisville is a growing athletic program with some potential, but it brings nothing to the SEC other than a basketball rival for Kentucky
13. Central Florida- Great fit for the Big East with its huge student population, TV market, new facilities, and growing athletic potential. This school has zero chance to join the SEC though.
Matt Barber
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