SmashMouth

Reaction is starting to come in from other Big 12 schools and from those in the Southeastern Conference on the news that Texas A&M is leaving the league.
Here’s a statement from Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds: “As we stated last summer, we are strong supporters and members of the Big 12 conference. Recent events have not altered our confidence in the league. A Big 12 committee is in place to look at all options, shaping the future of the conference so it will continue to be one of the top leagues in the country.”
The A&M news also was a hot topic on the weekly SEC conference call conducted Wednesday.
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said: “Well, certainly if that comes to fruition that A&M joins the SEC, we’ll certainly welcome them. I’m sure they’ll be in the Western division so we probably won’t play them but once every three or four years, something like that. But, they’re a big-time institution, excellent athletic department, all their sports are very good. I think they’re girls basketball team won the national championship last year. They will be a huge addition to the SEC and to get into Texas really increases SEC TV markets and all that kind of stuff.
“So, if it happens, we certainly welcome them then.”
New Florida coach Will Muschamp faced the Aggies three times while defensive coordinator at Texas. He said: “From a recruiting standpoint we’re going to recruit the state of Florida and we certainly recruit nationally … we’re going to recruit the best players in the country and some of those are in Texas, and so be it. It’s a a great state of high school football and the high school coaches are outstanding in the state of Texas. But, again, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
UPDATE, 11:30 a.m. _ The Big 12 now has reacted to the decision by Texas A&M to leave the league.
Missouri chancellor Brady Deaton, who is chairman of the Big 12 board of directors, said: “The chancellors and presidents of the Big 12 are committed to keeping our conference competitively and academically strong. We have a process in place that enables us to move aggressively regarding the possible expansion of the conference and to assure our members and student-athletes that we will take advantage of the most productive opportunities in the best interests of all.”
Commissioner Dan Beebe said : “Texas A&M president R. Bowen Loftin has notified the Conference of his decision to withdraw the university from the Big 12 effective June 30, 2012. The presidents and chancellors of the nine remaining member institutions are steadfast in their commitment to the Big 12. As previously stated, the Conference will move forward aggressively exploring its membership options.”
EARLIER _ Texas A&M notified the Big 12 conference Wednesday morning that it is seeking league membership elsewhere.
President R. Bowen Loftin sent a letter to commissioner Dan Beebe to alert him of the school’s decision. Once the school finds another league _ it’ll be the Southeastern Conference _ the Aggies will cut their Big 12 membership June, 30, 2012.
“After much thought and consideration, and pursuant to the action of the (Texas A&M University System) Board of Regents authorizing me to take action related to Texas A&M University’s athletic conference alignment, I have determined it is in the best interest of Texas A&M to make application to join another athletic conference,” Loftin wrote to Beebe.
“We appreciate the Big 12’s willingness to engage in a dialogue to end our relationship through a mutually agreeable settlement,” Loftin added. “We, too, desire that this process be as amicable and prompt as possible and result in a resolution of all outstanding issues, including mutual waivers by Texas A&M and the conference on behalf of all the remaining members.”
The move by the Aggies, which is not unexpected, could cause a monumental shift in the college football landscape if the Big 12 fails to come up with an adequate replacement team. The Big 12, which started competition in 1996, could implode, allowing its marquee teams like Texas and Oklahoma to be free agents to align with other top conferences.
A&M asked the Big 12 last Thursday what it would cost to withdraw from the league. The conference answered Monday.
The next move for the Aggies would be to ask the Southeastern Conference for membership. These are all legal moves. Loftin said he has been speaking with SEC commissioner Mike Slive since January, with talks heating up July 21.

Austin sports news and Longhorns | Statesman.com

Welcome to the SEC Aggies ...

SmashMouth

Aggies take the biggest leap on road to SEC - Big 12 Blog - ESPN

Crusader

So who else do you think the SEC will bring in to get an even number of teams? And who would you prefer to have join?

SmashMouth

Not sure... but Mizzou makes sense, as does Oklahoma...

Saint_LB

Thanks for answering my question that I was about to ask as to whether I really heard some talk somewhere about Oklahoma joining the SEC.

All I could say about that would be "WOW!"

If I had 1 wish regarding this topic, it would be letting Southern Mississippi into the SEC. (USM) I don't know whether they are interested, either the SEC or USM, but I think it would force them to take their program to the next level.

They have a history of being an "SEC killer", and it would be a rough go for them, but, again....I'm just wishin'.

Whether you think you can or think you can't...you're right!

papz

I like the idea of NC State. They're a competetive program with plenty of pro prospect every year. IMO, it's a tough venue to play in and would be just as competetive as A&M in the SEC. I just can't see the Oklahoma's or Virginia Tech's joining the conference. They wrap up their conference every year and have a good chance at a BCS bowl every year because of it. I don't see the incentitive of moving into the SEC.

strato

OK aint joining the SEC..Louisville or as Papz said NC.