SEC Expansion: The Missouri Tigers Are Smart to Switch Conferences

The Missouri Tigers are apparently very close to joining the SEC and if the rumor turns to truth, it will turn out to be a very smart move for the current Big 12 team.

Competition-wise, the Big 12 is a fantastic conference right now, there's no disputing that. Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Texas and Texas A&M are all nationally relevant, among other schools.

But at this point, there's no topping the respect the SEC has garnered—just look at the latest BCS rankings, and how LSU and Alabama got hoisted above Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

You may hate the SEC, you may disagree with the respect they get, but the fact of the matter is the SEC does get this respect. There's no stopping that.

If a school wants to be recognized and propelled up certain computer rankings, it has the best chance of doing that in the SEC.

With Texas A&M also set to make the jump to the SEC, Missouri would become the conference's 14th member. 

There's just no question that the SEC is the premiere division in college football.

But with all that being said, Missouri certainly wouldn't benefit in a super division if they aren't able to pull off any wins.

Would the Tigers actually be able to compete in the SEC?

Well, in short, yes.

The Tigers play the type of tough, physical game that would thrive in the SEC. So far this season, Missouri is averaging 41 rushes per game, almost 200 yards rushing per game and almost five yards per rush. All of those are top 30 in the nation.

On the other side of the ball, they are only allowing teams to run for 131 yards per game on 3.3 yards per carry. Those numbers are 40th and 24th best in the country, respectively.

UM has, for the most part, controlled the line of scrimmage this season, and if they continue to play like that they'll fit right in with the SEC's pro-style football.

According to the earlier source, a move to the SEC for Missouri is, "inevitable and imminent," and it should be. The move would propel the Tigers to a more nationally-respected conference, and they have the talent to take advantage of being in that conference. 

Win-win.