Texas Longhorns Should Save the Big 12 Conference

After the events of the last day and a half, the Big 12 appears to be on its last leg. Still, for all the death pronouncements on this once great conference, it still has a chance to be revived. 

Sure, Colorado is now officially gone, as is Nebraska. But since when did the Big 12 North do anything for the conference? You don’t think it would be too hard to replace Colorado and Nebraska do you? Well, it wouldn’t, if that’s what you are thinking. 

Big 12 football has been all about Texas and Oklahoma for much of the conference’s existence. Now the ball sits squarely in Texas’ court. The Longhorns football program alone has the clout to put a stop to the Big 12’s death march. 

I know the decision has probably already been made, though not made public as of yet, but what if in today's reported clandestine meeting of the Big 12 South minds—minus Baylor—the Texas representative would stand up for the conference that has helped make Texas great once again? 

What if Longhorns officials put an immediate stop to all the nonsense? What if there were an ultimatum given to those who want to bolt? Texas should stand up right now and say, “Heck no, we won't go!” 

If Texas put a stop to the Big 12’s demise the conference could quickly recover and become a major player to become one of the super conferences by adding another four teams (actually six, now that Colorado and Nebraska are gone). Why wouldn’t a reenergized Big 12 go after Boise State for the Northern Division? Boise State wants out of the WAC.

It’s not that far from the Big 12 region. 

How about Utah? BYU? TCU? Houston? There are four teams right there! Why not go after Arizona and Arizona State? Turn the Pac-10’s intentions right back on them! 

What about restructuring the divisions to include mostly Texas teams in the South, such as Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, TCU, Baylor, Houston, Arizona, and Arizona State, and placing Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Kansas State, Boise State, Utah, Iowa State, and BYU or Missouri (depending one where the Tigers end up) in the North? 

You say it’s impossible; I say, with Texas in your corner nothing is impossible. 

Quite frankly, on a day when fans of the other UT—Tennessee—are celebrating the karmic result for their former coach, the disloyal Lane Kiffin, it would be quite refreshing to see a program stand up for loyalty. 

I know loyalty is no longer a popular word, especially in college athletics. But Texas has a distinct opportunity right now to separate itself from the rest of the country. 

It’s already the premier program in the nation. It already has the most fertile recruiting ground in the country. It has prospects lined up for an opportunity to play and go to school in Austin. 

It already has one of the greatest head coaches of our generation. It has a die-hard following of fans. It has all the money it could ever need. 

Simply put, there is no need for Texas to bolt the Big 12 when it literally has the fate of the conference in its hands. 

Don’t go to the Pac-10, Texas. Be different. Set an unmistakable example for the rest of the country. 

Save the Big 12, Texas.